The celebrated song of the skylark and bubbling call of curlew are evocative and welcome sounds of spring, as people explore our wonderful countryside and urban commons again. Birds like these – whose numbers are in worrying decline – are making their fragile nests on the ground, tucked away safely in long grass.

However, sometimes, a wandering walker or inquisitive pooch disturbs wildlife and scares adult birds off nests or, at worst, tramples eggs by mistake. And vulnerable chicks can quickly perish if they are left alone for too long.

We're calling on nature-lovers to stick to marked pathways on our nature reserves this spring and summer, to ensure nesting birds can breed in safety. Whether you’re visiting woodland, fields, urban parks or riversides, there may be birds nesting on the ground – or just above it – that can be hard to see and are at risk of trampling, disturbance, and harm.

Many people think of birds’ nests as being high up in trees, but a surprising number nest on the ground or just above it, in low bushes. For example:

• Nightjars lay their eggs directly onto the ground in heathlands
• Willow warblers tuck themselves away at the base of trees and bushes in woods and open areas with scattered trees
• Meadow pipits hide their eggs in grassy tussocks on commons and meadows
• Familiar garden birds like dunnocks and blackbirds can nest close to the ground.
• Oystercatcher, ringed plover and little tern eggs and chicks are brilliantly camouflaged on beaches among pebbles and sand, making them easy to disturb.

Some nature reserves have cordoned-off areas to protect some of the rarest birds’ nests – but it’s best to keep to marked paths and keep dogs on leads in the wider countryside until chicks have fledged in September.

Please continue to explore and enjoy our 60+ nature reserves this spring, and please continue to be a responsible wildlife-watcher to ensure all of Warwickshire's nature can flourish for years to come.