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Leading the way across moorland

30/ 4/2008

A CARTOON showing owners how to walk their dogs safely on the moors around Glossop and the Peak Park has been produced.

The light-hearted 15-minute animation is one of a series of free downloads from the Peak Park website.

Paws on the Moors follows Barney the puppy as he experiences the delights and dangers of the park.

The cartoon highlights that short, two-metre leads are essential during the breeding season — 1 March to 31 July — when the ground nests of rare moorland birds can be disturbed, young creatures abandoned, lambs harmed and dogs or owners injured by cattle defending calves.

Dan Boys, project officer with the Moors for the Future Partnership, said the cartoon was written from a dog’s perspective.

"This approach will hopefully enable people to look with fresh eyes at the importance of following just a few simple guidelines when visiting moorland areas, which will ultimately mean a more enjoyable visit too," he said.

Log onto www.pawsonthemoors.org to see the cartoon.

A new book, Ride and Ramble, features 20 ‘green’ walks in the Peak District.

Walkers can either opt for the totally-sustainable route or park their car and take the bus or train to the start-point then ramble back. The book also includes a bus timetable.

Carol Lavell, project officer with Peak Connections, said: "We’ve tried to spread the routes across the Peak District to give a flavour of the area."

The book is available from www.nationalparks.gov.uk/pdshop or Peak Park visitor centres.