THE COUNCIL has warned people about letting their dogs off the lead after birds were chased in a local nature reserve, causing a duckling to drown.

The off-lead dog entered a fenced wildlife area, which caused a Shelduck to abandon its four ducklings, one of which sadly drowned as a result.

The same dog then went on to cause disturbances in another reserve.

A spokesperson from BCP Council said: “Hengtisbury Head and the adjacent Mudeford Sandbank are very popular locations for visitors all year round, especially with dog walkers.

“With an almost 50 per cent increase in dog ownership since 2019, we have seen an increase in dog walkers at the reserve, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Conservation Area.

“Dogs are a great way to get you connecting with nature and have proven benefits for our mental health.

“However, this increase in dog ownership has also seen increased dog related incidents at our nature reserves, including disturbance of the sensitive wildlife and habitats.”

Speaking about the incident, involving a duck and its ducklings, the council spokesperson said: “Recently, an off-lead dog entered the fenced wildlife area, which caused a Shelduck to abandon its four ducklings. One of these sadly drowned as a result but rangers saved the others and took them to a nearby wildlife rescue sanctuary.

“A dog matching the same description then entered the Holloways Dock area and chased after many of the birds, causing them to take flight.

“Disturbances like this can reduce the time birds spend feeding or resting, and eventually discourage them from revisiting areas if repeatedly disturbed.

“Not only is this detrimental for wildlife, but this is also a byelaw offence, and the Council are in contact with the owner.”

To help tackle this type of situation; a two-year Hengistbury Head Dog Project was set up by the council last year.

Money has been provided through a Heathland Mitigation Fund and a project officer has been working with a steering group to build consensus around solutions.

The project is trialling a range of engagement initiatives for dogs and their owners on this site, to test their effectiveness.

Proposals include further fencing and signage, a dog ambassador scheme, influencer campaigns and many other novel engagement ideas to celebrate responsible dog owners and ensure that everyone who visits these natural spaces, helps protect the wildlife.

To support the project, two social media pages have been created to share information about the site with the local dog walking community and build relationships, to help promote responsible use of the area.

For more information visit: facebook.com/groups/482425649781504 and instagram.com/hengistburyhounds