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Cairngorms

Help protect our ground nesting birds this spring and summer

8th May 2018

The Cairngorms National Park is a very important place for wildlife and we’re lucky enough to have some of the UK’s rarest species on our doorstep – and we all have a role to play in helping them to thrive.

At this time of year the Park is a particularly important breeding area for ground nesting birds such as capercaillie, lapwings, curlews and hen harriers to name a few. At this time of year our woodlands, moorlands and farmlands are where these species like to nest and raise their chicks – they don’t nest up trees; they prefer the ground and are therefore so much more vulnerable to predation and disturbance. Which is why the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), as the Outdoor Access Authority, is asking dog owners to be particularly careful when out and about over these next few months.

Residents and visitors alike are being asked to be mindful that ground nesting birds could be close by. If you know or suspect a nest is close, try your best to avoid it and give a wide berth to young birds or to adult birds that seem to be distressed. If in doubt, you could stay on main paths and tracks, put your dog on a lead or keep it under very close control.

Andy Ford, Cairngorms Nature Manager said: “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. We know that our dogs mean no harm but if disturbed, birds may be prevented from settling, or if already nesting they will fly away from their nests, neglecting their eggs or chicks.”

CNPA Board Member Rebecca Badger commented: “I am a dog owner myself and having dogs is a great way for people to get out and be active on a daily basis which is so important for our health and wellbeing. However, we must remember that while the Park is here for us all to enjoy we have a duty to look after and care for its wildlife in whatever way we can.”

The CNPA’s Recreation and Access Manager, David Clyne commented: “Everyone has the same access rights whether they have a dog or not, what the Scottish Outdoor Access Code states, is that we have to exercise those rights responsibly. Yes go ahead and walk the dog but please make sure that at this time of year particularly, dogs and nesting birds are kept apart.”

For more information please visit the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website. For inspiration on where to enjoy a walk please check out on our community paths webpage.

Ends.