Dogs must be kept on their leads at the Ayres nature reserve from Saturday.

Owners who let their pets stray could be fined £2,500.

The reserve is an important refuge for ground nesting birds, which have declined in the Isle of Man.

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

When chicks hatch, they move away from nests under the eye of their parents. It can be five weeks before they can fly, during which time they are vulnerable.

Eggs could be disturbed or even eaten by dogs, which the birds see as predators.

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ’Our abundance and variety of bird life is one of many reasons the Isle of Man is a special place to live, work and visit.

’It also contributes to our coveted status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

’We appeal to dog owners to act responsibly and we’ll be working with the Isle of Man Constabulary to ensure anyone who flouts the bylaws is penalised.’

Constable Chloe Keegan, the police’s wildlife crime officer, said: ’There is clear signage at all entry points onto the Ayres National Nature Reserve showing that from April 1 until July 31 each year, dogs must be on leads.

’We would ask that dog walkers respect this law or make the choice to exercise their dog off the lead elsewhere. Anyone found exercising their dog without a lead may find themselves in court and facing a substantial fine.’