Natural England Seeks Public Feedback on Dog Lead Restrictions at Walney Coast

Natural England is inviting public input on whether dogs should continue to be kept on leads along certain stretches of a prominent coastal path in Barrow.

The Walney Island section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, which was officially opened on February 12, 2020, is now undergoing a five-year review under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000.

As part of this review, Natural England is assessing the need for existing dog lead restrictions under Section 26 of the Act. These restrictions aim to support nature conservation and currently apply to several key areas, including:

Biggar Dike to Tummer Hill
Biggar Sands Margin and Trail
Rape Haw to Creephaw Marsh
Hare Hill to Scar End Point
Walney Airfield Margin and Trail
North Scale
Christy Pool to North Point

Natural England is now seeking public views on whether these restrictions should remain in place. The organization has the authority to maintain these restrictions without requiring an application from the landowner, citing reasons related to public safety, nature conservation, or land management.

According to consultation documents from DEFRA, the current dog lead restrictions were implemented to prevent disturbance to breeding and wintering birds. These birds are found in several sensitive areas, including the upper reaches of the eastern shore, fields near the trail at South End, and the dunes and grazing fields of the North Walney National Nature Reserve (NNR).

Additionally, various waders and wildfowl, both breeding and non-breeding, are known to inhabit the saltmarshes of Walney Channel. These species are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, especially during high tides when roosts are displaced onto higher ground or nearby wet fields. Ground-nesting birds also rely on the marshes, fields, and shingle areas for breeding, with enclosures on North Walney NNR and the breached fields at South End serving as critical nesting sites.

The current dog lead restrictions are set to remain in place until February 10, 2026. Natural England is inviting the public to submit their feedback on whether these measures are still necessary to achieve their original conservation goals.

How to Share Your Views If you wish to comment on this review, you must submit your feedback before Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Comments should be directed to Ange Harker via email at Restriction.representations@naturalengland.org.uk.

For more details see https://consult.defra.gov.uk/natural-england/open-access-restriction-at-south-walney/

For the consultation map see https://consult.defra.gov.uk/natural-england/open-access-restriction-at-south-walney/supporting_documents/2017038351_2024.pdf

This is an opportunity for dog owners, conservationists, and the wider community to have their say on the future of dog walking access on this stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path.