Ground Nesting Bird Season
It’s Bird Nesting Season!
March 1 – August 31
Almost all of Cannock Chase is Open Access Land, it is a legal requirement that dogs must be on a 2 metre lead from the 1st March to the 31st July.
We ask that you keep them on a lead in August as well as nightjars sometimes have a second clutch of eggs and might still be sitting on nests.
Nightjars and woodlarks nest on the ground on the heathland and in forest clearings.
These rare and amazing birds and are easily accidentally disturbed by people and inquisitive dogs as they are almost impossible to see.
Don’t forget that our highly protected adders bask during this season on or close to the path edges and may bite dogs who get too close.
Away from these areas and outside of the breeding season, please be aware the Chase is still home to a host of wildlife. Ensure your dog is always within sight and will quickly recall at all times.
Please always clear up after your dog. Bag and bin it at home. Leaving dog poo on the protected landscape changes the nature of the soil and the heathland plants and insects cannot survive.
Click here to find out more about the heathland birds of Cannock Chase from the West Midland Bird Club
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