FAREHAM Borough Council is looking for citizens’ feedback on the proposed intro of an extra seasonal dog exemption zone at Hill Head to secure secured birds.
In April 2022 the Council’s Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was because of end and the Council proposed to extend this for a duration of 3 years.
As part of that procedure, an assessment submission from Bird Aware Solent existed, which took a look at the possibility of presenting an extra seasonal dog exemption zone at Hill Head throughout the cold weather.
According to data provided by Bird Aware Solent, Hill Head ranked 3rd greatest of 87 websites for the variety of disruption occasions over the last 5 years.
Of the 105 website check outs where bird disruption was kept in mind at Hill Head, over 80 percent included disruption associated to a dog’s existence or behaviour. Disturbance at 80 of these 105 check outs might be credited to dogs that were off lead.
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Executive Member for Health and Public Protection at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Burton, said: “Hill Head is a key site for birds in the Borough, being so close to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, yet it also experiences high visitor footfall and recreational activity.
“Birds are an integral part of the surrounding natural environment and help ensure that the area is vibrant and healthy. Introducing this additional dog exclusion zone for part of the year, would go some way to reducing the disturbance to birds and increase their chance of survival. I would therefore encourage residents to have their say as part of this consultation.”
David Williams, Lead Local Authority Chief Executive of Partnership for South Hampshire, the body that supervises Bird Aware Solent, included: “This section of Hill Head beach is a vital feeding spot for birds like dunlin, which are on the red list for conservation concern, and yet is an area where birds are more than usually disturbed.
“We are keen to ensure that suitable beach access is available to everyone while providing a safe refuge for our protected birds.”
Residents can have their state on the proposition from today up until 30 May, by checking out www.fareham.gov.uk/consultations.