If your pooch is slapping on the pounds and looking full in the face then a trip to your local wood might now be an even better idea.

The Forestry Commission has linked up with the Kennel Club to unveil the first ever dog actvity trail in any of its UK woodlands in 200-heactare (500 acre) Coatham Wood, near Long Newton, Teesside.

With pipes, tunnels, posts, beams, steps and hurdles located along a one mile trail, it 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 herald similar facilities being installed elsewhere in woods across the nation.

According to a survey published by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the obesity epidemic amongst humans is being mirrored by similar flabbiness in pets, too often left to dream about walkies by owners rooted to the sofa.

The charity analysed the weight of 4,000 dogs across the UK, reporting that some of the fattest were in north-east England, where 28% of dogs were overweight. 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.”

Coatham Wood was acquired by the Forestry Commission 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.

Media calls to Richard Darn on 0113 341 3178. Mobile 0775 367 0038, or Heidi Ancell, Kennel Club press office, on 0780 0937070 or 020 7921 1008

NOTE TO EDITOR
Last year the Forestry Commission received the Dog Owners’ Group Recognition Award for ‘a national authority which has made a positive impact to help improve the lives of dogs and their owners.’

The Kennel Club exists 'to promote in every way, the general improvement of dogs'. It was founded in 1873 and provides dog owners with a source of information, experience and advice on dog welfare, dog health, and dog breeding. The Kennel Club also organises Crufts. More information at www.thekennelclub.org.uk For more information about other activities that can be enjoyed with your dog, including dog agility, please contact the Kennel Club on 0870 606 6750 (ext 212)

Active Woods is a national drive being led by the Forestry Commission to promote the vast range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain’s woodlands. Hundreds of events are being organised reflecting the campaign’s three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing. For more visit www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods-england.

Walkies in the Woods focuses on the physical and mental health benefits of dog walking as part of the Active Woods campaign to promote the healthy living opportunities offered by woodlands. We, with support from the Kennel Club, want to ensure that dogs and their owners experience healthy, responsible and above all enjoyable woodland visits. Find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk/england-dogs

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE FORESTRY COMMISSION BY RICHARD DARN, GNN, LEEDS. TEL: 0113 3413178.