Visiting nature reserves, historic monuments, buildings and other places of interest can be great a great day out.
When visiting these sites it is important to stick to the rules and official paths or trails.

Some may think the rules are just guidance and not really important, but there are more to the rules than everyone realises.

Keeping to the paths and trails:
Although it may seem like the paths and trails are te same as the grass all around, they are not. Paths and trails are usually maintained to withstand the expected footfall of visitors. Which is why sometimes some sections are closed now and then for repairs and essential maintenance.

Wildlife live nearer than most think to the paths and trails, so straying from the paths can potentially destroy habitat and in some cases the wildlife themselves.

Keeping dogs on leads and under control:
In the UK most birds can be sitting on nests between March and August. Even then the timings can vary due to weather conditions.

Dogs worrying and chasing wildlife could be a problem as humans may not see the animals even though the dogs can see, hear or smell them.

Even dogs on leads could prevent birds or other wildlife returning to their young if they are constantly barking or trying to explore in every nearby hedge.

Visitors may think that they will only pass that point where they disturbed that one bird or animal for a few minutes and the bird or animal would return to its spot soon afterwards.
Yes that is mostly true, but if that bird is disturbed over and over again throughout the day, there is a risk they could spend longer away from the nest or abandon the nest altogether.

Also a lot of nature reserves and historic sites try to maintain the sites by natural means and lower human impact and intrusion by using grazing animals such as sheep, cows or goats etc to keep the flora and fauna under control. So a loose running dog could potentially worry or scare them from the area they have been placed into.

No drones allowed:
Many may not realise that flying a drone can scare nesting birds and other animals which could prevent them from sitting on their eggs or feeding and looking after their young.
Drones could also accidentally chase wildlife away from the area.

No swimming or water sports:
Going into the water or going near the edge of the water can disturb wildlife that live in the water. The edges of the water also help to hide more nesting birds, hatched young and other wildlife.

No fires or barbeques:
Although this may be obvious about fires and the countryside, fires and barbeques are still lit in unauthorised areas.
Even a a safely maintained fire or barbecue can scare wildlife and prevent them returning to their homes.

Some sites have authorised barbeque areas that have been built to safely have fires or barbeques, although care of fire is still very important.

Parking and picnic areas:
Only park on official parking areas and picnic in picnic areas.
These areas not only help maintain the sites and help keep it litter free, but the wildlife is used to noise, food and cars within those areas and are less likely to nest or live within the immediate area.

Although there seems to be loads of rules when visiting, it is to make a better experience for wildlife and visitors