Keeping Dogs, Birds, and People Safe
this Spring in Barnes
Dogs and Wildlife - A Delicate Balance
Many of our local green spaces are home to nesting birds and delicate aquatic ecosystems. Unfortunately, incidents like dogs jumping into ponds or running off paths, especially in sensitive areas like Barnes Pond, Harrods Village Waterside Pond, and sensitive parts of Barnes Common Nature Reserve can have real consequences. Nesting birds may abandon their nests, and the disturbance can drive wildlife away entirely.
At Leg o’ Mutton, for example, there is a strict dog’s on lead policy in place. However, the perimeter path which encircles the site is narrow. Walkers with or without dogs need to take care not to trample on the vegetation which embraces a delicate ecosystem for butterfly larva and other invertebrates. Birds also nest very near to the path and are easily disturbed. Even the vibration from runners and joggers is sufficient to disrupt nesting, and it is appreciated that the adjacent Thames Towpath is used instead.
It is for some of the same reasons you are asked to keep dogs on leads around Barnes Pond and other nesting areas, especially during the spring and early summer months or if you see the swans or other wildlife out on the grass.
Dog Waste - Still a Problem. Although things have improved over the years, dog fouling is still a concern for many, particularly when children step in it while playing. Picking up after your dog is not just courteous, it’s essential for public health and enjoyment of shared spaces. Poo bags can be disposed in any bin.
For details about dog control regulations and local advice, visit:
Water Quality Matters—for Everyone
Our local waterways like Barnes Pond and the Beverley Brook (BB) are under pressure. Ongoing water testing by Barnes Common and published research by Imperial College have revealed pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and dog flea treatments in the brook, which are harming to aquatic life. Like other rivers in the UK there can be occasional authorised discharges of raw sewage, and we know of many misconnections along the river as well as problems from road run-off etc.
Consequently, the water quality in these bodies of water fails to meet swimming (or paddling} standards. There have been several incidents where children swam in BB, or like the gentleman that jumped in the Pond to retrieve a dog recently worrying the Swans, with these encounters there is the potential to fall ill afterward. The Barnes Common staff have also experienced illness after working in the water.
BCL is now planning to add E. coli testing to the water analysis, as upstream releases could be contributing to higher-than-desired bacteria levels. So please be mindful and take care around the water.
Communication and Cooperation
Springtime in Barnes is a joy to behold, warmer days, greener commons, and wildlife returning to our ponds and nature reserves. But with more people, children, and dogs enjoying the outdoors, it's a good time to reflect on how we can all share these beautiful spaces safely and responsibly.
We all rely on good citizenship to protect each other and our green spaces, and surely, we want to avoid officious rules and the enforcing of them. Many residents are already on board.
We all want the same fundamental thing: a safe, beautiful, and thriving environment. Let’s all do our part to protect Barnes’ natural beauty this spring, for our kids, our dogs, and the wildlife that makes this place so special.