Sussex national park urges dog walkers to be responsible

The South Downs National Park Authority is warning people to keep their dogs on paths to protect wildlife and help farmers as ground-nesting bird and lambing season starts this March.

Since the National Park Authority came into being in 2011 the number of dogs in the UK has increased from around eight million then to around 13 million today.

The authority has launched its Take The Lead campaign which has four key messages for dog walkers:

• Keep dogs on a lead near livestock
• Bag and bin your pet's poo
• Stick to the path
• Do not enter military training areas when the red flags are flying

Andy Gattiker, who leads on access for the national park, said: “Our focus at the national park is on education and engagement when it comes to dog walking.

“Responsible dog walking is a great way for people to get out, get fit and experience the national park.”

• READ MORE: Woman's warning after her dog ate poison on a walk

A common myths is that dog poo enriches the soil and helps plants and animals.

Andy said: “Many of the habitats in the national park, such as chalk grassland and heathland, have actually developed over thousands of years because of soil that is low in nutrients.

"This gives the amazing array of specialist species that we see today. Introducing dog poo can change this soil profile and interrupt these fragile ecosystems. It’s also very unsightly when you’re trying to enjoy this beautiful landscape and carries the risk of serious bacterial infection to humans.”

It is lambing season (Image: Jamie Fielding)

There have been several reported incidents of sheep worrying in the South Downs over the past couple of years.

It is not only young lambs that are at risk from being chased by dogs, pregnant ewes can abort their unborn lambs if scared by dogs.

Sticking to the paths is important at this time of year as many birds, such as nightjar and curlew, lay their eggs directly on the ground and can easily be disturbed by a curious canine. Mothers will often abandon a nest and her eggs if disturbed.