VISITORS to Dartmoor are being urged to minimise disturbance during the birds? breeding season and the lambing season. Uplands such as Dartmoor are the last stronghold of the skylark, and while the meadow pipit is common, the lapwing and curlew are threatened with extinction as breeding birds on Dartmoor. Climate change and human disturbance play a part in the success of breeding birds and even short term disturbance can be fatal, a spokesman for the Dartmoor National Park Authority said. When a bird is forced to leave its nest, the eggs or newly-fledged young can chill and die very quickly, or predators can move in and take eggs or nestlings. During the breeding season of March to July visitors are urged to keep to tracks and paths as much as possible, particularly in areas of dense heather, clitter and wetlands. Dogs should be kept on a lead, which is also important for the lambing season which happens at the same time. Young birds on the ground or distressed parents should be avoided by walking around the area and moving quickly away. A leaflet entitled ?Dartmoor ? a special place for moorland birds? is available from information centres or from 01822 890414, or can be viewed at http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk Drivers are asked to be aware that a young lamb by the side of the road may be startled and run in front of an oncoming vehicle to rejoin its mother. The 40 mph speed limit should be observed to the safety of livestock, wildlife and other road users.
