Wildlife trust shuts down site over dog-related problems

The Wildlife Trust has temporarily closed Hayley Wood in Cambridgeshire due to repeated problems with dogs off leads and aggressive behavior toward staff. The closure aims to protect wildlife and ensure safety, with strict rules on dog control when the site reopens.

The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire has announced a temporary closure of Hayley Wood, an ancient woodland located near Little Gransden, Cambridgeshire, following multiple incidents involving dogs off leads and aggressive behavior from dog owners toward staff and volunteers.

Closure Duration and Conditions

The woodland is scheduled to remain closed for around one month. Upon reopening, the trust has clarified that dogs must remain on leads in most areas, with exceptions allowed only in a few clearly marked zones. Matt Hamilton, the Cambridgeshire senior reserves manager, emphasized that Hayley Wood is “a jewel in Cambridgeshire's nature crown” and stated that it is not a location for dog exercise. He also confirmed that the trust will take a firm stance against any actions that harm wildlife or involve abuse toward staff and volunteers.

Impact on Wildlife and Habitat

Hayley Wood is recognized as an ancient woodland that has been continuously wooded since 1600. It provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including rare wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and other species. Despite clear signage instructing visitors to keep dogs on leads, staff have reported repeated occurrences of dogs disturbing birds and damaging fragile wildflower habitats. Hamilton noted that closing a reserve is a serious decision and apologized to visitors who follow the rules and treat staff respectfully.

Documented Incidents Across Reserves

The trust highlighted several incidents demonstrating the risks posed by uncontrolled dogs:

• In February, a visitor at Gamlingay Wood was bitten by a dog.
• At Pegsdon Hills in Bedfordshire, a sheep was killed by an uncontrolled dog last year.
• A staff member was bitten by a dog on a lead, while another dog owner reacted abusively when asked to control their pet.
• At Nene Wetlands in Rushden, a jogger suffered an arm bite that broke the skin.
• At Old Sulehay in Northamptonshire, a dog attacked and killed a woodcock.
• In Beechwoods, Cambridgeshire, a loose dog jumped on a family and bit a woman who required treatment at A&E.

The trust also stated that in areas with highly sensitive nesting birds or livestock, dogs may be banned completely to protect wildlife.

Guidance and Trust Statement

The Wildlife Trust reiterated the necessity of responsible dog ownership and emphasized the importance of maintaining safety for both wildlife and humans across all reserves. Abuse directed at staff and volunteers by some dog owners was a key factor in the decision to temporarily close Hayley Wood. Visitors are urged to adhere to trust guidelines, keep dogs on leads, and respect both wildlife and staff to support the conservation of the reserve’s habitats.

Further Information

For updates on dog policies and wildlife reserve guidance in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire, the trust advises following official channels and regional news outlets.

Sources:

• Wildlife trust closes site due to issues with dogs
• Cambs nature reserve to close after dog owner abuse incident
• Loose dog incidents force temporary closure of historic nature reserve to the public