Dog walkers are being asked to keep their dogs under control when visiting a protected precious natural habitat in the town.
The Council is reinforcing the message that dogs are welcome at Lindow Common, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with rare wild flowers and ground nesting birds, provided they keep to the paths and are either on a lead or under control.
This reminder follows several incidents at Lindow Common last week when Countryside Ranger Paul Hughes had cause to warn a number of people of the potential damage their dogs could cause whilst roaming freely.
The dog owners are reported to have argued in response, rather than acknowledge the harm that dogs can inadvertently cause.
Cheshire East Cllr Rod Menlove, who chairs the Lindow Common Advisory Group, commented "There appears to be a small number of dog owners, dismissive of any responsibility to respect the site or to recognise the significance of the obligations assigned by the award of the SSSI.
"One owner said that 'this site was given to the people of Wilmslow' that is true. However, it was given to all residents, not just a minority who inadvertently risk destroying its treasures.
He added "Ranger Paul has a vast knowledge of the habitat on the Common and I would hope that visitors would listen to him. All plants and animals are easily disturbed and destroyed, added to which we are in the midst of the bird nesting season.
"As it is we are forced in to spending scarce public funds on fencing to secure the mires from the destruction of dogs running free. We appeal to residents to visit in the appreciation that it is a fragile living museum that must be treated delicately.
"In this 50th anniversary of the SSSI status, Ranger Paul has led four guided walks that have been well received by all participants. The next walk is on Wednesday 19th June at 10am and I urge all those who visit the Common to come along, dogless, to learn about the importance and fragility of the site."
The Council would like to point out that there are several areas within walking distance of Lindow Common where dogs may be exercised off lead. For those who drive to the Common, an alternative is the Twinnies Bridge entrance to The Carrs where there is acres of land for dogs to run free.
Cllr Menlove added "Lindow Common as a SSSI is protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. Under the Section 28P of the Act it is an offence to recklessly damage or disturb any flora, fauna or feature of a SSSI. 'Reckless' refers to 'unintentional'.
"The liability is a fine of up to £20,000. There is no desire to resort to the sanctions of this section of the Act but we require the cooperation of dog owners. We operate under Nature England whose representatives state increasing concern about damage to Lindow Common caused by free running dogs."
In order to emphasise the national importance of Lindow Common a new leaflet has been produced and delivered to about 6000 homes across Wilmslow, including the Common area.
What do you think about the request that dogs are kept on the lead or under control whilst at Lindow Common? Share your views via the comment box below?
For more information please email the Ranger Service.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
I will always support 'dogs on a lead' areas such as on the Carrs near the playground etc but exactly what is the specific scientific interest? Not too long ago when a team of rangers were ripping up a whole area of heather I asked why this was happening and was told that they were taking it to Bolton to plant over there, another walker was told that it was full of disease and had to go.....a prime example of the people who USE THE COMMON being given false information and not being consulted on work being done!
Andy Morley is spot on with his view, they have systematically destroyed the common over the last few years. The fine of £20,000 is a joke aswell!
My friends dog nips under the fence nearly every day for a drink and is in rude health... and God help the Lake District if Ranger Paul ever got a job at Winedermere!
We noticed that when areas of the Common were busily being destroyed, the signs explaining what was trying to be achieved referenced grazing animals and the part they play in maintaining heathland. I wonder if this latest initiative is a pre-cursor to introducing grazing animals onto the Common?
Let's hope the Common is still widely available for us all to enjoy in coming years - at this rate, it'll all be fenced off!