If you’re heading out with your dog this spring to take advantage of your right of access to open country, commonly known as the ‘right to roam,’ please keep your dog on a short lead during the ground nesting bird breeding season which runs from the 1 March to 31 July.

With people enjoying the right of access to open country, BAIML, along with the Countryside Agency, the Kennel Club, English Nature and the English Association of National Parks Authorities are reminding people to keep their dogs on leads during this sensitive time.

Joanna Ramsay of English Nature said “Grass and heather moor are the prime breeding habitats for populations of ground nesting birds such as the hen harrier, short-eared owl and merlin. As vulnerable species, ground nesting birds can easily be disturbed by dogs off a lead.”

Steven Pugsley, chairman of the English Association of National Park Authorities said: “With so much more land being available for access on foot, there’s never been a better time to get out into the countryside and we look forward to welcoming more people than ever into the National Parks.”

Phil Buckley from the Kennel Club said: “A visit to the countryside should be enjoyable and trouble-free for you and your dog. During the ground nesting bird breeding season, we would urge all dog owners when out on access land, to keep them on a lead, to prevent disturbance to these birds.”

For more information on the Countryside Code and what to do and where to go in the countryside, visit www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk