RAMBLERS are being urged by the National Trust to play their part in protecting nesting birds in a Dorset nature reserve this spring.
Walkers are being advised to stick to pathways and keep their dogs on leads to protect nesting birds in Purbeck Heaths Nature Reserve.
Purbeck Heaths is one of the most biodiverse places in the UK, home to thousands of species including over 450 that are listed as rare, threatened or protected.
Programme manager for the National Trust in Purbeck, David Brown, said: “The Purbeck Heaths support rare bird species such as nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler, which rely solely or heavily on this habitat for their survival.
“The public have an important role to play too and there are a number of ways that visitors can also help support these rare species.
“This includes keeping to footpaths, following the countryside code and keeping dogs on leads to avoid disturbing their nests.
“When birds are sitting on eggs, or have young chicks, any disturbance can send the adults away from the nest leaving the eggs and young vulnerable to predation or starvation.”
This year, the trust led an ‘Arty Dogs’ community project funded through the National Trust’s partnership with natural pet food maker Forthglade, aiming to spread the message to schoolchildren.
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Joyce Spiller, from the Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation, said: “It has provided an opportunity for young people to find out more about Purbeck Heaths and how the National Trust is looking after our local environment alongside enjoying an art project and being able to see it on display.”
Senior volunteering and community manager for the National Trust in Purbeck Tom Clarke said: “The Arty Dogs project has been a fantastic opportunity to engage local schools and community groups with how they can help look after this special place and the rare wildlife that lives here.
“It’s been great to see the positive reaction we’ve received, despite two of the ‘Arty Dogs’ going missing shortly after installation.
“Whilst this isolated incident is disappointing – particularly for the children and young people whose artwork was removed - we’re looking forward to continuing our work with local communities.”
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