Kidderminster walkers urged to keep dogs on leads at nature reserves

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has launched a new project to increase awareness and promote more wildlife-friendly behaviour on their nature reserves.

Project Yellowhammer has been introduced on the trust’s heathland sites, including Dropping Well Farm and The Devil’s Spittleful nature reserves situated between Bewdley and Kidderminster.

The team at the trust want to increase visitors’ knowledge and awareness of wildlife in the area, as well as encourage people to keep their pets on a lead and to stick to paths.

The trust has said dogs off lead can unintentionally cause harm to wildlife throughout the year but at this time of year, in particular, they can cause birds that nest on or close to the ground to abandon their nests. It is vital that dogs are kept on leads and that both dogs and their owners stick to paths.

Yellowhammer (Image: Wendy Carter)

One such bird at risk is the yellowhammer. These vibrant and distinctive birds commonly reside on farmland but due to changing farming practices their numbers have fallen by 65 per cent since the 1960s. With a small population still present on the edges of The Devil’s Spittleful and Dropping Well Farm, the trust hopes that the project will give them, and other wildlife, a much-needed boost.

Ion Riley, community wildlife warden at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our heathland nature reserves are beautiful places to explore all year round. However, it must be done responsibly and with nature in mind. Letting dogs run free and straying away from tracks can cause huge disruption to wildlife, particularly to the ground-nesting birds and reptiles that are present on site.

“We hope that by having constructive and positive conversations with visitors about the wildlife on our nature reserves, individuals will be inspired to help wildlife and to share their knowledge with others.

“We’re focusing this project on our heathlands but by keeping your pooches on leads and by sticking to paths on all nature reserves and in other wild places, you’ll allow a wide range of wonderful wildlife to thrive and support beautiful birds this nesting season.”