Forum Topic

Please help protect the vulnerable breeding Skylarks of Richmond Park ...

...by sharing this video with a message from patron Clare Balding. From today, Park visitors will see signs and some fencing in three key breeding territories and are asked to walk on the main footpaths and keep dogs on short leads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsG_NoCHkQM

Leslie Wilson ● 1658d6 Comments

Are they on holiday from Warren Farm?

Peter King ● 1658d

Thank you for posting this. Such a good idea. We had a fascinating talk in our home a few weeks ago from a volunteer with a local nature group.   Their group and others in West London are concerned about the impact of the increase in dog ownership is having on local birdlife.  Of particular concern is the drop in Thrushes and Redwings in our parks.  These ground feeding birds are often chased by dogs. I can't speak for Hounslow but I believe there is some sympathy among some Ealing councillors for trialling a requirement for dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads in public parks. 

Julie Canterbury ● 1657d

In all my life of owning dogs none of them have ever bothered chasingbirds, most likely foxes if anything,  could be wrong as only had certainbreeds, German Shepherd, Boxer, Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier and Dalmatian, which breed of dogs chase wild birds.

Janice Evans ● 1656d

This is a crazy thread, where are people supposed to walk their dogs off lead in London if not in parks…..birds are everywhere not just parks completely mad idea! It’s fine to avoid the skylarks in Richmond Park there is plenty of space for everyone. Our dog doesn’t chase birds either.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1656d

It isn't just dogs off their leads that are a problem it is also the number of cats.  It does seem a good idea to fence off areas during the breeding season - or maybe even close a part of a park.

Philippa Bond ● 1656d

Skylarks are ground nesting so keep your dogs on a lead if you are anywhere near the area where they nest.END OF.

Adrian Irving ● 1656d