DOGS must now be kept on leads while walking through Poole's heathland.

Poole has more than 500 hectares of heathland and is home to a variety of plants and wildlife including the rare smooth snake, sand lizard and the Dartford Warbler.

As a result the nature reserves have become designated Special Sites of Scientific Interest, meaning the wildlife and ecosystems which inhabit the heathland should be protected.

With ground nesting season fast approaching the Poole Healthlands team, working alongside BCP Council, have called on all dog owns to keep their canine companions on leads.

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A spokesperson for the Poole heathlands warden team said: “In the past, Ground nesting birds and reptiles have lived in harmony with wild grazers on Heaths, but dogs – a domestic pet that plays absolutely no part in any food chain or ecosystem, is seen only as a predator.

“The wildlife that exists on these amazing nature reserves like Canford Heath are afforded protection under law and it is this protected wildlife that is safeguarding these special havens from being lost to development for all of us.

“More than anything we want people to explore the wonders of our sites and enjoy them.

“But it must be in a responsible manner where everyone has a chance to see our unique species thriving.”

Dogs must now be kept on leads in Bourne Valley (including Talbot Heath), Broadstone Heath, Ham Common and Canford Heart.