Your+Dog++May+2019

42 Your Dog May 2019

t he New Forest

A dog lover’s

guide to:

This month The New

Forest hosts a fi rst, with

the launch of Dogstival,

a boutique festival for

dogs and dog lovers,

hosted by presenter,

naturalist, and local resident Chris Packham.

The event takes place on May 18 and 19, at

Pylewell Park, a 17th century house set in

a 2,000-acre estate with a mix of woodland,

a 15-acre lake, and its own beach!

A Dogstival day out will include a range

of exciting displays; a behavioural stage;

have-a-go activities; boutique shopping; the

Dogstival Lounge, hosted by Anna Webb, and

featuring a range of fascinating talks; artisan

food and drink; and The Dogstival Awards.

“I can’t wait to host the event at Pylewell

Park,” said Chris. “Pet owners will get the

chance to learn about their dogs — from

their mental health to what’s in their dog

bowls, as well as hearing more about the

amazing habitat and environment around us.”

5 THINGS FOR DOGS

AND OWNERS TO

LOVE ABOUT THE

NEW FOREST

As a local resident, Chris is passionate

about his ‘patch’ as is his much-loved

16-year-old Poodle, Scratchy. Here he

shares fi ve things that make the New

Forest such a great place for dogs and

dog lovers.

1

The New Forest is so much more

than a ‘forest’. Beyond the vast acres

of woodland, there are rugged open

heathlands and over 40 miles of stunning

coastline for dogs and their owners

to enjoy.

2

Every season paints a diff erent picture

— in May, the New Forest trees

are a spectacular shade of green. Fast

forward to autumn and they transform

into breathtaking colours of green,

orange, and gold; the seasons bring

a wondrous change.

N

3

It’s a great place to switch off. For

me, the simple rhythm of walking

encourages us to relax, to take things in,

and there is so much beauty to see in the

area. Spending quality time with your dog,

away from technology or life’s distractions,

is great for your own and your dog’s mental

well-being and will help to strengthen

your bond.

4

It’s super dog-friendly — with so many

four-legged residents and visitors, the

area caters well for dogs. From campsites,

holidays, cottages, boutique hotels, pubs, to

cafes, a dog can expect a warm welcome.

5

Dogstival! To book a ticket to Dogstival

or to fi nd out more about the event, visit

http://www.dogstival.co.uk

Pylewell House.

Chris says the New Forest is

so much more than a ‘forest’.

The New

Forest covers

more than 219

square miles.

Chris Packham

and Scratchy.

Bramshaw

Cadnam

Minstead

Lyndhurst

Brockenhurst

Burley

Bransoore

Sway

Lymington Buckler’sHard

Beaulieu

Exbury

Lepe

Calshot

t he New Fore

s

t DOG-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS

EXBURY GARDENS

AND STEAM RAILWAY

These stunning gardens, covering

a 200-acre site, are world famous for

the Rothschild collection of

rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias,

rare trees, and shrubs.

A riot of colour in spring, an oasis of

tranquillity in summer, and a spectacular

array of changing hues in the autumn,

Exbury is a magical experience.

Dogs are very welcome to visit, but

they must be kept on a short lead

and ‘leave nothing behind but

paw prints’.

Water bowls for dogs are available

at various locations and dogs are allowed

in Mr Eddy’s restaurant, provided they are

well behaved and kept on a lead. They can

even enjoy a canine ice cream!

Your dog can also join you (again on

a lead) for the 20-minute trip aboard the

12¼in-gauge steam railway.

There are over 22 miles of pathways

in the gardens to explore with your dog;

dog bins are located throughout and are

clearly marked on the gardens’ map.

Throughout the year, Exbury also

hosts Devoted to Dogs Days, where

visitors, accompanied by their pets,

receive a discount for entry into the

stunning gardens.

● To fi nd out more, visit the website

http://www.exbury.co.uk

39-44 YD New Forest CS(SW)ok .indd 42 26/03/2019 16:26