Burnham Beeches Dog Walkers

Let the dogs run free

I support the petition. The current position is not in proportion to the alleged nuisance impact of a relatively small number of "problem owners" more than problem dogs. As many others, I have been resident on the BB doorstep for over 20 years. I've run in it, played with the kids in it and only in the last 4 years had a dog. I've seen a few problem dogs over that time but my ongoing impression is that the "problem owners" largely ignore the restrictions whilst the diligent and considerate owners have now to suffer them. In common with many, I note that early morning and evening, the predominant users are dog walkers and, at that, they are few and far between. It is especially the case that from late September to Mid March, you rarely see anyone walking without a dog - especially off the roads which a few runners also use. The proposal looks entirely sensible and balanced - keep dogs on leads for the generally used areas in potentially busy times and show more flexibility for the under-populated areas and particularly so in late Autumn/ to early Spring.

Please listen to this petition it is the first sensible thing I have heard about the dog restrictions so far,we live on the edge of the beeches and have noted the change in the visits of the public to only limited areas,so the majority of the woods remain unvisited and these are PUBLIC AREA not just for the Rangers! Better to have restrictions in the picnic/open areas than the ant invested wooded areas.The majority of dog owners are responsible.

I have walked and played in Burnham Beeches all of my 67 years and I am much saddened that another bit of freedom is being taken away from future generations. This is a woodland....NOT a London Park

I have visited Burnham Beeches for the past 50 years and have never before experienced the depressive restrictions which have been placed on us in the past years. The atmosphere is one of continual concern if your dog happens to stray into the no go zones, they can't of course read. There was a particularly upsetting banner for about six months, telling us that the "orders" for dog control existed. It was like entering an army camp with a commandant instead of an enjoyable walk with our dogs. We are very responsible people and resent this change, we pick up in the early morning after the rubbish that has been left by the late night visitors including broken bottles and at the same time I must comment on the £3 parking charge for a day, when most of us only come for about an hour. Marlow council have machines which enable people to park and shop for about £1.20 for 2 hours, could we not have similar machines? The general feeling is that Burnham Beeches now is run for the benefit of the rangers and the warden and not for the people it was originally intended

The current restrictions imposed on the Beeches are taking away the use and enjoyment of a natural sanctuary. All dog walkers are now forced to congregate on or around a now very congested Common, full of owners, dogs and young families. This short sighted view now means that the majority of the Beeches are not being fully enjoyed, and instead is an oasis for fly tippers. A more sensible approach would be for the City of London to focus on this problem and for dog owners to be entrusted to look after their pets.

The current restrictions have absolutely no logic. These sensible amendments will provide the necessary control at the busiest times. Having dogs off the lead on the common where there is the highest concentration of people, families picnicking and children playing makes no sense. these punitive restrictions have destroyed the enjoyment of many walkers. i know i've talked to them on many occasions. Change is essential.

I couldn't agree more strongly with this petition. It's been such a shame what's happened with these lead rules and it's taken the pleasure out walking with our dogs. I've lived in and loved the Beeches since I was born but these rules on the leads I feel is preventing us from fully enjoying this beautiful natural environment.

The present restrictions to keep dogs on leads in most parts of the beeches, are very unreasonable. Dogs, like humans like to be free to move and interact and most dog owners are responsible guardians of their pet.

A very well thought out proposal. I have never understood why they sectioned off the Tower Wood area in the original order. If you work with the dog walkers, I am sure there will be fewer problems

Burnham Beeches is a very large area where dogs can enjoy time off the lead.....many dogs behave very well with other dogs when off the lead rather than restrained... There are areas where it is appropriate when they should be on the lead.

Let us be responsible owners and exercise our dogs. Also lets encourage people to use and enjoy the beeches, rather than put them off visiting.

I think this is a very sensible proposal

I totally agree, people are staying away from this beautiful place because of all the rules.

Totally agree to what is proposed

This is a valid petition and I trust will be considered favourably. I walk my dogs daily at BB and would appreciate lead free access to some of the restricted areas even if it was during restricted times. Please take this opportunity to review number and sites of poo bins.

I walk there most days of the week and although I have calm friendly Labradors it make sense to me to have them on leads in the common areas at times when children are playing free so would welcome this change.

Generally dog walkers are responsible people who are now being discriminated against. I believe the results of changes to on lead area is discouraging them to exercise, spend time in beautiful surroundings and will have a detrimental effect on the associated health benefits.

I agree with the changes described in the petition

please review your on lead areas