We are lucky in Dorset to live in such a beautiful and rural county with coastline, forests and rolling hills.
That is why we attract 25 million day visitors each year but that increase also brings with it a range of additional challenges, one of which is preventing harm to Dorset’s flora and fauna.
As creator and chair of the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (PARC) which brings together a range of stakeholders with a shared common purpose, to make Dorset the safest county by leading the way in preventing and reducing rural crime, one of the topics the PARC regularly addresses is wildlife crime.
Many wildlife crimes are committed inadvertently and without malice. So, as we approach summer when people go out more often to enjoy warmer weather, I urge everyone familiarise themselves with the Countryside Code.
Wildlife crime can have an array of outcomes. It can often hurt or kill our precious wild species, it can permanently damage areas of natural beauty and have a serious impact on those who live and work in our rural communities.
But there are small and important actions you can take to make sure you are helping to protect Dorset’s magnificent landscape and diverse wildlife.
A list of things to consider this summer include:
- close a gate behind you if you walk through it
- do not block driveways or access points when parking
- follow local signs and keep to marked paths
- keep dogs on leads when approaching fields with livestock
- do not feed horses, livestock or wild animals as it can cause them harm
- only light BBQs in designated zones where permitted
- take litter and dog poo bags home or put in the nearest bin
Offences can vary including fox hunting, hare coursing, allowing your dog to chase sheep, and walkers unknowingly disturbing nesting birds.
Its not just on land that we need you to take care of our county. It is also important between now and September that water sport enthusiasts are mindful of where they practice as seals need to rest undisturbed on our beaches and it is breeding season for the dolphins, whales and seahorses that live in and visit our coastline.
I hope you have a wonderful summer enjoying the splendid nature our county has to offer, but please read the resources listed below to ensure you do so responsibly.
David Sidwick (April 2025)
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
LINKS
Marine and Coastal Wildlife Code
Find out more about the work of Dorset PARC on our Country Watch website.
Click here to report a wildlife crime to Dorset Police.