Dog walkers are being warned to keep their pets on a lead an under control when they go to the Ayres National Nature Reserve.

From today (Thursday), the annual ban on letting them roam free begins. Anyone breaking the rule can be fined £2,500.

The measure is in place to avoid disturbing breeding colonies of ground-nesting birds.

In recent years several dog attacks have been reported to police at the reserve where it is an offence to let dogs run free from April 1 to July 31.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture has suggested that people who want to walk their dogs off the lead are encouraged to visit their local plantation or glen as an alternative during the bird breeding season.

Research shows some birds such as terns make a 50,000-mile journey to breed on the Isle of Man each year.

Ringed plovers, oystercatchers, curlews, skylarks and meadow pipits also visit to lay their eggs at this time of year.

The loss of suitable breeding habitat has led to a decline in numbers of some species highlighting the importance of the reserve.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’When chicks hatch out they move away from their nests and wander freely under the watchful eye of their parents.

’It can be many weeks before they learn to fly and during this time they are extremely vulnerable so people must keep dogs on leads at all times.’

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.

Visitors should stay on the main paths and move away if birds show signs of agitation or distress.

Dog walkers are also asked to avoid disturbing pregnant ewes and lambs on or near farmland.

Mr Boot added: ’There were instances reported to police last week of dogs causing serious injury or death to ewes and lambs so it is important that we respect the island’s farmers and remain cautious.’