Cambridgeshire woodland shut over issues with dogs
Hayley Wood will be closed for a month following a number of incidents
Hayley Wood nature reserve in Cambridgeshire has been temporarily closed due to repeated incidents of dogs off leads disturbing its wildlife and habitats.
The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire say despite clear signage, they have had to deal with dogs harming rare wildflowers and birds, and staff members have faced abuse from dog walkers.
The closure comes ahead of new Government legislation effective 18th March, aimed at addressing harm caused by dogs in the countryside.
When the reserve reopens in a month, a new policy will ban dogs inside the fenced area to protect the site's rich diversity of species.
Matt Hamilton, Cambridgeshire Senior Reserves Manager, said that the Wildlife Trust manages the land for the benefit of wildlife and considerate visitors.
He stressed that while closing the reserve is a difficult decision, it is necessary to preserve its natural beauty.
“This is private land which is owned by the Wildlife Trust. It is managed for wildlife and the enjoyment of considerate visitors," Hamilton said.
“We pride ourselves on ensuring our reserves are open and accessible for people to visit, so closing a reserve is not something we do lightly.
“Hayley Wood is a jewel in Cambridgeshire’s nature crown which we work hard to protect for its irreplaceably rich assemblage of species – it is not a dog exercise yard."
Some of the incidents reported on Wildlife Trust BCN reserves over the past 12 months:
- A loose dog jumped on a family at Beechwoods in Cambridgeshire leaving them shaken.
- A woman was bitten by a loose dog at Beechwoods and attended A&E.
- A reserve officer at Pegsdon Hills in Bedfordshire approached a couple after their dog repeatedly chased sheep. They responded with rude and aggressive behaviour.
- A staff member was nipped by a dog on a lead as it walked past. The owner apologised and has taken the dog to a behaviourist.
- A loose dog ran towards a staff member and a volunteer. The owner was asked to put it on a lead and they responded, ‘Shut up’.
- A jogger was bitten on the arm by a dog at the Nene Wetlands breaking the skin. The dog was on a lead but the owner had no control over it.
- A dog was seen by a member of staff at Old Sulehay in Northamptonshire attacking and killing a woodcock.