Ashridge Estate - A Wonderful Place to Visit but Please be a Considerate Dog Owner

At this time of year, the Ashridge Estate on the edge of the Chiltern Hills is a beautiful place to visit. It is under the care of the National Trust and access is free.

It's a great place to walk your dog. There are extensive woodlands and open spaces well away from public roads. But please be considerate regarding other visitors and wildlife. The National Trust asks that you keep your dog close by you or on a lead and that you don't let it go out of sight.

Don't forget Ashridge is a special place for wildlife. Not only that but the law says that during the bird nesting season (1st March to 31st July) dogs should be kep on the lead.

There are wild animals on the estate (though nor "wild" as in "fierce"!) such as deer and muntjac. Please don't let your dog chase them as it can lead to road accidents.

In addition there are sheep and cattle grazing in the park and on the chalk grasslands as well as on nearby land managed by tenant farmers. Please take care your dog does not chase these either as this can lead to stress and injury of the animals - especially if these are pregnant females.

In Ashridge, please could dog owners...

• Walk a maximum of 4 dogs at any one time (if you are a commercial dog walker you will need to apply for a licence)
• Keep your dog(s) close by at all times
• Take notice of any signs relating to dogs
• Always clean up after your dog or flick dog mess off the path if your in a secluded area
• And never (please) leave bags of poo in the countryside.

The Visitor Centre is open from 10 a.m. each day and closes at 5 p.m. March - October and at 4 p.m. November to February. pic thanks to National Trust.