Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Dogs Trust have launched advice to encourage owners to keep their pooches on leads during nesting season from now until August.

Less than one month since four Exmoor ponies took up residence on Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Benshaw Moor nature reserve, mindless members of the public have placed them in danger.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is urging dog owners to keep their pets on short leads now that birds are nesting, species are emerging from hibernation and to protect grazing livestock.

With more people than ever staying in the UK and enjoying the outdoors this summer, Northumberland Wildlife Trust is urging everybody to enjoy its reserves in a safe and respectful way.