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Dog ban at Thurlby Fen Slipe has ‘positive impact’ on wildlife




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Enforcing a dog ban and a temporary path closure has had a positive impact on wildlife at Thurlby Fen Slipe.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which owns the site, enforced the dog ban in April after complaints from visitors about dog fouling.

The dog ban will remain in place and the trust would like to thank visitors for their cooperation.

Since enforcing the ban, a pair of marsh harriers has successfully bred on the reserve for the first time with two young marsh harriers fledging. The eastern end of the reserve was temporarily closed to protect the birds, which are protected by law. The lack of dogs has also helped to minimize disturbance to the marsh harriers and other birds.

There has also been a reduction in dog fouling and trampling of vegetation.

Thurlby Fen Slipe is protected for its wildlife and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

As well as being extremely unpleasant, dog dirt on sensitive habitats can change the nutrient levels in the soil; affecting the wildflowers that can grow. This year there were good numbers of common spotted orchids, oxeye daisy and black knapweed.

A trust spokesman said: “By understanding the impact dogs have on wildlife and nature reserves, the Wildlife Trust hopes people can help us reduce the impact.”

To find out more visit: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/visiting-nature-reserves/



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