Visitors to Bushy and Richmond Parks are being urged to keep their dogs on leads to help protect nesting Skylarks.

The RSPB says the UK’s Skylark population has declined by 75% in 40 years.

The Royal Parks says dogs must be kept on short leads in designated zones in both parks and visitors must stay on designated paths.

Bosses say they have witnessed a rapid population decline, in part due to dogs disturbing nests and rising visitor numbers.