Information for dog walkers

Information for dog walkers 

The Great Fen is a fantastic place to go for a walk and we welcome dogs in several of our reserves. The Ramsey Heights nature reserve (situated next to the Wildlife Trust Countryside Centre), The Dragonfly Walk at New Decoy Information Point are all open to dog walkers. There is now a longer distance walk (6 miles or 8 miles with the extension) called the Last of the Meres Trail, which also starts at New Decoy and is a great option if you're looking for a longer walk for you and your dog.

All we ask is that your dog is under control and on a lead, especially where we have livestock and especially during the spring time with lambs, calves and ground-nesting birds. Please pick up after your dog.  Aside from protecting visitors from accidentally stepping in it, where dogs’ faeces is removed, this can reduce pollution levels by 56% for nitrogen and 97% for phosphorus. 

Natural England manages Holme Fen and Woodwalton Fen Nature reserves. They welcome dogs under control to Holme Fen, but you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than 2 metres between 1^st March and 31^st July, to protect ground-nesting birds. They do have a no dogs policy at Woodwalton Fen. This is because Woodwalton Fen has flora and fauna which is sensitive to ground disturbance.

In all locations you should make every effort to keep your dog to the paths and out of the water. They may trample delicate plants, disturb wildlife and negatively affect the nutrient levels of the soil. Species such as bluebells cannot flower if they've been crushed, and can take years to recover. No photo opportunity is worth it! In winter, wildlife needs to conserve energy to survive through to spring and summer, and in the warmer months they will have young to protect. Dog urine and faeces contaminate nature reserves, over-fertilising the ground and inhibiting wildflower growth (these sometimes rare plants need low nutrient levels). Dogs allowed to roam could leave their poo without you noticing and being able to bag it and take it away. Pets allowed into the water leave dangerous chemicals behind from flea/tick treatments which can seriously harm aquatic life. Disturbing the silt in the water increases the turbidity and can restrict plant growth. If you keep to the paths, you can minimise the areas affected. Thank you for caring for the environment whilst enjoying time in nature. 

The areas below are open all year round and are suitable to visit with your dog.