New rules All dogs must be on lead at nature reserve
ASERIES of tough new dog control measures have been introduced at a Tewkesbury nature reserve in a bid to protect wildlife. Trustees at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve have introduced the new dog access rules with immediate effect in a bid to limit the “damaging impact” on wildlife and their habitats.
The new rules will see the number of dogs at the reserve limited to just three per person or group at any one time and professional dog walkers banned from using the site.
All dogs must now be kept on a lead no more than two metres long in all areas of the reserve.
Pet owners must also always keep to marked paths and ensure dogs are not allowed to stray into the verges or undergrowth or into any water such as ponds, streams, rivers or reed beds at any time.
Reserve trustees say the changes to the dog access policy came after several incidents at the site.
A spokesman for the trustees said: “Following several incidents on Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, we have had to review our Dog Access and Usage Policy.
“With immediate effect, all dogs must always be kept on a lead in all areas of the reserve.
“This decision has been made in consultation and with the support of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Gloucestershire Constabulary.
“These organisations are key partners in ensuring our objectives of ‘a safe haven for wildlife’ combined with an educational environment in which people can connect with nature.
“Finding a balance between encouraging access to experience nature, while protecting its fragile habitats and wildlife as well as the safety of livestock and other users is particularly difficult.
“We recognise the health and social benefits of dog ownership and dog walking, and we know that many dog owners are also lovers of nature.
“There is conclusive published evidence that the presence of dogs off lead, regardless of training or temperament, has a seriously damaging impact on wildlife and habitats.
“Many dog walkers recognised this and act appropriately. However, the number of dogs now being exercised off the lead on the reserve is no longer compatible with the aims and objectives of the reserve.” Trustees say the policy will be regularly reviewed. The new rules in full:
All dogs must always be kept on a lead no more than 2 metres (6.5ft) long in all areas of the reserve.
Dog walkers must always keep to marked paths, and dogs must not be allowed to stray into verges or undergrowth.
Dogs must not be allowed to enter any water (ponds, rivers, streams or reedbeds) at any time.
Dogs must not be allowed to disturb wildlife, grazing livestock, or other visitors.
Dog owners must remove their dog’s faeces from the reserve. Bins are located outside the reserve close to all exits. Professional dog walking is not permitted. No individual or social group may bring more than three dogs on to the reserve at any one time.
Dog owners must show respect for other visitors to the reserve, recognising that some people are afraid of dogs, and that dogs may not be friendly with each other.
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve has the right to exclude dogs and owners from all or part of the reserve at any time for environmental or other reason.
Dog owners should observe signs and follow any instructions given by reserve staff.