Attenborough Nature Reserve issues stern message to visitors after over ‘200 dog poos’ found

A Nottingham nature reserve has issued a strong message after it reported finding 200 pieces of dog excrement on a wildflower strip. 

The Attenborough Nature Reserve has posted a photo on Facebook showing some of the excrement highlighted by pink paint. 

In a statement on Saturday (January 27), the reserve said: “This area of the reserve is a wildflower strip – which is currently littered with over 200 dog poos (just some of them shown here by the pink marks).

“People may think that leaving dog poo off the pavement is okay or natural – however this is not the case. 

“The parasites that it contains can be detrimental to human health as well as harmful to wildlife. 

“Please be considerate of our rangers who are working hard in these areas and therefore vulnerable to these parasites. 

“We also ask that dogs are kept on a short lead whilst on our reserves to protect wildlife and people, which should assist responsible dog owners to collect and take the poo home and dispose of it.

“Please pick up after your dog, thank you.”

The reserve’s website says it welcomes dogs that are kept on a lead. 

According to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Attenborough Nature Reserve is home to more than 250 bird species. 

The 220-hectare site attracts around 500,000 visitors each year and entry to the reserve is free.