“Dog walking plays a major role in improving people’s health and well-being” (Forestry Commission)
FORESTRY COMMISSION
Dog walkers make 100 million visits to woods in the UK each year, and the Forestry Commission is working with the Kennel Club to make dog owners welcome. At some of their sites up to 60% of visitors have dogs with them and the Forestry Commission try to cater for all kinds of dog owners and dog activities.
We are fortunate in having a number of woods managed by the Forestry Commission close by: dogs love exploring them and for owners the sounds and sights change all through the year and an advantage of woodland walks is they are usually dry when other places are muddy! At this time of year the trees are in full leaf, the birds are singing and butterflies abound.
Wakerley Great Wood
Wakerley is a mixed woodland remaining from Rockingham Forest, the historic hunting forest of William the Conqueror. One of the waymarked walks follows the medieval boundary of Wakerley Great Park, the remnants of the 13th century deer park. The excellent information boards explain the history. It has a free car park and picnic tables.
Wakerley Great Wood is signposted from the A43, 9 miles north-east of Corby, 6 miles south-west of Stamford.
Fineshade Wood
Fineshade Woods are more extensive and there are walks of varying lengths for the energetic dog to the elderly. The new visitor centre is open from 10am to 5pm daily (except Christmas Day) and the RSPB centre sells a range of goods. Outside are places to picnic and a pleasant tea-room with toilets. It is a good place to learn more about woodland industries and hopefully you may spot Red Kites while you are exploring the forest and exercising your dog.
Fineshade is signposted from the A43, 9 miles northeast of Corby, and 6 miles southwest of Stamford. There is a parking charge £2 – but if you are a regular visitor an annual permit is available at £24
Bourne Woods
Bourne Woods was bought by the Forestry Commission from the Burghley Estate in 1926. It is mainly coniferous, is used for timber production and is also increasingly used for leisure pursuits. There are plenty of interesting walks and opportunities to see birds and flowers as well as being a really exciting area for your dog to explore. There is a car park and refreshments are available at the weekends.
Bourne Woods are on the Stamford side of Bourne and are signposted from the A151.
WOODLAND TRUST
The Woodland Trust founded in 1972 is a charity that protects native woodland heritage and manages it for wildlife and public enjoyment. Dogs are welcome in most woods but there may be some restrictions. To find out more visit www.woodland-trust.org.uk
Millennium Wood at King’s Cliffe. 11 acres were planted with mainly native trees in 2000 north of the village on Willow Lane. A network of paths provides good views and there is parking nearby.
The Seek at Braunston
26 acres were planted in 1992. This wood is
11/2 miles south west of Oakham. There is car parking.
To keep your woodlands a safe, healthy and enjoyable place for you and your dog, please:
• Keep your dog in sight & under control; use a lead if need be.
• Never let your dog chase wildlife or farm animals.
• Keep your dog at your side when passing other woodland visitors (other walkers may be apprehensive of or allergic to dogs)
• Respect requests to keep your dog on the path or away from some areas; this helps protect young animals and birds at sensitive times.
• Use a stick to flick poo off the paths - do NOT bag and leave behind.
• Never leave poo where people play or picnic - in this case bag it AND put it in a bin on site or take home.
• Ensure your dog always wear a collar with your name (not the dog’s), address and a phone number (mobile if you use one).
What to do this month
‘Perfect Pets’, an exhibition about the history of pet ownership, is at Peterborough Museum until Sunday 15 June. Admission is free of charge.
For more details call the museum on (01733) 343329,
email museum@peterborough.gov.uk or visit www.peterboroughheritage.org.uk