- Date posted: 27th March 2026
The RSPB says ground-nesting birds are at greatest risk of human disturbance.
The public is being urged to give space to vulnerable birds this spring and summer to protect them during breeding season.
According to the RSPCA, more than half of the UK’s most vulnerable birds, including the curlew, skylark, lapwing, and little ten, nest near or on the ground – making them most at risk of disturbance from humans and dogs.
Many of these species are on the Red List, meaning their numbers are in rapid decline due to habitat loss, food scarcity, and the impacts of climate change.
The birds can be found across a range of different habitats, including heathland, woodland and beaches. Common garden birds, such as robins and wrens, sometimes also build their nests close to the ground, raising their chicks in ivy, hedges and shrubs.
Walkers are being urged to help ground-nesting birds by sticking to marked paths, keeping their dogs under close control and giving birds plenty of space. The RSPB advises anyone who finds a nest or chicks running about to keep a minimum of 100m distance away.
Dr Conor Pharaoh-John, RSPB’s recreational disturbance programme manager, explains: “The closer the bird’s nest is to the ground, the more at risk it is to accidental disturbance, mainly from people, who will likely be unaware the nest is there, and dogs freely roaming off lead.
“Exploring the countryside with our dogs is a great activity to get us out of the house and connecting to our local greenspaces. However, whilst we mean no harm to wildlife, people and dogs appear as potential predators to a bird, especially those nesting on the ground.”
Image (C) Vishnevski Vasily/Shutterstock.com