The Forestry Commission and the
Kennel Club have got together to unveil the first ever dog activity trail
in one of its UK woodlands in 200-heactare (500 acre) Coatham Wood, near Long
Newton, Teesside.
It comprises pipes, tunnels, posts, beams, steps and hurdles located
along a one mile trail, and has been designed by agility experts to offer
dogs of all sizes a stimulating challenge that’s sure to get tails wagging.
The project could also be repeated in similar facilities elsewhere in woods
across the nation.
According to a survey by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA),
obesity amongst humans is being mirrored by similar flabbiness in pets, too
with 28% of dogs across the uk being overweight. The charity analysed
the weight of 4,000 dogs across the UK, reporting that some of the fattest
were in north-east England. The new trail aims to get both man and beast
on track to better health and will also develop better training and control
of dogs.
Paddy Harrop, Chief Recreation Manager for England with the Forestry Commission,
explained:
“Many woodland users are dog walkers, so we may be pushing at an open door
with this innovative actvity trail. The health benefits are not just
restricted to the pet, but owners too, who also need regular exercise to keep
mind and body together. We have worked closely with the Kennel Club in recent
years to make woods more friendly to responsible dog owners and this latest
project is one exciting result of this partnership.”
The Forestry Commission acquired Coatham Wood in 1999 and since then 500,000
trees have been planted in a project with the Tees Forest to create a vibrant
community beauty spot on ex-agricultural land.
Caroline Kisko, spokesperson for the Kennel Club said:
“Alongside walking, there are many ways that owners can stay fit with their
dogs and this activity trail is just a taster of what agility is like, one
of the many Kennel Club activities that owners and their dogs can enjoy. The
beauty of this trail is that it can be enjoyed by all dog owners and all
dogs – large or small – and we hope to work with the Forestry Commission to
see similar trails set up, across the country.”
About one third of people who visit woods are dog walkers. Three years ago
the Forestry Commission sealed an agreement with the Kennel Club to make its
202,000 hectares (500,000 acres) of woodland in England as canine-friendly
as possible for dog walkers. Similar agreements have been signed in
recent years with mountain biking and horse riding organisations, resulting
in better access and facilities. The new agility trail at Coatham will also
be used by the Forestry Commission to promote its Walkies in the Woods campaign
and Active Woods health push.
