Dog owners who walk their pets on the Ayres National Nature Reserve must use a lead or face a fine.

The restrictions came into force on April 1 and last till July 31.

The measure is designed to ensure that local wildlife is not disturbed during the bird nesting season.

Curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, ringed plover, little tern, Arctic tern, skylark and meadow pipit all lay their eggs on the ground at the nature reserve.

David Wright, the government’s biodiversity warden, said: ’Birds such as wader and tern lay their eggs in nests on the ground during this time, and when chicks hatch, they move away from their nests and wander freely under the watchful eye of their parents.

’It can take up to five weeks before these chicks are able to fly and during this time they are extremely vulnerable.’

The restrictions to dog walkers apply to the heathland and the beach and enable ground nesting birds to settle in their breeding areas and raise their chicks.

During this period, visitors to the reserve should stay on the main paths and move away if birds show signs of agitation or distress.

Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £2,500.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is also urging dog owners to be cautious near farmland and the government’s hill lands to reduce the risk of causing injury or death to pregnant ewes and ewes with lambs.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’There have been instances in the past, particularly around this time of year of dogs causing serious injury or death to ewes and lambs. It’s important that we respect the island’s farmers and remain cautious of where dogs are walked to ensure minimal disturbance to livestock.’

Farmers have the right to take action to protect their livestock in the event of dogs straying, and legal action can be taken against people who do not control their dogs.

Prosecutions can follow with severe penalties being imposed together with compensation claims.