Holkham dog walking measure helping nesting birds on beach

Rules were introduced three years ago by Holkham Estate as a way to help little terns, oyster catchers and ringed plovers, all of which nest along the beach in Wells and Holkham. 

Under the rules, dogs must be kept on leads on a 90-hectare section of beach around Holkham Gap between April 1 and August 31, and dog owners are advised to keep pets on leads in the 20-hectare area called Gun Hill on the beach's western edge during the same timeframe.

The dog zones at Holkham and Wells beaches. (Image: Supplied by Holkham National Nature Reserve)

Jake Fiennes, Holkham National Nature Reserve's director, said: “We have seen an increase in the productivity, not an enormous increase, as there are other factors like spring tides, but the early indication is these measures have been positive for the birds which breed on the Holkham coastline.

“We’ve seen greater nesting attempts by the birds and productivity.

“We are grateful for our local dog walkers as it becomes self-policing.

“It is hard at the start, but dog owners will call other dog owners out about why they need to put their dog on a lead. We're hugely grateful for the community which reinforces our message.”

Jake Fiennes, Holkham National Nature Reserve's director (Image: Archant)

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The rules are maintained by beach wardens, employed by Holkham, who walk the area and remind people of the rules.

The measure came about three and a half years ago, after seeing a ‘steady decline’ in the three birds' population over the past 50 years.

Holkham started a 12-week consultation with people in Wells, and those who visited, saying they wanted to implement these restrictions in key nesting areas - and all people were supportive of the idea, which has now become commonplace for the coast.

The reserve's total area accessible to the public, including pinewoods and sand dunes, is more than 650 hectares.