Autumn is here, and soon the Solent coastline will welcome flocks of migratory birds arriving from as far away as Arctic Siberia.
These incredible travellers come to rest and refuel after their long journeys, and as responsible dog walkers, we will be doing our bit to make sure they have the space they need to recover.
Coastal birds are masters of camouflage and sometimes we don’t even realise they’re there, which means we can accidentally disturb them without meaning to. That’s why this blog is packed with practical tips to help you protect wildlife while enjoying your walk at the beach.
Walk and play at the top of the beach
By sticking to footpaths or walking along the top of the beach, you will be steering clear of the areas where birds are most likely to be feeding or resting. Winter waders tend to gather at the water’s edge, not only for the rich feeding opportunities, but also because it gives them a clear escape route if they feel threatened.
At low tide, birds feed on tiny creatures in the exposed mudflats. It’s best to keep dogs away from these areas so they don’t interrupt the birds’ valuable feeding time – the mud can also be very deep and sticky.
When the tide is high, birds often rest on spits, which are raised patches of shingle and sand that jut out from the shore. Giving these areas a wide berth allows the birds to rest undisturbed, conserving valuable energy.
Wildlife aware doggy dips
If your dog loves the water, let them enjoy a swim without disturbing coastal birds by choosing a spot where birds are rarely seen – away from feeding or resting areas.
If you’re unsure whether birds are present, try to keep most of your walk to the top of the beach. A good approach is to start at the top, walk down to the water for a quick dip, and then return the same way. This keeps your time at the water’s edge brief, reducing the chance of disturbing birds that may be feeding or resting nearby.
Enjoy off-lead time in wildlife-free areas
You can help protect coastal birds by saving off-lead time for areas that aren’t sensitive to wildlife – during the winter, open grassy spaces are usually an ideal option.
Another great option is using a long line lead. These leads give your dog plenty of freedom to explore while keeping them securely attached to you. Loose lead walking is another way for your dog to experience a safe, enriching walk. It’s a way of walking your dog on the lead that encourages them to explore and engage with the environment, rather than staying beside you as they would in a typical “heel”. Once trained, your dog can walk at any distance away from you, within the length of the lead, as long as they aren’t pulling.
Make staying close fun!
Playing games with your dog is a brilliant way to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, and it’s a lovely way to strengthen your bond. Games like ‘find it’ can add enrichment to your walk and make staying close to you even more fun and rewarding.
Want some inspiration? Take a look at our suggested games and step-by-step instructions to get started.
A big thank you to all the wildlife-aware dog walkers who help protect nature while exploring our wonderful coast and countryside. If you’re curious to learn more about the incredible migratory birds that share our shores, our friends at Bird Aware Solent have a wealth of information to explore on their website.
