Devon Loves Dogs is asking dog owners and walkers to keep their dogs' paws on paths to protect ground-nesting birds.

Some of the UK's most endangered birds make their nests on the ground during spring and summer, so it's important not to disturb them when you're out enjoying walks. 

Birds such as the dartford warbler and nightjar make their nests on or near the ground, which means parent birds can be frightened off their nests and eggs can easily be damaged by dogs.

Kim Strawbridge, from Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust (PHCT), said: "Nature reserves and heathlands are really special and many of the rare birds that breed in East Devon lay their eggs, and raise their chicks, in nests on the ground or low in the heather and gorse. Their nests and eggs are well-camouflaged which makes them very hard to see and avoid.

"Small actions from people out enjoying walks really can make a huge difference to our wildlife. By keeping our dogs' paws on paths, and out of the vegetation, it means that that we can give our wonderful birds the best possible chance to raise their young, safeguarding their populations.

"Birds see dogs as predators so dogs running through the heaths can stop them from nesting or even cause them to abandon nests."

Julie Owen from Devon Loves Dogs, added: "It's really important and easy to follow our Four Paws Code at devonlovesdogs.co.uk/four-paws-code. Following these simple steps can protect wildlife and make sure dogs have a happy walk.

|Together with our partners like PHCT, we run regular waggy walks to help dog owners learn about the wildlife. At the same time, the dogs have a great time socialising too!

"All are welcome – check our website at devonlovesdogs.co.uk for future waggy walks and find lots of 'dogs off lead walks' too."

Four Paws Code

1. Protect nesting and feeding birds on heaths, dunes and wetlands
2. Keep your dog in sight and think of other visitors
3. Prevent your dog from chasing wildlife or grazing animals
4. Bag it and bin it – wherever you are
5. Read and follow signs and notice boards
6. Limit the number of dogs that you walk 

You can join Devon Loves Dogs for free. It's a membership scheme designed to help dog owners find great places to enjoy with their dogs and learn more about how to protect nature.