Dog Consultation

Take the lead

Over a million visitors and 300,000 dogs visit Holkham and Wells beaches each year, and numbers are continuing to increase. As part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, the beaches and areas around them are home to an incredible amount of wildlife. The increase in visitors and, in particular, dogs has started to have a noticeable, detrimental effect on some of the fragile, precious plants, birds and animals which should thrive here. We know just how much our visitors and their dogs enjoy this special place and therefore we are proposing a zoning of areas to ensure that dogs and their owners can have an enjoyable visit, the internationally rare wildlife is protected, and our beaches are spaces which everyone can enjoy.

Question Title

* 1. Do you bring a dog/dogs to walk at Holkham and/or Wells beaches?

Yes

Question Title

* 2. If yes, how often do you bring your dog(s) to Holkham and/or Wells beaches? (If no please go onto question 3)

Daily

At least once a week

At least once a month

A few times a year

Rarely

Question Title

* 3. How do you feel about the numbers of dogs at Holkham and/or Wells beaches?

I think there could be more dogs

I think the numbers are about right

I think there are too many dogs

I’m not sure

Question Title

* 4. Do you understand the reasons why we are proposing zoned areas for dogs?

Yes

Not really

Question Title

* 5. Are you supportive in principle of our zoned areas? (Dog free, dogs on leads (April 1st - July 31st inclusive), dogs off leads under owners control)

Yes

I’m not sure

Question Title

* 6. Would you suggest any amendments/alterations to our proposed areas? Please note we are not planning to alter the dog free zone at Wells beach.

Question Title

* 7. The Holkham National Nature Reserve stretches along 18km and it is our job to ensure that all visitors, including dog owners, understand the fragility of this area and have the knowledge to help them behave responsibly. Which of the following ways of getting the message across would be most effective for you? (Tick as many that apply).

Clear signage at the car parks

Clear signage on site and cordoned off areas

Seasonal dog walking routes signposted on site

Information on our website

Posts through social media

Information displayed at the Beach Café and The Lookout

Holkham ambassadors to talk to visitors explaining the zones and why they have been implemented

A regular e-newsletter explaining more about the wildlife and what visitors can do to help protect it

Leaflets either handed out to dog owners or available at pick up points

A dog walking code of conduct

Patrols and enforcement of areas where dog walking is either restricted or not allowed

Other: Please give details

Question Title

* 8. Do you have any other thoughts on how we can help to balance the enjoyment of our visitors to Wells and Holkham beaches with the needs of wildlife? Please comment here