Wildlife Trust Cambridgeshire senior reserves manager Matt Hamilton said: "Hayley Wood is a jewel in Cambridgeshire鈥檚 nature crown which we work hard to protect for its irreplaceably rich assemblage of species 鈥� it is not a dog exercise yard. We would like to apologise to all the visitors who treat the site and our staff with respect for this temporary closure 鈥� it will reopen soon with a new, clear no dogs policy."
A wildlife conservation charity has closed a nature reserve to the public after a repeated number of incidents relating to abusive owners and off-lead dogs spoiling enjoyment of the surroundings for visitors and staff alike.
Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire (WTBCN) confirmed it had temporarily closed access to Hayley Wood Nature Reserve on February 27 due to numerous instances of abuse towards staff and continued disregard of the site rules by some members of the public in regards to keeping dogs on leads.听
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Hayley Wood is a designated Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an ancient woodland, which can be dated back to 1600, with a range of rare wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other species.
WTBCN said despite clear signage around the fenced woodland of the site, it has made the very difficult decision to close off access to the reserve for visitors due to unruly dogs and disorderly behaviour from dog owners.
Off-lead dogs attack visitors and worry livestock
During the last 12 months alone, the trust said a woman was bitten by a loose dog at Beechwoods Nature Reserve and had to attend hospital.
In another incident, a reserve officer at Pegsdon Hills in Bedfordshire approached a couple after their dog repeatedly chased sheep and the owners responded with 'rude and aggressive' behaviour.
Staff at WTBCN said a dog had killed a woodcock at Old Sulehay in Northamptonshire and a dog owner told a volunteer to 'shut up' after being asked to put their pet on a lead.
Last year, a sheep was killed by an out of control dog at the Wildlife Trust's Pegsdon Hills reserve in Bedfordshire.
On March 18, the long-awaited Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act will come into effect to give landowners stronger protections against the harm caused by loose dogs.
Defra said the penalty for contravention of the law could attract an unlimited fine.
Police will have increased powers to seize and detain dogs causing danger to livestock.
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Wildlife Trust Cambridgeshire senior reserves manager Matt Hamilton said dogs will no longer be allowed inside the fenced area of Hayley Wood once the reserve opens later this month.
"This is private land which is owned by the Wildlife Trust," Mr Hamilton added.
"It is managed for wildlife and the enjoyment of considerate visitors.
"We will not tolerate behaviour that harms wildlife on our reserves or any abuse directed towards our staff.
"We pride ourselves on ensuring our reserves are open and accessible for people to visit, so closing a reserve is not something we do lightly.
"Hayley Wood is a jewel in Cambridgeshire's nature crown which we work hard to protect for its irreplaceably rich assemblage of species 鈥� it is not a dog exercise yard.
"We would like to apologise to all the visitors who treat the site and our staff with respect for this temporary closure 鈥� it will reopen soon with a new, clear no dogs policy."
Take the Lead
You can support听草榴社区 Guardian's听'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.
We can provide you with free signs, in English and Welsh, to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, 草榴社区 Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
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We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at听[email protected].'s nature crown which we work hard to protect for its irreplaceably rich assemblage of species 鈥� it is not a dog exercise yard.
"We would like to apologise to all the visitors who treat the site and our staff with respect for this temporary closure 鈥� it will reopen soon with a new, clear no dogs policy."
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