How keeping your dog on a lead protects the nature reserve

Responsible dog owners are welcome to walk their dogs at Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve but we ask that they remain ON A SHORT LEAD at all times to protect both the wildlife and heritage of this special site.

With much of the reserve being recognised a County Wildlife Site, the Nature Reserve is managed to provide a mosaic of habitats such as wetlands, flower-rich grasslands and woodland. These support a wide range of species including otters, dragonflies and damselflies and wetland birds. 

We therefore ask for your support, to help safeguard this site and its wildlife. Please follow the paths and keep dogs ON A SHORT LEAD AT ALL TIMES. This will help us to protect its tranquil landscape, wildlife rich habitats, and prevent erosion of its historic and cultural heritage.

Grazing is used to enhance some habitats, please note signage where this is in effect and follow the guidance provided. 

• Keep dogs out of the lakes and, most importantly, ponds to prevent making the water turbid (muddy), which prevents aquatic plants from growing  

• Pick up dog waste (to prevent chemical pollution)  

• Keep dogs under control ON A SHORT LEAD to avoid disturbing wildlife hidden in reeds 

• Stay back from the edge of the lakes (to prevent edge erosion) 

• Treat wildlife with respect to protect it for the future  

For further information on the impact of dogs on freshwater habitats guidance click here 

Protecting ground nesting birds

Skylarks and meadow pipits are rare birds that can be found at different sites across Greensand Country, such as at Clophill Lakes. Both species nest on the ground and so are very vulnerable to being disturbed by dogs running through the vegetation - another reason why we ask for dogs to be kept on lead. For more information on ground nesting birds click here

Download a map of the site HERE