FOLLOWING The Royal Parks' plea to keep dogs in both Richmond and Bushy Parks on leads and out of Skylark nesting areas, the charity has called on Ealing dog owners to also be on the 'lookout' at Warren Farm.

The skylark 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 from March to September, visitors are now required to keep dogs on short leads and stay on the paths when walking through sections of both Richmond and Bushy Parks.

This is not the case however at Warren Farm, as it hasn't been designated as a Local Nature Reserve by Ealing Council.

Warren Farm has therefore been asking visitors to please keep to the paths in order to protect skylarks' ground-nesting and their chicks from coming to any harm.

The Royal Parks have publicly supported Warren Farm's call, by tweeting: "If you're an Ealing local, please do be on the lookout at Warren Farm and keep your dogs out of the long grass as they request."

Katie Boyles from the Brent River & Canal Society (BRCS) told Nub News: "We really appreciate The Royal Parks for raising awareness and taking action to protect endangered skylarks during the breeding season.

"We're also grateful for the support they gave on Twitter for our efforts to do the same here at Warren Farm Nature Reserve.

"However, if Ealing Council were to agree to the BRCS's vision of giving our meadows official Local Nature Reserve designation, bylaws could be put in place here, which would give our skylarks the greater protection they deserve.

"Right now we can politely ask all visitors and their dogs to please keep to the paths, but we have no means to enforce it for the few who don't, unlike The Royal Parks who can.

"If you haven't already, please sign and share the Warren Farm Nature Reserve petition so together we can ensure our skylarks have a permanent meadow habitat here in which to thrive."

To sign the petition, click HERE.