Burnham Beeches Dog Walkers

How many deer have been savaged before after the daft rules were introduced?

Strange that the quitter areas are on lead and reverse for busier areas. What are they trying to hide or protect. Were too many people kneeling in dog mess at the ceremonies?

More and more restrictions being brought in all the time. Unfortunately, these simply penalise responsible dog owners as irresponsible ones will simply ignore the rules anyway!

I will stop coming as my very friendly dog can't go anywhere on her own!

I used to walk my dog here all the time until the restriction came in. The area for walking off lead is so limiting that I started to go else where. Evenings are always quiet which is when I usually walk my dog, and only ever come across other dog walkers.

Let's apply some common sense to the dogs on lead policy...there is little need for it before 11.00 am and in the evenings when it's mostly only dog walkers using the Beeches. Also, keeping on lead around the ponds and paddocks is sensible.

Please show some common sense, I'm a responsible local dog owner who always clears up after my dog & keeps her under control. Why does this silly rule affect some of the most quietest parts of the beeches??

I no longer walk on the Beeches because of the silly little restrictions for dog walking and the increasingly officious wardens

Completely ridiculous that the on lead area effects some of the quietest areas of the beeches. Totally unnecessary.

I so miss walking in the Beeches - it is too restrictive now. I agree that there should be dogs on leads areas - by the cafe and on the green. I think it is a good idea to have dogs off leads at quiet times i.e. Early in the mornings and early evenings.

Je

I am NOT a dog owner but I walk early most mornings in the beeches. I have never had any problems with dogs off the lead. But really struggle to understand why the common area where most people sit to eat and play with children is an off the lead area. It makes no sense. The suggested new restrictions make far more sense and are fairer for all.

I have been walking my dogs in the Beeches for over 50 years now, usually early in the morning before the main gates are open. I would love to have the freedom restored to walk my dogs off the lead across the whole area early in the morning when few other people are about. My main concern as to what could be done to improve the Burnham Beeches experience does not relate to dogs at all. It is the increasing amount of litter being left on the common and immediate surrounds by picnickers and others which spoils the beautiful ambience that I have always loved.

I have walked dogs in Burnham Beeches for over 50 yrs. I think that dogs should be allowed off lead at quiet times in all areas, i.e. Before 10am and in the winter. My dogs are well trained and under control both on and off leads. I feel that an older person like me would benefit from better paths and more level routes, i.e. in some of the on lead areas.

At the moment even though it looks like half of B.Beeches is off lead and the other half on lead, the reality is that in the off lead area a lot of it is unwalkable during the winter. As someone who has walked the Beeches for 50yrs with dogs and without dogs.it would be nice for a little common sense to prevail. To be able to walk to the right hand side of The Lord Mayors Drive would enable people with a disability a level and dry area to walk their dogs off lead. Also anyone with a slightly nervous disposition feels saver there as it is not so isolated. Also to be able to walk there before 11am and after 5pm all year round. I am in total agreement with owners clearing up after their dogs.

I am not a fan of the aspect of this petition of making it compulsory Dogs on lead in the main opening common as this is one of the main local areas where a family with both children and dogs can responsibly play ball/frizbee games together. The opening of the whole site off-peak would be immensely welcome however.

Have been walking dogs in Burnham beeches all my life and don't want it to ever stop

My wife and I have been walking our dogs in the Beeches for more than 10 years. The current policy and restricted off lead areas are in my opinion unreasonable. The areas where dogs are allowed off the lead are less paved and more hilly than the rest and for elderly walkers, this could pose a risk of falling etc. Additionally, with the hills in the area, cyclists are more prone to high speeds and pose a further danger to both dogs and owners. The "less traveled" paths could be unsafe for women on their own and, it seems as though most dog waste bins are located in the areas that dogs are not allowed in off the lead. I agree with this petition although I believe that we as dog owners should have as much right to walk the entire area with our dogs off the lead as any one else walking without a dog. Dog owners must be responsible for their dogs and perhaps fines for not cleaning up after your animal are in order.

I miss being able to walk my dogs off lead in 60% of the site. Walking the same route each day gets boring. Meanwhile hardly anyone walks in the dogs on lead areas, which is a shame.

I have lived here 30 years and walked dogs for 20 years. I endorse the sentiments of most responsible dog owners, that these proposals are an attempt to redress the balance between the various users of Burnham Beeches. Dogs can be on leads in the busy areas ( Common, Ponds and Paddocks), off lead elsewhere. In addition it would be much appreciated by dog owners if at quieter periods no restrictions were applied.