How NFDOG promotes responsible ownership and care for the New Forest
Dog walking is the biggest recreational use of the New Forest according to Forestry England. Thousands of dog owners enjoy the freedom to walk in the forest every day. It’s a wonderful environment, and the ability to walk with our dogs isn’t a right – it’s a privilege granted to us. In return it’s essential dog owners behave and act responsibly. This means things like keeping dogs in sight and under control; picking up and disposing of poo; not bothering the wildlife and grazing animals.
So how do we promote this and encourage the minority of people with dogs who don’t act properly to behave better?
It’s about education and engagement. We have thought about the aspects which contribute to responsible ownership and we’ve pulled them together in a range of cards, leaflets and posters, and our phone app. It’s not obvious to every owner, and we need to help them to understand their responsibilities.
The cards we give out have a practical value – they tell owners what to do if they lose their dog, or come across someone else who’s lost one. On the reverse are responsible ownership tips. The same with our leaflets which give the same information. The posters are useful because they can help tell visitors to the New Forest how to react around animals – and why it’s important to keep dogs under control.
We make sure this information is available in as wide a range of places as possible. For example campsites and hotels, where dog owners arriving in the New Forest can see our information. The cartoon-based poster is key in this, and jointly with the National Park Authority we had it designed to be a quick and hopefully entertaining way of communicating the essential points. Each year we make sure new posters are distributed to a wide range of hospitality venues for their information points and notice boards.
We co-fund a New Forest Ranger. Part of their job is to promote responsible dog walking, and they visit the campsites on a regular basis to engage with visitors.
We like to talk to as many owners as possible. During the summer you’ll find us and our gazebo at many village fairs, from Frogham to Tiptoe, as well as the big shows such as the New Forest Show and Dogstival. We give out free poo bags (environmentally friendly), and information to owners and anyone else with a view on dogs in the forest. Please visit our stand for the latest information and to say hello!
Our annual general meeting features speakers and we always promote the responsibility message. We’ve separately held events for those who work with dog owners such as groomers, pet stores and trainers. We invite up to 100 at a time to hear from experts ranging from wildlife experts to the Chief Agister, all explaining how dog owners can enjoy the forest without causing harm. And we ask them to pass the message on.
We have also recruited a dozen Ambassadors, which are businesses around the forest which have volunteered to spread the messages. We’ve asked them to promote responsible ownership, and we provide them with a range of materials, cards, and leaflets to give to owners.
With the Police, Forestry England, and the National Park Authority, we regularly hold engagement sessions, usually on a Saturday morning in car parks across the Forest. We talk to dog owners, promoting responsible ownership but also listening to their stories and issues, while other partners have their messages – for example the Police promote car park security.
We have started to hold webinars for dog owners (but anyone interested is welcome) where up to 80 taking part listen to a new topic from dog enrichment to the local wildlife. A key part, every time, is promoting responsibility to dog owners.
We have our unique NFDOG app. There’s a lot of information, for free, ranging from dog first aid to restrictions such as car park closures and the Ground Nesting Bird season. That is free – you don’t need to be a member (apart from being able to report a lost dog).
Our website is regularly and continually updated. This runs alongside social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, again communicating with owners, promoting the important messages. We also run a special lost dog service (not just the app but also including non-members who can telephone a report) which gets the word out to partners, other walkers and social media to help the recovery. We produce a newsletter (most receive it electronically) twice a year for members with a wide range of dog related topics.
Seasonal changes are important in the New Forest. For example Ground Nesting Birds. We're active in promoting the rules, and actually go further urging responsible dog walkers simply to stay away from sensitive areas. That's not always possible so we promote the signs, and helped bring about a uniform system across different land owners to manage walkers' behaviour. We helped support World Curlew Day in 2023, and work closely with Wild New Forest and other important groups.
We’re always listening and reacting to new information. For example, trying to dissuade owners from using chemicals in flea and tick treatments which can kill insects in local ponds and water features. We’ve also written to all local vets asking for help and offering simple advice. That is being responsible as well as protecting dog welfare, which is another responsibility. As is guarding against disease. NFDOG has raised tens of thousands of pounds to research Alabama Rot (CRGV), and keeps dog owners in the New Forest updated on the remarkable progress which has been made to treat this disease.
We take part in a wide range of official groups – this is where we can listen to and engage formally on behalf of owners with the National Park, Forestry England, the Verderers, the Police and others, the New Forest Access Forum, the Dogs Forum, the Recreation Management Strategy Advisory Committee, and a special forum we run jointly with the Verderers to tackle specific issues.
NFDOG represents dog owners in the New Forest in the consultations which take place, for example with local councils and authorities. This can range from car park closures, wildlife surveys, plans for new paths and even roads. We ensure the interests of dog owners are represented and our engagement is relevant, responsible and considered.
NFDOG is the largest user group in the New Forest with 1300 members. We are active in trying to protect the forest, while protecting our freedoms. And we’ll always welcome new ideas!