The Debate
For dog lovers across the UK, the idea of heading out for a countryside ramble without their canine companion just doesn’t feel right. But the question of just how much freedom dogs should have around livestock sparks debate involving more than just pet owners. It is an issue involving a wide variety of stakeholders. From the landowner to a livestock keeper, to the dog owner themselves, knowing when and where to take your dog is a crucial part of being a responsible dog owner.
As a general rule of thumb, if you cannot rely your dog to be obedient keep them on a lead, especially in areas with livestock. Across the UK, 7 in 10 livestock attacks are caused my unaccompanied dogs e.g. dogs which have escaped out of a garden. So even though landowners have a duty to put signage, where there is livestock on country walks, sometimes wild animals can appear, or dogs can stray from the path. Everyone is encouraged to follow the countryside code – clean up after pets, keep your dog under control and follow signage.
Our Farm
Here on the farm, we have a lot of red deer, sheep and cattle. All of which play a key role in conserving and managing this landscape, and so dog owners must be able to control their dogs in these regions. Especially when deer get close to the buggy.
Additionally from April to July, we remind you that bird populations are higher. Threatened species such as the Curlew and Skylark, rely on a peaceful ground nesting period. It might not always be obvious that a nest has been disturbed and put at risk. However, on occasions adult birds may try to distract you away from the nest by calling out loudly in distress. In this case you should back away carefully, and we ask you keep your dog on a shorter lead, to help conserve higher species populations. Before your safari, we will complete a nest check around the site and follow the same path used during our bird counts. This helps ensure that no nests are disturbed when on your safari.
Nonetheless, we love having all your friendly pups on site. In fact, our safari traxters have been designed with your canine companions in mind. Simply let us know you are thinking of bringing your dog, by contacting info@ingramvalley.co.uk! This way we can make sure the doggy dry robes and plenty of water and snacks are packed onto your safari buggy!
Aside from the safari traxter, there is plenty of other dog friendly items around the farm. From the freshwater streams to dip muddy paws in on hot days, to the doggy sweetshop located in the café which stocks dog-friendly ice cream and chews. We cater to all different dogs diets. From grain and gluten free chews to hypoallergenic treats, we can ensure there will be many waggy tails! Guests are even welcome to ask for a natural deer antler as a dog chew on safari too!
Accessibility on Site
UK National parks are on a mission to make the outdoors accessible to everyone. And here at Ingram Valley Farm, we are on the journey to do just that. From ramps being available into all buildings on the safari route, braille being used throughout the site, to the assisted audio and transcripts for more discrete disabilities. Our safaris are comfortable for anyone willing to brave the Northumbria cold!
The use of guide dogs around all of our site is encouraged. From an assistance dog friendly café to a well-equipped traxter with plenty of foot room for guide dogs to stay close to their owner, we want your visit to feel as comfortable as possible.
Guide dogs provide more than just mobility though — they offer a sense of independence, freedom, and dignity to those with sight loss. In the UK, over 3,500 people rely on guide dogs daily to help them navigate the world safely and confidently. Tasks that may seem simple to many — such as walking along a countryside trail, boarding a vehicle, or entering a café — can become challenging without the support of a guide dog. These highly trained companions empower their owners to explore new and unfamiliar environments, often for the first time without needing assistance from another person. For more information access the Guide Dogs UK website, to see all the hard work this organisation does!
We believe that access to our vast historic landscapes should be enjoyed by everyone, even if the terrain is harsh and rough. That’s why we’re committed to making it easier for all visitors, including those with companion dogs to navigate the site in one of our ‘built for comfort’ safari vehicles. Allowing everyone to explore and enjoy the beauty, heritage, and natural diversity our site has to offer.
For more information on accessibility around the farm, please read this brochure for a detailed guide: Accessibility Brochure.
