Our canine companions often lead us out and about in different landscapes and backgrounds, from woodlands and forests to sandy beaches. In fact, dog walkers account for half of all visits to the UK’s outdoors. However, while exploring nature with our furry friends, it’s a dog owner’s responsibility to protect the precious environments we encounter – which are vital for the health of local wildlife that is often overlooked.
The Lesser-Known Wildlife at Risk by Walkers and Their Pets
Many people think of birds’ nests as being high up in the trees, but a surprising number of birds in the UK nest on the ground. Ground-nesting birds, such as meadow pipits, hide their eggs in grassy areas on commons, whereas willow warblers tuck themselves away at the base of trees and bushes in woodland areas1.
Unfortunately, 66%2 of ground-nesting birds are in decline in the UK, and from February through to the end of summer, inquisitive pooches bounding through nesting areas can scare adult birds off before they breed or trample their eggs.
Dogs can also pose a significant threat to sheep and other grazing livestock when walking through private land. Not only can dogs scare or, worse, injure livestock, but their faeces transmit harmful diseases. In 2023, farmers collectively faced costs totalling £2.4 million3 due to illnesses and injuries caused by dogs walking off-lead on their land.
The Stunning Areas of the UK to Walk Your Dog Without Disturbing Wildlife
Luckily, plenty of scenic locations across the UK still tick the boxes for experience, wildlife protection, and, of course, enjoyment for our pooches. We analysed National Trust data to find the number of places, gardens, and parks and to calculate the total dog- and wildlife-friendly locations per region.
The South West Boasts the Most Wildlife-Safe Dog Walks
With dog-friendly sights such as Heddon Valley set on the West Exmoor coast and Corfe Castle, it’s no wonder the South West is the most wildlife-safe place for walking your dog.
The data found that the South West boasts 700 unique dog and wildlife-friendly places to choose from, of which St Michael’s Mount4 in Cornwall was voted as the most beautiful of the region. St Michael’s Mount conservationists choose plants specifically for their insect and butterfly-friendly qualities and leave nesting ravens undisturbed.
| Rank | Region | Dog-Friendly National Trust Places | Dog-Friendly National Trust Trails | Dog-Friendly Nature Reserves | Dog-Friendly National Parks | Total Number |
| 1 | South West | 150 | 241 | 307 | 2 | 700 |
| 2 | South East | 109 | 162 | 239 | 2 | 512 |
| 3 | East of England | 37 | 67 | 283 | 1 | 388 |
| 4 | Wales | 37 | 69 | 244 | 3 | 353 |
| 5 | West Midlands | 31 | 62 | 209 | 0 | 302 |
| 6 | North East | 13 | 26 | 122 | 2 | 241 |
| 7 | North West | 35 | 61 | 119 | 3 | 218 |
| 8 | East Midlands | 24 | 33 | 131 | 1 | 189 |
| 9 | Scotland | 83 | – | 97 | 2 | 182 |
| 10 | Yorkshire and The Humber | 16 | 48 | 74 | 3 | 141 |
| 11 | Northern Ireland | 27 | 26 | 7 | 0 | 60 |
| 12 | London | 11 | 2 | 32 | 0 | 45 |
Red House Garden is Among the South East’s Scenic Dog-Friendly Walks
The South East boasts the second-highest number of dog and wildlife-friendly locations in the UK, offering 512 trails, reserves, parks, and other spots to explore. Among these is Red House5 in Kent. While dogs aren’t permitted inside the property, the outdoor bowling green – once a favourite play area for the family’s daughters and their pets – is ideal for entertaining dogs.
East of England Ranks Third in the UK for its Dog-Friendly Offerings.
The East of England is a haven for nature enthusiasts and dog owners alike; with 37 National Trust places, 67 trails and 283 reserves welcoming furry companions, it’s a region perfect for scenic strolls.
The 5 Most Beautiful Dog and Wildlife-Friendly National Trust Locations
Some of the many wildlife-friendly National Trust locations stood out as the most beautiful. Using Instagram posts as our guide, we revealed the spots that captivate cameras among dog walkers visiting select locations.
| National Trust Property | Location | Region | # of posts | Paws Rating |
| Giant’s Causeway | Bushmills | Northern Ireland | 380,100 | 3 |
| Wallington | Northumberland | North East | 147,952 | 2 |
| Petworth | West Sussex | South East | 136,070 | 2 |
| Tatton Park | Cheshire | North West | 126,759 | 2 |
| Corfe Castle | Dorset | South West | 118,142 | 3 |
The most pictured is the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Dogs are allowed full rein at the National Trust location if they are kept on a lead to prevent harm to local wildlife. With almost 150,000 Instagram posts, Wallington is another popular choice among dog walkers. Wallington receives a ‘two paws’ rating, meaning dogs have access to select areas but not all.
Etiquette Tips for Your Next Dog Walk in the Countryside
One of the best things about having a dog is going on countryside walks – an activity satisfying all seasons. No matter where you decide to visit, here are some tips to ensure it’s a peaceful experience for you, your dog – and wildlife.
1. Keep your Dog on a Lead
While walking through the countryside with your canine companion, it’s important to notice any signs around you and keep your dog on a lead if you’re unaware of your surroundings. Although letting our dogs bound through meadows for much-needed exercise is tempting, their presence can scare and harm wildlife.
It is illegal6 to let your dog off the lead on ‘open access land’ (moorland, forests, lakes, or beaches) between March and July. This is to protect birds that nest on the ground during this time frame. Keeping your dog on a lead in high-grass areas can also prevent injuries from threatened wildlife, such as grass snakes.
2. Clean up after your dog
Picking up after your dog isn’t just good manners, it’s essential for keeping the environment and other animals safe. Dog mess can cause serious problems for wildlife, and dog faeces can carry detrimental illnesses. If you find that there are limited waste disposal bins around, don’t be tempted to leave the mess behind this is not only unpleasant for other walkers but is hazardous to the environment.
3. Check for Ticks
It’s not just the wildlife we’re looking out for, but your dog too! After your walk, thoroughly check your dog for ticks, especially if you’ve been walking through tall grass or wooded areas. Ticks can cause irritation and carry diseases, so do a thorough check of your dog’s fur if you’ve been through a particularly grassy area.
4. Make Sure You’re in Control
As dog owners, we’re legally responsible for everything our dog does, so it’s important to be in control. If your dog damages someone’s property or injures an animal, it can not only cause a lot of heartache but also put dog owners at risk of prosecution for any damages.
Make sure your dog’s collar and harness fit well so they can’t slip or wriggle out of it. Brush up on your dog’s training – ensuring your dog has a good recall is essential! Lastly, pack some tasty treats that you know your dog can’t resist. If you need to grab your pet’s attention at any time, the treats could help.
Methodology
Data was taken from multiple sources, including National Trust, National Trust Scotland, Wildlife Trust, and National Parks, which are the total number of each that are dog friendly. The total number was then calculated to see which regions in the UK have the most dog-friendly areas that conserve wildlife.
1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/managing-visitors-with-dogs-in-your-woodland
2 https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2664.13695
3 https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/media-centre/complacency-kills-as-uk-cost-of-livestock-worrying-rises-by-nearly-30/#:~:text=Complacency%20among%20some%20dog%20owners,figures%20from%20NFU%20Mutual%20reveal
4 https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/dogs/
5 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/red-house/things-to-see-and-do-in-the-garden-at-red-house
6 https://www.gov.uk/right-of-way-open-access-land/use-your-right-to-roam
