Watch out, ground-nesting birds about!

Peak District Moorland Group

For many that experienced snow cover over the weekend, bird nesting time might have been the furthest thought on their mind as they exercised their dogs across our wonderful moorland areas.

But with the start of March, the Government rules are clear, dogs now must be on a short fixed lead when entering land access permissible under the Countryside Rights of Way act (CRoW access land), this continues right up until 31st July.

Some CRoW areas are completely dog exempt, this is a provision that the landowner can stipulate for numerous reasons, and information can be found by searching - https://www.gov.uk/.../open-access-land-management-rights...

Visitors can still walk on Public Rights of Way (PRoW), such as footpaths, with dogs, but they must be under strict control and not leave the PRoW under any reason - isn’t it easier just to put them on a lead - the farmers will thank you too!

Land management activities, which includes habitat management and working dogs will often carry on throughout March and into the middle of April, which some people find contradictory, but this work is governed by rules and heavily regulated.

As a moorland group we don’t want to stop public access, in fact we welcome responsible access - but our bird assemblages need disturbance free nesting and foraging areas to enable the successful fledging of their young - be a part of the success, not a reason for a problem…