POLICE officers and community groups spent the day at the Erskine Foreshore and Boden Boo promoting responsible behaviour in the countryside

Community Policing Officers along with the Renfrewshire Council Access Officer, Forestry Commission, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Community Payback spoke to dog walkers, cyclists and pedestrians using the area.

The Erskine foreshore including the walkway, the beach area and the mudflats in front of Mar Hall are all part of The Inner Clyde Special Protection Area (SPA) and have been designated mainly because of the number of waterfowl that spend the winter there.

To behave responsibly people should avoid letting their dogs run loose particularly on the mud flat area as this disturbs the birds.

If there is too much disturbance they won't feed properly, potentially fly off and eventually not come back.

The estuary is an important haven for thousands of geese and wading birds in winter. These birds depend on the mudflats for food and also to roost.

Roosting requires a bit of peace and quiet so when dogs run along the beach it frightens off the birds.

If this happens too often it means the birds are less likely to survive the winter or to breed successfully. Also the quieter you are the more chance you have of enjoying the fantastic wildlife on offer.

Inspector Cassie Glass said: 'We will continue to regularly patrol the Clyde walkway and surrounding footpaths and cycle routes in Erskine to prevent Anti-Social Behaviour, encourage responsible behaviour by dog walkers, cyclist and pedestrians and provide reassurance to the public.

"Anti-Social Behaviour and vandalism will not be tolerated and those responsible will be dealt with severely.

"I would encourage anyone to report any suspicious activity by phoning 101 or by reporting anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."