Dogs in Berkshire among first to snap up National Trust Pooch Passport
Dogs in Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire are among first to snap up the new National Trust Pooch Passport.
Dogs and their owners are being encouraged to explore the top National Trust places for dog days out, with the arrival of the new Pooch Passport. The more stamps they collect, the more treats they can earn.
Launched in partnership with natural pet food maker Forthglade, the Pooch Passport has been unveiled exclusively at 29 National Trust places across London and the South East, including Basildon Park.
The 29 places have been specially selected because they have been awarded a two pawprint or three pawprint rating, which means that they provide good or very good facilities for visiting dogs. This may include dog-washing areas, drinking stations, dog zones in cafés, waste bins and downloadable walks for dog walkers. Pawprint ratings can be found on property web pages and in the National Trust Handbook.
As of the beginning of September to February 29, dogs who enjoy walks at participating properties can have their Pooch Passports stamped. Once they have collected unique stamps from six different places they’ll receive a special Forthglade treat. And if they visit 12 locations they’ll receive a second.
National Trust Dogs Welcome Project Manager Ceinwen Paynton said: “We’re delighted to be able to say ‘thank you’ to our dog-loving supporters in London and the South East with our Pooch Passport, developed in partnership with Forthglade. We know how much it means to people to be able to bring their dogs when they visit our places and not leave them home alone. Our paw print rating makes it easy to plan a visit with your dog, and the Pooch Passport provides the perfect reason to explore new places with them.
“However, we’re also aware that not everyone loves dogs. Our Pooch Passport includes Canine Code tips to help dogs and their owners behave responsibly and courteously, and the access information provided by the pawprint rating will be of help to all our visitors.”
“Basildon Park is a great property for dogs to visit with their owners,” says John Kendall.
“There is a variety of walks available, from a 40 minute amble through Pheasant park to exploring the Hidden Valley, further afield. There is plenty of space to exercise, and paw-friendly parts of the tea room to cool off (or dry off!) after a long walk. While there are some places at Basildon that are not suitable for paws, including the show rooms of the mansion, the main servery of the tea room and the play area, there is plenty of space to explore, including the extensive parkland and beautiful gardens.”
For more information about where dogs can go at the places the National Trust looks after, there’s a dedicated web article for dog owners on the website of each property.
