it wont be long before birds will be nesting, deer fawning and sheep lambing. at this critical and very sensitive time respect for the countryside needs to be promoted. dogs on leads can still enjoy walks with their owners yet will be less likely to inadvertantly disturb, destroy or chase those wild and domestic animals trying to live without protection. heard the story about the young reporter sent by his editor to photograph and report on the rare plant found on the down. on arriving near the location he saw a group gather so strode across to them. he then said why he was there and where was this plant. back came the reply that he was standing on it. please cherrish and respect our beautiful flora and forna as well as the landscape as they make it live.