New born families
The world of wildlife is mostly invisible to humans, with plants and animals that may spend their entire life hidden from our eyes. The secret world of birds that nest on the ground is one that our canine companions with their more powerful senses are especially good at finding, and the birds raising their chicks can be very sensitive to being disturbed. To protect the invisible, please keep your dog on a short 2m lead when wildlife will be raising and protecting their young families.
Additionally, the spring months across the countryside are accompanied by the traditional sights and sounds of young farm animals, such as bleating lambs gambling happily in the lush grass. Cows and sheep will be pregnant or suckling young across the Peak District. Dogs must always be on a short 2m lead around farm animals at this crucial time of year. If you ever feel threatened by cattle when out with your dog, then let go of the lead as the cattle are more likely to be interested in the dog. Help our countryside to be productive farmland as well as a home for wildlife by taking the lead.
In some areas of the Peak District National Park, you will be asked to keep your dog on a 2m lead all year round to help keep designated and protected areas like Dovedale National Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and for people. Help keep you, your dog, wildlife and others safe by following our signs that you see in the landscape and if you are asked by our staff or volunteers to put your dog on a lead, please follow their instruction.
Be a responsible dog owner and set a good example to others by cleaning up after your dog – bag it, bin it and if there’s no bin please take it home.