FAREHAM Borough Council is seeking residents’ feedback on the proposed introduction of an additional seasonal dog exclusion zone at Hill Head to safeguard protected birds.

In April 2022 the Council’s Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was due to expire and the Council proposed to extend this for a period of three years.

As part of that process, a consultation submission from Bird Aware Solent was presented, which looked at the possibility of introducing an additional seasonal dog exclusion zone at Hill Head during the winter months.

According to statistics presented by Bird Aware Solent, Hill Head ranked third highest of 87 sites for the number of disturbance events over the last five years.

Of the 105 site visits where bird disturbance was noted at Hill Head, over 80 percent featured disturbance related to a dog’s presence or behaviour. Disturbance at 80 of these 105 visits could be attributed to dogs that were off lead.

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Executive Member for Health and Public Protection at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Joanne Burton, said: “Hill Head is a key site for birds in the Borough, being so close to Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve, yet it also experiences high visitor footfall and recreational activity.

“Birds are an integral part of the surrounding natural environment and help ensure that the area is vibrant and healthy. Introducing this additional dog exclusion zone for part of the year, would go some way to reducing the disturbance to birds and increase their chance of survival. I would therefore encourage residents to have their say as part of this consultation.”

David Williams, Lead Local Authority Chief Executive of Partnership for South Hampshire, the body that oversees Bird Aware Solent, added: “This section of Hill Head beach is a vital feeding spot for birds like dunlin, which are on the red list for conservation concern, and yet is an area where birds are more than usually disturbed.

“We are keen to ensure that suitable beach access is available to everyone while providing a safe refuge for our protected birds.”

Residents can have their say on the proposal from today until 30 May, by visiting www.fareham.gov.uk/consultations.