Forestry Commission - News - Ł350 raised for charity at haldon’s top dog day out

Dogs of all shapes and sizes were out in force at the Forestry Commission's Haldon Forest Park for their Top Dog Day Out on Sunday 14 September, and some even brought their owners along too!

Around 1,000 people attended the event with their four-legged friends and there was a range of activities including heel work to music, fly ball and gun dog scurry as well as a range of stalls for people to browse.

In addition, 160 pooches entered a dog show organised by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Prizes included ‘most handsome dog’, and ‘dog with the waggiest tail. Over Ł350 was raised for the charity, which is the only organisation in the UK that trains dogs to alert deaf people to everyday household sounds such as the doorbell, alarm clocks and smoke alarms.

Forestry Commission ranger and event organiser Gemma Ingall comments:

“Haldon Forest Park is a great place to bring your dog to have a relaxing walk or keep yourself in shape. The day was a great success and everyone had a lot of fun. A lot of people commented on what a lovely atmosphere there was and many were interested to learn more about some of the charities that attended. As well as Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, people were able to find out more about the work of Greyhound Rescue and Dogs for the Disabled. We are already looking forward to next year’s event, which will take place on 6 September 2009 and would love to hear from anyone who wanted to get involved in this.”

Janine Sargent, Regional Fundraiser for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People added:

“The day went really well and we managed to raise around Ł350 for the charity. People really got in to the spirit of the day and we had the perfect setting at Haldon Forest Park.”

Ends

NOTES TO EDITOR

Photos – Please note photos must be credited to Moira Cooke. Photos of some of the day’s winners.

1. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/england

2. The event was organised as part of the Forestry Commission’s Active Woods campaign, which promotes the vast range of health, education and fitness opportunities offered by Britain’s woodlands. For more information see www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods-england and www.forestry.gov.uk/england-dogs

For further information, please contact Kirstie Smith, Forestry Commission Media Manager on 01392 834249 or Gemma Ingall, Haldon Forest Park Ranger on 01392 832262.