Richmond Park and Bushy Park have made an 'urgent plea' to keep dogs on leads to help conserve the Skylark bird population.

The species is reportedly 'under threat' due to rising visitor numbers and dogs not being 'kept under control'.

A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: "It is predicted that without urgent action, this species may be lost from the parks."

During the nesting season of March to September, visitors are now required to keep dogs on short leads and stay on the paths when walking through:

• Lawn Field and Crown Field in Richmond Park

• Hare Warren (to the north of the Royal Paddocks) in Bushy Park

Notices have been installed as a reminder at the entrances to the 'dogs on leads' zones.

The Skylark population has suffered a dramatic decline across the UK and it is now listed on the RSPB's red list of 'Birds of Conservation Concern.'

The bird is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

This act makes it an immediate offence to harm the species in any way.

"Any person found to be contravening these notices or contravening the Wildlife & Countryside Act could be liable for prosecution by order of the Secretary of State," the spokesperson added.

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