On Sunday 8th June, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, we’re hosting a fun, interactive pop-up mini-event at Attenborough Nature Reserve to launch our brand-new Lead by Example campaign — and you (and your dog!) are invited. 

Whether you're a regular walker at the reserve or just out for a weekend stroll, this is your chance to meet our team, enjoy free dog-friendly treats, and learn how you and your pooch can help protect local wildlife by becoming a Lead by Example volunteer.

Where to Find Us 

We’ll be set up on the main path just over the bridge by the main car park, between 9:30am and 12:30pm on Sunday 8th June. No booking required — just turn up with your best friend and your best behaviour! 

What’s Happening? 

Ambassadog Photo Booth Pop your pup in one of our signature bandanas and strike a pose with our Lead by Example sign! You might even get featured as our next Dog of the Month on social media. 

Free Puppachinos (for dogs on leads!) Responsible behaviour deserves a reward! If your dog’s on a lead, you can pick up a free puppachino and hear how our volunteers use treats like these to start positive conversations out on the path. 

Responsible Walking Challenge Have kids with you? Grab a “Dog Walk Hero” checklist and see how many good deeds your family can tick off while walking. 

Volunteer Role Q&A Curious about becoming a Lead by Example volunteer? Chat to our friendly team to learn what it’s like to patrol the reserve with your dog, start supportive conversations with fellow walkers, and protect vulnerable wildlife. 

Wildlife Info Table Get to know the birds, mammals, and amphibians that call Attenborough home - and why simple actions like keeping dogs on leads make such a big difference. 

Share Your Voice Tell us what responsible dog walking means to you. We’re gathering quotes and short videos to share online — you might just see yourself in our next campaign post! 

Why It Matters 

Our reserves are places where wildlife and people come together. But not all visitors understand how easily dogs (even the gentle ones!) can disturb sensitive habitats. That’s why we’ve launched Lead by Example, a new campaign that celebrates responsible dog walkers and invites volunteers to help spread the word in a friendly, positive way. 

Every time you walk your dog on a lead and clean up after them, you’re helping: 

• Protect ground-nesting birds from abandoning their nests
• Prevent disease spread and habitat damage
• Keep small mammals, amphibians, and rare plants safe
• Create a welcoming space for school visits and nervous walkers
• Support livestock welfare and visitor safety 

With your help, we can make a big difference — one pawprint at a time. 

What’s a Lead by Example Volunteer? 

It’s simple: walk your own dog at Attenborough (or Skylarks or Idle Valley) Nature Reserve while role-modelling responsible walking. Don’t have a dog? No problem, you can buddy up with someone that does! You’ll wear our volunteer gear, hand out leaflets, and thank others who are also doing their bit. You’ll be a friendly face on the reserve — inspiring others through encouragement, not enforcement. 

This role is perfect if you: 

• Love nature and your local reserve
• Enjoy talking to people in a friendly, informal way
• Want to make your dog walk even more meaningful
• Fancy being part of a community of fellow dog owners who care