Forestry Commission encourage us not to let our dogs get hot under the collar
It's great being able to take your dog with you when you're holidaying in the UK, but the Forestry Commission are asking us to remember that dogs and hot cars do not go well together with the launch of their 'Hot Dogs Are Not Cool in Cars' campaign. they are targeting dog owners as part of their Active Woods campaign, which promotes the healthy living opportunities offered by woodlands. Dogs are welcome on Forestry Commission land, and as there are so many of their sites across the country visiting one is a great way to break up your journey and allow your pooch (and your kids) some well deserved cooling off time under the shady trees. For a list of the top 10 'pooch pitstops' read on...
1. If you are heading to Devon or Cornwall why not take a break at Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter. The park is close to the end of the M5 and just off the A38 - a major route to Cornwall. The dog friendly park has a range of walking trails and a Canine Corner notice board with news and information for dog walkers. Dog lovers should make a detour to Haldon on Sunday 2 September for the Top Dog Day Out a funday for dogs and their owners including cani-cross, dog agility, pet parade and lots of other activities.
www.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark
2. Before you cross the border to Wales have a breather at Dymock Woods. The M50 bisects this wood and two minor roads allow access through the woods from the motorway junction 3. Take the B4221 towards Kilcot and then follow signs towards Kempley. This road will take you through the woods. Nearest railway stations are at Ledbury or Gloucester.
3. Approximately 10 miles from junction 28 or 29 of the M1 Sherwood Pines Forest Park is the perfect place to stop with your dog. A variety of trails lead from the visitor centre around the forest and there is an adventure playground near the picnic site
4. The new state-of-the-art Top Lodge Visitor Centre at Rockingham Forest in Northamptonshire is just a few miles from the A1. Come off at the junction for Stamford and take the A43 towards Corby. The new visitor centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm. You can walk the new trails then refresh yourself at the Lodge Cafe, or browse in the RSPB shop and Craft Arches. Red kites can be seen most days throughout the year. Live footage from Red Kite nesting sites can be seen in the on site RSPB shop.
5. Trips to North Norfolk or the Broads or journeys to East Anglian ferry ports can be broken up with a stop at Thetford Forest. There are many places to stop off in the large forest park – a patchwork of pines, healthland and broadleaved trees.
www.forestry.gov.uk/thetfordforestpark
6. If you find yourself stuck on the M25 have a break while the traffic calms down at one of the nine Thames Chase Community Forest sites, close to junctions 28,29 and 30. You could even time your visit to coincide with the Big Day Out on Sunday 19 August. Also close to London is the recently opened Jeskyns community greenspace just of the A2 at Cogham in Kent. There is plenty of space for a run around and also ponds to jump in!
www.forestry.gov.uk/thameschase
www.forestry.gov.uk/jeskyns
7. The New Forest is just at the end of the M27. The Bolton Bench car park is situated on the edge of Lyndhurst, this car park provides a sunny, grassy location within strolling distance of the High Street, New Forest Museum and the New Forest itself. Bolton's Bench is a popular place to explore both Forest and village. Don't forget to give a donation at this car park towards the management of the Forest!
www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest
8. Delamere Forest Park is situated approximately 10 miles from the outskirts of Chester and close to the M56. The Forest Park and Visitor centre are well sign posted from the A54, A556, and B5152. Delamere Forest Park is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and is a great place for families to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest.
www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland
9. Within 10 miles of junction five of the M3 Alice Holt Woodland Park. Alice Holt Woodland Park near Farnham is an ideal place for a walk in the woods. You can follow the waymarked trails or walk your own routes. A map of the wood is available at the Visitor Centre
www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
10. Hamsterley Forest in North East England is close to Bishop Auckland, County Durham and easily accessible from the A68 and the A66. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to activities with waymarked walks, cycle routes and horse riding trails, all levels of fitness and ability are catered for.
www.forestry.gov.uk/northeastengland
