North Lancashire Wildlife Group
In my job I visit a lot of beautiful and natural places. I am also a dog owner, living close to the edge of the West Pennine Moors so I am out in the countryside for many hours every day.
We are so lucky to live in this amazing part of the country because we are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, all stuffed full of diverse and fascinating wildlife.
Song thrush by Dave Steel
I regularly watch song thrushes scudding around looking for food, I hear cuckoos in the nearby wood, I am astonished by the carpets of bluebells and made hungry by whiffs of wild garlic. Nature is amazing and is so beneficial to us all.
But my morning walks are often disappointing, I am frustrated that people still don’t treat this amazing place, the other people that use it, and the precious wildlife that calls it home, with the care and respect it deserves.
It’s the usual suspects, dog owners whose pets can do no wrong and who pick up poo in bags and then leave them hanging on trees. What’s all that about? Walkers, runners and cyclists leaving a trail of open gates and litter behind them. And at this time of year, people lighting campfires and barbecues on moorland that is so obviously tinder dry.
Fire on West Pennine Moors, May 2025 - Andy Ryding
It’s a minority, but I have seen them do it. And there can be a lot of aggression when you call them out.
The whole point of The Countryside Code is that the countryside is for everyone. The basic premise is really simple; enjoy the countryside, respect it, and remember that there are other people who live, work and enjoy the areas that you love.
Oystercatcher nest by Amy Lewis
So, letting your dog vanish into bushes in bird breeding season (March-August) could be causing panic among the nesting bird population. Yes, many birds nest on the ground, along with mammals, any disturbance will frighten parents off their nests leaving chicks to die. So unfortunately, your beloved dog who is so great with other dogs and kids, could be unintentionally chasing tiny fledglings to their death. Think about that when you lose sight and control of the dog.
And I am lost for words for the people who start fires on moorland at this time of year. As that fire rips through the dry vegetation, it is a horror story for birds, mammals and insects. Parent birds will flee leaving their fledglings to be burnt alive.
A ground-nesting birds nest destroyed by fire
Every bottle or plastic bag thrown on the ground is a death trap for a creature, choking or suffocating in the heat. Every time someone strays form the path you could be trampling delicate plants or disturbing wildlife and livestock. And it’s dead simple – leave gates as you find them (whether open or closed) and park sensibly.
I know so many of your love the outdoors and often don't intentionally go out to cause harm – but sadly you do. So please, read The Countryside Code, follow its super simple advice and keep the countryside a safe, wild and special place for everyone – and everything.
You can read the Countryside Code here.
Alan Wright, Lancashire Wildlife Trust Head of Communications
