Dogs will be forced to stay on leads in certain areas of Richmond Park from tomorrow, as the Royal Parks Agency (RPA) attempts to stop the death of birds.

The RPA, which controls the park, announced this week dogs will need to be placed on leads in the Upper Pen Pond, Lower Pen Pond, Adams Pond, and Bishops Pond areas of the park as birds are being affected by man’s best friend.

The agency said 12 out of the 14 cygnets born in 2007 and 2008 died as a result of dog attacks and disturbance and ground-nesting birds like Skylarks are also vulnerable so owners have been asked to keep their dogs on leads in areas where they nest.

Simon Richards, Richmond Park manager, said: “Richmond Park, as the busiest National Nature Reserve in England, welcomes millions of visitors every year.

“We are keen for people to enjoy their visit, but we are also committed to conservation and are keen to minimise disruption to wildlife.

“Notices have been placed advising dog walkers about areas where birds are vulnerable and where they need to keep their dogs on leads.”