Recently, the Ranger team received a report from a member of the public that a badly injured deer had been spotted on one of the paths here at Stanwick Lakes. The Rangers headed out straight away to assist.
The deer was found to have been attacked by two off-lead dogs and had sustained injuries so catastrophic that it had no chance of survival.
The Rangers called for veterinary advice straight away and kept people and dogs away from the deer to keep its stress levels as low as possible. Very sadly, in that short time, the animal died.
This incident happened in Stanwick Lakes’ one and only dogs off lead area, along the path towards Thrapston and while dogs are allowed to be off-lead in this area, they should ALWAYS be under close control in a public space, in accordance with the law and the Public Spaces Protection Order in place in this area. If a dog is deemed to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public space, owners can be fined, prosecuted and the dog can be seized.
The two dogs involved in this incident were very clearly NOT under close control and the owner did not inform anyone of this incident. The only reason the team heard about it was because a kind member of the public reported it to them after walking all the way to the visitor centre. This means that the deer was left suffering for at least 40 minutes.
We at Stanwick Lakes love welcoming dogs to our site and we have always been, and hope to continue to be, a great dog walking destination. However, it is our duty to protect the wildlife that lives here. We therefore ask all of our visiting dog walkers to please keep your dogs on leads across the whole of the nature reserve and ONLY let them off lead in the specified area, and even then, ONLY if you are fully confident that you can maintain close control of your dog.
To all of our lovely dog walkers who already abide by the rules and respect the wonderful wildlife here, thank you. Your help and consideration is very much appreciated.
What We’re Doing
We want to be transparent about the steps we are taking in response to this incident and ongoing dog behaviour to protect the wildlife and habitats at Stanwick Lakes:
New and additional signage: We are in the process of installing new signage throughout the site – to make expectations around dog control as clear as possible for all visitors.
Working with the dog warden: We are now working closely with the regional dog warden to ensure the right support and guidance is in place, and that incidents of this nature can be dealt with appropriately.
Springtime – A Reminder for All Visitors
Spring is a particularly sensitive time for wildlife at Stanwick Lakes. Many of our bird species are currently looking for nesting sites, building nests or even laying eggs – including ground-nesting birds whose eggs and chicks are extremely vulnerable to disturbance. Even the most well-behaved and nature-loving dogs can cause significant harm simply by straying off the path at this time of year.
We therefore ask all visitors – with or without dogs – to please stick to the designated paths throughout spring and early summer. This simple action makes an enormous difference to the success of nesting season and the wildlife that calls this place home.
Our Ask
Stanwick Lakes is a place for everyone – dogs included. We want to keep it that way.
So, here’s what we need from you:
- Keep your dog on a lead across the whole nature reserve
- Only let your dog off the lead in the designated area – and only if you’re fully confident you can maintain close control at all times
- Don’t let your dog enter the lake or water margins
- Stick to the paths, especially in spring and early summer when ground-nesting birds are at their most vulnerable
- Don’t let your dog chase or flush birds – even in play, it causes real harm
- Always pick up – including off the path
- Not everyone loves dogs – keep your dog close when passing other visitors, especially children
- Always ask first – before letting your dog approach another dog or person
Introducing Ambassadogs
We are soon to be launching a brand-new community called Ambassadogs. This initiative is all about bringing together like-minded, responsible dog owners who love Stanwick Lakes and want to help others enjoy it responsibly too.
Ambassadogs will lead by example, help spread the word about responsible dog walking, and play an active role in making Stanwick Lakes a place where dogs, wildlife, and people can all thrive together. We’ll be sharing more details about how to get involved very soon – watch this space!
Thank You
If you’re already doing all of this, you’re exactly the kind of visitor that makes Stanwick Lakes the special place it is. The Rangers notice, the wildlife benefits, and every single visit you make responsibly adds up to something really meaningful. From all of us – thank you.
Stanwick Lakes is a very special place, and together we can make sure it stays that way – for the wildlife, for our dogs, and for everyone who loves visiting.
We look forward to seeing you on the paths.
