Take the lead to help heath wildlife flourish

July 11, 2022

This summer the Heathlands Reunited team are popping up to promote responsible dog ownership and encouraging dog owners to Take the Lead.

Last month we popped up on Kingsley Common, near Bordon, a little section of heathland just on the boundary of the National Park that’s home to nightjar, woodlark and a range of rare reptile species. We spent the morning talking to people about the impact that dog waste has on the fragile make up of our lowland heath, and highlighting the issue using brightly coloured eco powder paint.

Here are four reasons to pick up your dog’s poo:

Preserving a habitat rarer than rainforest

Did you know that dog waste is in fact harmful to our rare heathland habitat? Dog waste changes the nutrient profile of the soil.

Looking after our grazers

Dog waste often contains a parasite called Neospora, which can have devastating impacts on grazing cattle.

Harmful to humans

Dog poo can cause toxocariasis, a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures in children.

Isn’t dog poo biodegradable?

Dog waste can take up to 12 months to break down. In addition, when it rains, water washes over dog waste and then enters our water system.

You can help by making sure you always pick up, bag and bin your dog waste (any public waste bin will do). Nowadays, compostable dog poo bags are readily available to reduce plastic pollution. No bin? No problem, our clever friends at Dicky bag have come up with a nifty bag for transporting poo whilst out and about in the countryside until you find a bin. Visit this webpage to find out more.

If you’re a dog walker who is passionate about the countryside, looking after the beautiful places and would like more information on becoming a dog ambassador, please contact heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk