Ok, so I live in the middle of Northampton, and I was wondering if the following already exists somewhere or if theres a gap that needs filling....

"A list of parks or open areas detailing if they are dog friendly, or fully enclosed, or backed onto a road etc, including dog bins and no-go dog areas."

I would love to try and get something going that lets people know where they can find a fully enclosed area to let dogs off in, or to find those hidden parks! I have lived on the same road for the last 2 years and only just discovered a hidden park about 5 mins from here!!

Ideally I would like to create a website detailing this sort of thing, with lists and interactive maps that people can add to for their area. It would really help people like me who need an enclosed space to let their dogs off in, and especially helpful for those people who travel or are going away on holiday with their dogs.

Can anyone tell me if something like this already exists?

There's this site Dog Friendly Britain: Dog Friendly Parks, Gardens and Grounds which is quite useful but not too much information on asome of the places though

Your idea sounds great - I'd definitley use it

Thanks Cleo!

I wouldn't know how to go about making it at first, but my partners into web design, so once I get all my assignments out of the way (End of March) I will def. look into it!

In the meantime, if you lovely people could make yourself a list of local parks and note for each some or any of the following and anything else you think might be helpful - But dont post them here yet, or it will get completely swamped!!!

Is it enclosed or is it entirely open, or somewhere in between?
Are there dog bins?
What sort of terrain is it? - ie, open grassland, inner-city park, scrubland
Do you need wellies in wet weather or is it good drainage?
Does it have any natural features? - ie, rivers, ponds, forest areas, etc
Does it have any areas where dogs cannot go? - ie, no-dog playgrounds
If so, are they fenced off and obvious?
Is the park/area right next to a road?
Is it designated as a dog walking area?
Are there any areas which are very unsafe for dogs to go in?
How busy is the area - do many other dog users use it?
Are there set footpaths or is it free roaming, or both?
Can you find it on googlemaps (maps.google.co.uk) or accurately describe how to get there?
Is there parking nearby if its out of town?


Please keep an eye on this thread incase I come up with some other questions!! If you can think of anymore questions that would be good to know about an area, please post them below

If you could make the lists of places you go regularly that would be really appreciated, and places you go on the off chance.