Dog fouling spoiling rare species sites?

Dog fouling at areas of scientific interest could be hampering the development of rare species in those areas.

Manx Wildlife Trust says its biodiversity officer came across over 170 instances of dog muck while on a survey visit to salt marsh habitat at Poyll Dooey and the North Shore Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) in Ramsey.

According to the organisation, dog faeces can make the soils too rich for rare species to grow there.

Areas of Significant Scientific Interest can be designated if they're considered to be of high natural heritage importance and represent the diversity of habitats and species.