Dog walking permit introduced for Berkshire parks and forests
The Windsor Estate, which manages Windsor Great Park and the Swinley and Buttersteep forests in Berkshire, has introduced a new code of conduct and a professional walking permit.
From 31 March all commercial dog walking businesses exercising in the relevant parks and forests will require a professional dog walking permit. The scheme ensures businesses are complying with health and safety standards and insurance requirements for their staff and dogs, according to the Windsor Estate.
It added that it “brings professional dog walking in line with other businesses that operate” in the forests and parks.
From 25 February, regular, non-commercial dog walkers, cannot walk more than four dogs at one time and can’t meet with other walkers that would lead to a group of more than eight dogs. These regulations apply to the Windsor Great Park, and the Swinley, and Buttersteep forests.
The measures were developed in consultation with government departments, local councils, landowners, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, The Kennel Club, The Dogs Trust, and local dog walking businesses.
Paul Sedgwick, Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park, said: “We have always welcomed well-behaved dogs and their owners to enjoy the Windsor Estate, a space that is shared by many other visitor user groups and wildlife. These new measures have been designed to allow everyone to continue to enjoy the space safely and responsibly.”
Nearly all of the Windsor Estate is protected under environmental designations. These include being classified as a site of special scientific interest and a special protection area for the conservation of wild birds.
