The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has issued an urgent plea to dog owners to keep their pets on leads, as off-lead dogs are putting endangered ground-nesting birds, particularly Skylarks and Lapwings, at serious risk.
The Lapwing, easily recognized by its spiky feathered crest, is now on the conservation red list, with populations having halved since 1967. The Marlborough Downs and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust reserves are important nesting grounds, but conservationists warn the birds are increasingly vulnerable due to irresponsible pet owners.
A Trust spokesperson urged owners to “paws for thought” and emphasized that simple measures—like leashing dogs, especially during the breeding season—can help protect these vulnerable birds. Some reserves have banned dogs altogether to preserve wildlife habitats.
Lapwing chicks are especially at risk because they nest directly on bare ground, making them easy prey even for non-aggressive dogs. To help combat the problem, the Trust, along with Marlborough Downs farmers, has launched Project Peewit, a conservation effort led by Jonny Cooper to monitor and protect Lapwing populations.
Supporters of the project stress the Lapwing’s cultural importance, calling the bird a symbol of Wiltshire’s heritage.
Currently, dogs are allowed on leads at most of the Trust’s 39 sites, with the exceptions of Langford Lakes and Blakehill. Dog walkers are also being reminded to respect the Countryside Code, including properly disposing of dog waste—a continuing issue that threatens both the environment and the enjoyment of the sites for others.