Dog walking on our nature reserves

We're proud of the fact that many of our nature reserves are beautiful, inviting and attractive to people looking for nice places to walk their four legged friends. Here are some simple ways that you can enjoy walking your dog on our nature reserves whilst preserving their value for wildlife. 
 

• Take note of the signs and notices

  Wildlife Trust nature reserves have different policies for dog walking and some do not permit dogs. Please look out for the appropriate signs around the reserve or check the reserve webpage before your visit.
   

• Always pick up after your dog

  Some of our nature reserves have red dog bins, but if you can’t find one please take the waste home with you to dispose of safely or use a nearby litter bin.
   

• Keep your dog on a lead 

  We request that all dogs are kept on leads when on our nature reserves. When off lead dogs can cause disturbance to local wildlife. This can reduce the breeding success of species that we work tirelessly to encourage onto our nature reserves.
   

• Be aware of grazing animals

  Many of our sites are managed with the help of grazing animals so please keep your dog on a lead for your own safety and to avoid distressing the livestock.
   

• Consider other visitors

  Please consider other visitors by keeping your dog on a lead and under control at all times. We manage our nature reserves for the benefit of wildlife and regularly use our sites for educational visits.

We greatly value our supporters' help in setting an example and communicating the importance of sensitive behaviour on our most precious wild places.