KEEP your dogs under control — that's the message from Dartmoor National Park Authority which wants to protect the moor and its wildlife as the spring lambing and bird nesting season approaches.
The public are being asked to keep their dogs under control, and preferably on leads, during the lambing and calving period on Dartmoor, and at a time when ground-nesting moorland birds are particularly vulnerable.
Sue Halse, local management officer with DNPA said: 'Although a dog may not be actively chasing livestock, its presence can still cause disturbance.
'During the lambing and calving season, pregnant ewes or cows are particularly vulnerable.
'A frightened animal may abort or abandon its young — a tragedy for the animal and a financial loss to the farmer.'
Mrs Halse added that a dog found worrying livestock could be killed and its owner prosecuted.
Advice has also been issued about lessening the environmental impact of letterboxing on Dartmoor.
With the increase in both numbers of boxes and those taking part, there is potential for disturbance to nesting birds.
As in previous years letterboxers are asked to be aware that a number of areas have been identified as being of particular importance to ground nesting birds.
These areas include Tavy Cleave, Headland Warren, Swelltor Quarries, Steeperton Tor and the Cut Hill, East Dart Head area. From March 1 to July 15 — moorland lambing and bird nesting season — letterboxers are asked to use other areas of the moor.
The DNPA says spring is the nesting period for many moorland birds. Disturbance can cause eggs to chill or birds to abandon their nests.