THE nests of ground-nesting birds are being damaged by the dogs of people using West Somerset footpaths for lockdown exercise, it has been reported.

Farmers were also complaining that dogs were being allowed to run free rather than being kept on footpaths

As a result, local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has called for walkers to keep dogs on leads while taking exercise in the countryside.

And, he says, even though walkers are outdoors, the rules about social distancing should still apply.

“Where there is a right of way, people absolutely must stick to the route – it does not confer any permission to go wandering off onto adjoining land – or allowing a dog to do so,” Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

“Unfortunately, this is happening more and more as footpath use increases during the emergency and I am now getting reports of the nests of ground-nesting species being damaged by dogs.

“Species such as curlew, lapwing and skylark will all have eggs or young at this time of the year. All are species which it is vital that we conserve and it is quite unacceptable for nests to be damaged and young birds killed by the actions of a few thoughtless individuals.

“Farmers are telling me that they are encountering groups of walkers who are not observing social distancing, which is quite irresponsible. Being outdoors is no protection against coronavirus spreading.”