News

We want everyone to enjoy the beautiful countryside at this time of year with new spring life emerging, and as the Shropshire Hills is a sheep farming area, there is a strong chance you will encounter sheep or new lambs while out walking locally with your dog.

It is every dog’s instinct to chase, even if they are usually obedient and good with other animals.  Chasing by dogs can do serious damage to sheep, even if the dog doesn’t catch them. The stress of worrying by dogs can cause sheep to die and pregnant ewes to miscarry their lambs.

• Keep your dog on a lead at all times, especially when near farm animals
• When walking your dog in the countryside, near or on farm land keep a lookout for signs and notices informing you of the rules to be observed regarding livestock

For further advice about walking your dog at this time of year visit the National Sheep Association website.

Also keep a close eye out for our feathered friends - the Shropshire Hills is an important breeding area for ground nesting birds such as lapwing and curlew.   The breeding season, between 1st March and 31st July is a particularly vulnerable time for ground nesting birds. Disturbed birds may be prevented from settling, or if already nesting they will fly away from their nests, neglecting their eggs or chicks. So it's just as important to follow the same dog walking advice as above and keep your dogs on a lead.