Plea for pet owners to be responsible at Penhale Dunes
Cornwall Wildlife Trust say they've seen a rise in dogs off leads at their nature reserve
Cornwall Wildlife Trust has issued a plea to visitors at its Penhale Dunes nature reserve following an influx of abandoned dog waste and dogs off leads at the site.
The charity are asking pet owners to act responsibly on the site.
The dunes are home to several unique and sensitive plant species, including rare plants and lichens like petal wort and scrambled egg lichen. These plants are highly vulnerable to environmental disturbance.
Dog waste spreads excess nutrients, disease, bacteria and parasites, alongside insecticides found in flea treatments and wormers, that are threatening rare plant species at the reserve.
Reserve officers are concerned that the rising levels of dog waste could lead to toxic conditions and upset the delicate balance of soil microorganisms, hindering plant growth and survival.
Penhale Assistant Officer Hannah Barnikel said:
“We love dogs—but we love wildlife too. Dog poo doesn’t just look and smell unpleasant—it spreads harmful diseases and damages delicate ecosystems.
“One small act, like picking up after your dog, makes a huge difference to our environment and to the sensitive flora and fauna found here in Cornwall.”
During the summer holidays, many children visit and use the Penhale Dunes reserve. Dog waste can spread toxocariasis, an infection caused by small worms found in the faeces of some dogs, which can cause serious health issues. Bagging it and binning it is important for the safety of both wildlife and people.
In addition, increasing numbers of dog owners are allowing their pets off leads in areas where sensitive wildlife have made their homes. Penhale Dunes is home to ground-nesting birds such as skylarks, which lay their eggs among the long grass. Uncontrolled dogs can disturb these birds, causing significant stress and often forcing them to flee their nests and abandon their chicks—who may then tragically die from starvation.
Dog owners are encouraged to follow six key principles when visiting this beautiful natural site:
- Keep Your Dog in Sight and Under Control
Always keep your dog within sight and under control. Where signposted, please use a lead.
- Clean Up After Your Dog
Always pick up after your dog. If bins aren’t available, please take the waste home with you.
- Use a Lead Around Livestock and Nesting Birds
In areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds—especially from March to July—keep your dog on a short lead at all times.
- Practice Reliable Recall
Your dog should respond to basic recall commands. If not, please keep them on a lead for the duration of your walk.
- Stay on Designated Paths
Stick to marked trails to help protect delicate flora and fauna.
- Respect Others
Be mindful of other visitors and their dogs.