The Norsey Wood Society works closely with Basildon Borough Council, the owners of Norsey Wood Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland which is also
a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the edge of Billericay in Essex, UK
CC4DogWalkers
The Countryside Code for Dog Walkers
Wherever you go, following these steps will help keep your pet safe, protect the environment, and show you are a responsible dog owner.
- Control your dog so that it does not scare or disturb farm animals or wildlife. Ground and low down nesting birds are particularity vulnerable between the 1st March to the 31st July.
- You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.
- If cattle chase you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead - don't risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.
- Take particular care that your dog doesn't scare the cattle on Norsey Meadow or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife - eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.
- Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also, make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect it, other animals and people - thank you.