Dog owners face being hit with a fine up to ￡1,000 for breaking public space rules while walking their pets from March.

       It is important for dogs to be kept on leads during the bird nesting season, which typically runs from March until July, to help protect vulnerable wildlife.

       The nesting season coincides with the arrival of spring when temperatures gradually start to warm up, making for more pleasant conditions for long dog walks.

       During this period, dog owners are urged to keep their dogs on a lead in certain areas to help minimise the risk of harm to wildlife and livestock, with those who breach the rules facing hefty fines up to ￡1,000.

       Richard Green, wildlife expert and head of production at leading pet food supplier Kennedy Wild Bird Food & Pet Supplies, warns that Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) may be in force in some local areas, which can include important rules for dogs.

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       This includes putting dogs on leads in designated areas, keeping dogs under close control, and ensuring dogs don’t enter designated exclusion zones. Those who break any PSPO rules face fines of between ￡100 and ￡1,000, depending on the offence.

       Mr Green explains: "During the nesting season, typically from March 1 to July 31, it’s important to keep your dog on a lead to protect vulnerable wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds.

       "Local councils can enforce regulations such as Public Spaces Protection Orders, and fines for not following these rules can reach up to ￡1,000 if taken to court.

       "To protect these birds, it’s a legal requirement to keep dogs on leads no longer than two metres on open access land. Failing to control your dog in designated areas during this period can also lead to fixed penalty notices of ￡100."

       Ground-nesting birds, which include nightjars, willow warblers and meadow pipits, rely on undisturbed habitats during the breeding season, but common garden birds, like dunnocks and blackbirds, can also nest close to the ground too, making them vulnerable to unintentional damage from dogs that aren’t kept on leads.

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       Dog owners are advised to stick to designated paths during the nesting season to help minimise the risk to birds and help support wildlife conservation.

       Mr Green adds: “Dog owners often don’t realise the wider impacts of their pets, just the presence of a dog off lead can scare wildlife and livestock.

       "Even a quick chase or scare can make them abandon their nests, leaving eggs or chicks to die. This is especially worrying in spring when many birds travel long distances to nest here.

       "Even the best-behaved dogs can accidentally disturb wildlife if they’re off the lead. Birds see dogs as predators, and just one encounter can stop them from breeding or cause their numbers to drop. Using a short lead and keeping to paths can make a big difference to keeping wildlife safe."