Respecting Wildlife During Spring Nesting Season

Why Spring Is a Critical Time for UK Wildlife

Spring in the UK countryside is a season of new life, but it is also the most vulnerable time for many species. From March through to August, birds are building nests, incubating eggs, and raising chicks. Ground-nesting birds such as skylarks, lapwings, curlews, meadow pipits, and ringed plovers are particularly at risk. Their nests are little more than scrapes in grass, heather, or shingle, and their eggs and chicks rely on camouflage for survival. Mammals are also busy: deer, hares, badgers, foxes, and bats are giving birth and nursing young. Disturbance during these weeks can cause parents to abandon their young, separate families, or expose vulnerable offspring to cold and predators. Even a brief interruption can have lasting consequences.

Stay on the Path – Every Step Counts

Public footpaths, bridleways, and byways exist to give us access while protecting the landscape. Stick to these routes, even when they are muddy or overgrown. Cutting across a field, especially grass margins, moorland, or coastal dunes, can crush eggs or trap small mammals. Walk single file on narrow paths, and if the path is muddy, walk through the mud rather than around it – going around widens the path and tramples the vegetation that hides nests. Avoid stepping into long grass or heather. If you must leave the path to pass an obstacle, return to it as soon as you can. In woodlands, keep to established tracks; nests can be on the ground, in low bushes, or in tree cavities. A footstep near a nest can cause a parent to flush, leaving eggs or chicks exposed to the cold and to predators. In open landscapes such as the Peak District or the Norfolk coast, staying on the main trail is the single most helpful thing you can do.

Keeping Dogs Close and Calm

Dogs are wonderful walking companions, but their natural curiosity can be devastating for wildlife. A dog off the lead can flush a sitting bird, scatter a litter of leverets, or chase a deer. Keep dogs on a short lead or under very close control in areas with ground-nesting birds, livestock, or young mammals. This includes heathland, moorland, farmland, coastal paths, and woodland edges. If your dog has a strong prey drive, use a lead even if you think it is friendly. Do not let dogs swim in ponds or rivers where waterfowl nest – ducklings and cygnets are especially vulnerable. Keep dogs out of dense undergrowth, where mammals may be hidden. If you see a bird behaving anxiously – alarm calling, running away with a drooped wing, or diving at you – your dog is too close. Put it on the lead and move away quietly. Practise recall in secure areas before heading out, and always bag and bin dog waste; it can harm wildlife and livestock.

What to Do If You Find a Nest or Young Animal

If you spot a nest, keep your distance. Do not touch it, do not use flash photography, and do not linger. Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead. If you find a fledgling on the ground, it is likely not abandoned. Many young birds leave the nest before they can fly and are fed by parents nearby. Leave it alone. If you find a baby mammal, such as a leveret or a fawn, leave it too – the mother is usually close by, waiting for you to go. Only intervene if the animal is clearly injured or in immediate danger from a road or predator. Then contact a local wildlife rescue. Do not handle unless absolutely necessary. If you accidentally disturb a nest, move away quickly and quietly, and do not try to “fix” it. The best help is often no help at all.

Other Ways to Reduce Disturbance

Small changes in your behaviour can make a big difference. Consider these practical steps:

• Keep noise to a minimum – loud voices, radios, and sudden movements cause stress.
• Do not fly drones – they are seen as predators and can cause panic among birds and mammals.
• Avoid lighting fires or barbecues – they can destroy nests and habitats.
• Take all litter home – food waste attracts predators and can harm wildlife.
• Do not feed wildlife – it changes natural behaviour and can make animals dependent on humans.
• Stick to marked trails and avoid sensitive areas such as reedbeds, scree slopes, and sand dunes.
• If you see others disturbing wildlife, politely remind them, or report serious cases to the landowner.

A Shared Responsibility – and a Real Difference

Spring is a magical time to be outdoors, and the UK’s paths and trails offer some of the best wildlife watching in Europe. By following a few simple habits, you help young birds and mammals survive their most vulnerable weeks. Stay on paths, keep dogs close, and give nests a wide berth. These small actions add up. You will still have a wonderful walk – and you will know you have left the countryside undisturbed. Enjoy the birdsong, the lambs, and the bluebells. Just remember that you are a guest in their home. With care, we can all enjoy spring while giving wildlife the best possible chance.