A NATURE partnership has issued guidance to dog walkers on visiting Workington’s nature reserves.

Workington Nature Partnership and Allerdale Borough Council has asked the public to keep dogs on a lead when visiting Harrington Nature Reserve and other areas of natural beauty on their daily exercise.

An Allerdale spokesman said: “While those managing those nature reserves and open spaces welcome more visitors, they are encouraging residents, in particular dog walkers, to know the various laws which exist to protect wildlife and to be aware that they may come into contact with protected species.”

The public are asked to be aware of sheep and lambs grazing in green spaces.

The spokesman added: “It is an offence to allow a dog to worry – killing and mauling – these animals.”

The public are also asked to take care near to beaches, ponds and streams which are home to various nesting birds.