Our much-loved, four-legged
furry friends give us endless amounts of joy and while out walking our dogs,
it’s an added bonus to our daily activity if we see some great wildlife.
However, fur and feather don’t
always mix! At this time of year, our woodlands, moorlands and farmland areas
are full of ground nesting birds – species such as capercaillie, grouse,
lapwings, curlews and hen harriers to name a few. These birds don’t nest up
trees; they prefer the ground and are therefore so much more vulnerable to
predation and disturbance.
The breeding season is
now well underway – between early March and the end of July – so to protect our
wildlife, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is asking dog walkers
to keep canines under very close control or preferably on a lead.Andy Ford, Cairngorms Nature Manager said: “When disturbed, birds may be prevented from settling, or if already nesting they will fly away from their nests, neglecting their eggs or chicks. Ground nesting birds are extremely vulnerable, and with some very rare species in the Cairngorms National Park, we need to do all we can to help them. Furthermore it is a criminal offence to disturb the nests of rare birds whether intentionally or not. This also includes disturbance caused by your dog.”
The CNPA’s advice is – wherever
possible – stick to tracks or paths. If you know or suspect a nest is close by,
try your best to avoid it and give a wide berth to young birds or to adult
birds that seem to be distressed. There are many local walks in the Park where
it may be suitable to have your dog off a lead such as along the Speyside or
Deeside Way, Ellan Woods in Carr-Bridge or around Craigendarroch at Ballater.
For more information please visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/Practical-guide/public/dog-walking