From 1 May 2009 The Royal Parks will increase measures to protect birds from out-of-control dogs in Richmond Park. The areas where dogs need to be placed on leads will be extended to include Upper Pen Pond, Lower Pen Pond, Adams Pond, and Bishops Pond.

Numerous water birds have been affected by out of control dogs, with 12 out of the 14 cygnets born in 2007 and 2008 dying as a result of dog attacks and disturbance. Ground-nesting birds like Skylarks are also vulnerable and owners have been asked to keep their dogs on leads in areas where they nest.

Simon Richards, Park Manager of Richmond Park said: "Richmond Park, as the busiest National Nature Reserve in England, welcomes millions of visitors every year. We are keen for people to enjoy their visit, but we are also committed to conservation and are keen to minimise disruption to wildlife. Notices have been placed advising dog walkers about areas where birds are vulnerable and where they need to keep their dogs on leads."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Katy Murray, The Royal Parks, on 0300 061 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About the restricted areas in Richmond Park:

• Notices have been put up in Richmond Park advising visitors about areas where restrictions have been put in place.
• Dogs need to be kept on leads in the following areas:
  
  • Upper Pen Ponds
  • Lower Pen Pond
  • Adams Pond
  • Bishops Pond
  • Isabella Plantation
  • The area between Pen Ponds and White Lodge
  
  
• Dogs are not allowed in the following area:
  • Pembroke Lodge Gardens
  
  
• The Royal Parks has produced a leaflet to offer visitors advice on dog walking within the parks. This leaflet can either be downloaded from the website: http://www.royalparks.org.uk/dogs_park.cfm or picked up from the Visitors Centre at Pembroke Lodge.

About Richmond Park:

• Richmond Park, at 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres), is the largest Royal Park in London and is home to around 650 free roaming deer. The pastoral landscape of hills, woodlands, ponds, gardens and grasslands set amongst ancient trees offers a peaceful respite to visitors.
• The Park is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk