Somerset Wildlife Trust bans dogs on two nature reserves
Somerset Wildlife Trust has taken the decision to restrict dogs to being allowed only on public rights of way (the droves) at their Westhay Moor and Catcott nature reserves. Dogs will no longer be permitted on any central permissive paths on both reserves. On public rights of way, (London Drove and Dagg’s Lane Drove in the case of Westhay, and Lower Ropes Drove, Higher Ropes Drove, Jane’s Drove, Summerclose Drove and East Drove in the case of Catcott), dogs must remain on a lead or under close control, remaining on the paths at all times, be visible and in close proximity to their owners.
The ban will be effective from 15th August 2022.
The decision brings both reserves in line with other reserves within the wider Avalon Marshes reserve network.
Announcing their decision Somerset WT said: “whilst we appreciate there are many responsible dog owners who visit, we have had to make this decision as a direct response to a number of issues caused by a growing number of irresponsible dog owners in particular at Westhay.”
“We have seen a huge increase in people visiting Westhay Moor in particular with their dogs. As a result we have also seen a large increase in poor dog owner attitudes and behaviours, which are having a hugely negative impact on the habitats, wildlife and other visitors’ enjoyment of this very special reserve. All of our reserves are managed for nature and wildlife. Westhay and Catcott are protected by a number of conservation designations including being part of the Super National Nature Reserve, the RAMSAR site and they are SSSIs. We feel they are no longer the safe havens they should be for wildlife or peaceful space for people.”
“Our staff and volunteers (and sometimes general members of the public) are now regularly on the receiving end of aggressive behaviour from dog owners who refuse to put their dogs on leads, when politely asked to do so, or keep their dogs under control to minimise disturbance to wildlife, or pick up and dispose of their dog poo. These confrontations are intimidating and frightening, and we don’t believe our staff and volunteers should be subjected to them. The majority of complaints we now receive on site are about irresponsible dog owners.
“There have been increasing instances of dogs swimming in the lakes after sticks have been thrown into water. Dogs are disturbing birds and other wildlife including several instances of ground nesting birds abandoning nests after being disturbed by dogs. Fragile habitats have been trampled, wildlife killed, birds disturbed and chased, and grazing animals harassed and bitten.”
“Despite our best efforts to explain to people over the past couple of years how dogs can be a risk to wildlife, we have been unable to bring about the changes in attitudes and behaviours that we need to safeguard the wildlife and habitats we look after at Westhay and Catcott - most particularly at Westhay. People are simply ignoring all of our signage on site and the requests from staff. We understand that for many their dogs are just enjoying their time, but even the loveliest natured, enthusiastic pup can have a serious impact on wildlife, even if this is not the intention of the owner.”
“We have a team of staff and volunteers who will be out on the reserves monitoring the situation very closely. This will be a team of increased numbers in the first few weeks to help dog walkers understand the changes and how they are affected.”
“Whilst the majority of people will understand why we have had to make the decision and respect these new restrictions, we appreciate there are some visitors who will be disappointed. However, anyone who is rude or acts aggressively towards our staff or volunteers will be asked to leave the site immediately.”
“We hope that everyone will contribute to creating the change because we all care about nature and the amazing wildlife on the reserves.”
30 July 2022
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