A CONSERVATIONIST has spoken out about the importance of protecting nesting birds in Dorset heathland during the spring and summer months.

Dr Lesley Haskins, a trustee of the Erica Trust and supporter of Dorset Wildlife Trust, urged dog owners to keep their four-legged companions on leads when not walking along main paths in heathlands.

She said: “Dorset heathland birds have adopted rather different life patterns. Nightjars leave our shores in the autumn only come back in the spring. Dartford warblers opt to brazen it out and stay with us over the winter. Woodlarks appear to mix and match.

“But in the summer, all our special heathland birds have one critical thing in common. On this generally treeless landscape, these rare birds all nest and lay their eggs on the ground, often close to paths. Any dog having a natural rootle around in the heather may well scare them off which makes the chicks very vulnerable to failure or predation.

“So, to protect our very special birds, it is critical to keep to main paths and have our dogs on a lead in the summer. This year, large eye-catching banners have been produced to remind us how very important it is to protect our heathland birds.”