What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 7pm Tuesday 7am - 9pm Wednesday 7am - 9pm Thursday 7am - 9pm Friday 7am - 6pm Saturday 7am - 7pm Sunday 7am - 6pm

Developing Dogs Ely Activity Meadows

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Developing Dogs Ely Activity Meadows

Safe dog walking grassland for you and your dog. Approx 7 acres of fenced space including parking. Welcome to Developing Dogs Activity Meadows.
(39)

Space for you and your dog to be together, without interruption.

25/06/2024

Enjoying the early morning scents in the coolest part of the day.

It's going to be baking hot for the next few days. Check the times of your walks and reschedule if needed. Pleased to see lots of gaps this week in the late morning/afternoon where you're avoiding the heat 😁

21/06/2024

Look at this absolute babe 😍

Thank you to Claire for sharing her photo and how much she and her dogs enjoy our fields.

We love to see you and your dogs having fun, so please do tag us or share your photos any time!

19/06/2024

Hoping the sun will break through while checking the fields, emptying the poo bins etc.

Buzz and Woody had a good sniffing time, checking who has been since their last visit, and startled a pigeon in the hedge.

8 acres, left as natural as possible, all to yourselves. Drive in through secure electric gates, open the car doors, no need for leads. With purpose built dog activity equipment, poo bags, bins, water on tap, shelter... And now a portaloo in the car park too. We're spoiling you 😉😂

Book your sniffari here to enjoy the original dog field, just outside Ely:

www.developingdogs.co.uk

Open since 2014

19/06/2024

17/06/2024

Have you lost a lead? It's safely in the lost box next to the portaloo in the car park 😁

15/06/2024

I've just posted this on the feed for Holidays With My Dogs but too good not to share here too.

A familiar scene in our house; are your dogs similarly affectionate?

🥰

13/06/2024

Look at these absolute beauties 😍

Thank you to Claire for sharing her photos, and how much they all enjoy our fields.

We love to see you and your dogs having fun so please do send us or share your photos any time!

12/06/2024

Where's Buzz(ly)?

Checking the fields and emptying the bins this morning. Turned round to see him waiting expectantly. Can you spot him?

09/06/2024

Saw this beauty while checking the fields this morning. Another reason for keeping the grass longer in parts - moths and butterflies depend on it!

05/06/2024

Um, that is still not an obstacle for dogs, Buzz!

The fields are looking beautiful in the sun this morning, so many birds singing in the hedges. I've heard skylarks, starlings, wrens, sparrows, and pheasant - not that pheasants sing, more squawk!

03/06/2024

Time for a positive update 🙂

Firstly, thank you to everyone who has been in touch, offered support etc. And also to those who have understandably been unwilling to walk here while the issues with vandalism and intimidating behaviour were unresolved. Everyone has been nothing but kind and it has been much appreciated by us both (Sian and Paddy).

We have made various changes to the parking area entrance and exit, moved the cctv so it points directly at both gateways, cut back the surrounding hedges, added additional fencing. We have also identified the children involved and spoken directly to them. The police are also involved as we have photo/video evidence of the behaviour.

We are pleased that in the 2 weeks since, including half term, we have had no further problems. This suggests that our measures are working and we're hopeful this is an end to the issues. We will, of course, continue to monitor everything closely and work with the police to ensure it has been resolved.

We're also pleased to let you know we have added a portaloo to the car park, having found a supplier who is willing to work with us to ensure that it is cleaned / emptied at times which suit the use of the field. Previously our attempts to get one on site have failed because the supplier wasn't able to give us notice / agree a time to have access in advance. Thank you to Walton Loo Hire.

And today is also our mowing day, with both fields getting a cut. Sorry to those of you who love the long grass - it is still longer around the trees / edges - but it needs to be done to keep it growing and prevent thistles and nettles taking over in the autumn.

It has been a truly horrible period for us; hopefully it's now behind us and we can all relax and enjoy the lovely space again - with added comfort now there's a loo 😂

21/05/2024

A gorgeous photo for a very important update.

We have been open for over 10 years, offering a space and sanctuary for anyone who would prefer to walk their dogs without running in to others.

I am extremely upset to have to let you know that thanks to the dangerous and abusive behaviour of one individual (with occasional groupies) that safety and sanctuary is threatened.

We have suffered vandalism out of opening times for the last year or so, with multiple solar panels being broken by catapult ball bearings, and damage to our signs.

Recently this has escalated to offensive abuse and shouting over the gates, throwing rocks at people / dogs / cars in the car park, and loitering at the exit gate in an intimidating and threatening manner. The individual(s) concerned are youths who seem to think this is funny and / or tough behaviour rather than the immature idiots they are showing themselves to be.

As a result we are changing the fencing at the front, and have added additional security cameras. We are working closely with the relevant authorities to provide video / photo evidence alongside the multiple matching descriptions of the individual leading the behaviour to hopefully bring this to a rapid end. Attempts to speak to the individual locally just end with them running away, and the local parish councillors have been unable provide any support or help despite one of them living opposite our entrance.

I am urging you to be aware and act accordingly as follows:
1) If you would prefer not to walk here while this is happening please contact me via email to arrange for a refund of your booking.
2) When you arrive for your session if you are concerned by anyone hanging around at the entrance/exit then a photo or video would be much appreciated. Please call me immediately if you can.
3) Please park alongside the stable block so you and your car are protected from anything thrown.
4) While the fence and hedge at the front of the bigger field are high and thick, you may prefer not to walk directly along the road. Walk inside the trees instead.

I also want to stress that we have good relationships with our neighbours and any suggestion of racist or derogatory comments about the fellow residents on our road will be deleted and the person responsible banned.

I hope to give a positive update very soon. In the meantime, take care. I continue to walk my dogs I in the fields on a daily basis, obviously 🙂

13/05/2024

The fields have had a mow, equipment has been strimmed, and the second scurry is now mown and fenced again too.

As it's No Mow May we have left the grass longer in the small field, with some mown paths, and given the large field a full cut as a compromise. The next cut on 3rd June (weather permitting of course) will cut both fields fully.

01/05/2024

I think going down the outside is cheating, Buzz, despite Woody's obvious speed advantage 😂

Scurry 1 is now done, although still a bit soft underfoot.

Fencing on scurry 2 will be done on 13th May 😁

29/04/2024

What a difference a day makes 😍

Although, yesterday's rain means the return of some puddles, they should go quickly in the warm dry weather this week 😁

23/04/2024

As has been the case for most of the last 7 months, rain interrupted our plans today!

But, most of the fields are mowed now, with one longer strip for good sniffing and running. The fields will be regularly mowed over the summer so the longer bit will be cut in a few weeks.

One of the good things about the rain, at least the baby trees are doing well with lots of new growth and leaves 😁

08/04/2024

We have had a BUSY day 😁

We've mowed between all the baby trees, replaced the stolen / broken gate latch on the internal gate, filled the tyres, filled holes, rollered, replaced the broken netting on one scurry, and all under the close supervision of Buzz and Woody.

The scurries are still too wet to get the mower down them so the replacement bales and full field mowing will be done on 23rd April.

07/04/2024

Flapometer reading off the scale this morning 😂

The gates may be affected by the strong winds - details on what to do in your reminder text / email if needed.

Very pleased that the winds are drying the fields ready for rolling on Monday.

05/04/2024

We have opened up a couple of slots on Monday morning 8th April before our maintenance work can start for the day. The fields are now available until 10am 😁

www.developingdogs.co.uk

03/04/2024

Spring is definitely here 😁

The trees are flourishing, and grass is recovering, and the puddles are no more.

Well done, everyone, we made it!

Looking forward to a day of maintenance on Monday 8th where we will sort the scurries, roll / mow the grass, generally repair things.
Still intrigued as to how on earth the catch on the internal gate post got broken 🤔 😀

27/03/2024

Well I have no idea where the post I wrote at 8am has vanished, so trying again!

The overnight rain (and the shower this afternoon now) have left a bit more dampness to the grass but not a massive increase in mud. The wind, and the sun, are doing a good job at drying things out and this was another walk where I didn't need to do anything other than dry off paws.

Similar is forecast for the next few days so I expect the fields to keep getting better 😀

25/03/2024

Looking very handsome there Buzz 😍

A real improvement in the fields again, and it's going to keep getting better. The standing water is almost gone, although it is still wet and slippery where the worst pools were so take care. Gateways are solid again, and no showering needed after our walk.

The fields are scheduled to be rolled and mowed in April and will be cracking on with maintenance after Easter, replacing the scurry netting and bales, general tidying etc.

Happy Monday 😊

22/03/2024

Now, don't get too excited, but I just got back from checking the fields with Buzz and Woody, and I did NOT have to wash them down at the end of our walk. Just a quick paw wipe was enough 😁

Hopefully I'm not jinxing things, but the fields are drying rapidly and the standing water puddles are almost gone. The grass is holding up and the gateways are sticky but also drying out.

While they won't cope with bringing a tractor on them yet, they are definitely getting there.

If I were you I'd book your Easter weekend / school holidays walks now 😁

Www.developingdogs.co.uk

No more mud!

20/03/2024

UPDATE TO PLANNED CLOSURE

🌟🌟We will now be open on Monday 25th March as it will still be too wet to bring equipment on site.

We are now closed Monday 8th and Tuesday 23rd April for rolling/mowing/maintenance.🌟🌟

Well, we haven't seen the ground at the far end of the field for months! Despite the rain today, things are drying out; let's hope it continues!

Watch your step as the ground is uncovered and keep everything crossed for continuing dryer weather.

17/03/2024

Rare visit from Paddy on a Sunday morning as he's usually at work. The Boat Race is on Easter Saturday and he and the crews move to London for final preparations this week. So it's the Paddy Mud Scale today 😂

Up to the ankles of a 6ft8in man and raining on and off all day 😢

13/03/2024

As you'd expect from the rain all day Sunday and Tuesday, lots more water and mud in the fields.

Today's wind will help dry it out, she says optimistically 😂😭

It has to stop soon, right?

11/03/2024

Thank you to Suzanne for the email we received this morning. One of many of you who use the fields, and are the reason we've stayed open despite the mud and flooding. Thank you to everyone whose dogs enjoy their time in the fields - it's why we're here after all 😁

"We had the best hour with the 5 dogs, who really enjoyed it!

2 of them absolutely loved the big puddles, splashing around and chasing each other.

It was so nice, just to be outside and to let my boxer/staff off lead, no muzzle and have some fun for a change."

Photo of Woody, still in his pyjamas for this morning's walk 🤣

10/03/2024

Sunday 10th March and I could cry at today's rain.
Things were just starting to dry out, and today's forecast was light showers. Instead it's been raining constantly since about 4am, and the fields are sopping wet again. I've run out of adjectives to describe the amount of water, mud, trashed gateways and there is nothing we can realistically do about it at the moment.

We're geared up to repair and maintain the fields as soon as we reasonably can. In the meantime please take care, watch the slippery mud, and remember your wellies and towels.

06/03/2024

So much for a dry week. Eight hours of rain yesterday and the mud is worse than it has ever been.

Don't forget, if you have packages or members walks you are struggling to use then please get in touch. I can extend dates etc to suit.

We are closed on Monday 25th March and 8th April for maintenance and repair. Hopefully it'll be dry enough by then.

Take care when walking as everything is muddy, and please remember to switch off the hose at the tap after washing down your dogs.

03/03/2024

Another Sunday; another photo of my dogs wading through water that shouldn't be there.

February saw 280% of long term average rainfall, on top of ground that was already saturated from above average rainfall in December and early January.

In brighter news, the willow trees are loving their wet and soggy corner, and the forecast this week is for little or no rain. Keep everything crossed 🤞

The gateways are slippery and there is standing water and boggy ground across the fields. Take care and bring wellies for yourselves and towels to dry off your dogs.

Address

Whitecross Farm, Whitecross Road
Ely
CB63QB

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 7pm
Tuesday	7am - 9pm
Wednesday	7am - 9pm
Thursday	7am - 9pm
Friday	7am - 6pm
Saturday	7am - 7pm
Sunday	7am - 6pm

Telephone

+447367063671

Website

http://www.developingdogs.co.uk/

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Videos

We have a winner! Buzz has done the draw for the weekend in one of our Developing Dogs Holidays cottages. Watch the video to find out who won :-) Thank you to all our tree planting helpers and if you're the lucky winner I will be in touch so you can choose and book your break 😁