'Influx' of dog mess sparks pet owner plea

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said there had been increasing amounts of dog waste left at Penhale Dunes

Dog owners have been urged to pick up after their pets following an "influx" of animal waste at a nature reserve.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust said there had been an increase in the amount of dog waste at Penhale Dunes nature reserve between Holywell Bay and Perranporth.

The charity said more dogs off leads at the site had caused disruption to wildlife such as ground-nesting birds.

Penhale assistant officer Hannah Barnikel said the waste "doesn't just look and smell unpleasant - it spreads harmful diseases and damages delicate ecosystems".

The trust said it urged visitors "to act responsibly following an influx of dog waste being left behind and dogs being allowed off leads".

Ms Barnikel added: "One small act, like picking up after your dog, makes a huge difference to our environment and to the sensitive flora and fauna found here in Cornwall."

The dunes had becomes increasingly popular with dog walkers, the trust said

The charity said dog waste could spread excess nutrients, disease, bacteria and parasites as well as insecticides found in flea treatments and wormers, which could threaten rare plant species at the reserve.

A spokesperson for the trust said the dunes were home to several unique and sensitive plant species, including rare plants and lichens like petalwort and scrambled egg lichen.

They added the species were vulnerable to disturbance and also asked dog walkers to keep their pet in sight and under control and stay on dedicated paths.