Here’s a snippet of video, taken by Rob, of his new rescue dog called Coco. It was their first visit to the field and the first time Rob had seen Coco off lead since adopting her.
Pure joy! THIS is why we put the field in, so dogs like Coco can enjoy freedom safely. ❤️🐾🐕
Thanks for sharing Rob Mills
I am getting a lot of phone calls and messages from people disappointed that the dog field is closed. Some expressing their disappointing in varying levels of angst.
I’m sorry. We want the field to be open too, but surely you have all seen waterlogged parkways etc. we are not immune here, sadly.
This footage was taken at the highest part of the farm, in a usually dry field. The amount of rainfall we’ve had for months now is not insignificant. It’s been a huge event for every part of the country. Frost heave from the -8 weather, has further exasperated the issues of water logging. The water table is extremely high.
When we open the field, we are at full occupancy. Sometimes we see 6-7 people with 1 dog too during a visit. 10-15 appointments a day, depending on the split of 25/55 mins bookings. The footfall in the field is huge. 20-30 dogs and at least double that in people.
The field looks amazing from a distance, but even I haven’t been in it to check it. There’s just no point yet. The signs around the rest of the farm are that it’s far too wet to open here.
Thankfully many of you have informed me you’ve found alternative dog fields that are naturally on drier land. Cheshire being flat does help there. We have natural run off from Alsagers bank, all the way down to us here.
Rest assured, we aren’t just being over precious about it. The field will very quickly descend into a mud bath and that is neither safe or hygienic for your doggies. Safety is a primary concern, along with protecting your enjoyment. A mud bath now will not be a nice grassy spot to visit in the drier months either.
As soon as we can open, we will. I hope that’s soon but the forecast needs to play ball. One or two dry days isn’t going to do the job.
Thank you to those of you who understand. We appreciate your kindness and patience during this difficult time.
To those who shout down the phone and swear at me for being precious, or the fact it’s costing you
We are back open, after a few days away.
What a morning! It’s wet and wild out there. I have closed the parasol, due to the wind. Please leave it closed unless the wind subsides.
Our field booking times are closing in line with dusk. A couple of you are still booked in until 8pm this week (as we didn’t move the times soon enough). It will be pitch black just after 7:30pm. If you wish to reschedule, please message us. Otherwise please bring a torch so you can see your dogs and where they deposit their business 💩
No one can now book after 7pm at the moment (to account for the fact the booking window is in advance). That time will continue to be brought earlier right up until the the shortest day. Winter is coming! 😭
Diabolical weather forecast for tomorrow. Next week is looking a bit brighter though 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Just topping the long grass a bit to try and prevent it from going to flower/seed. Minimising risk of grass seed injuries
As pointed out by another visitor.. just wanted to say a huge thank you to all who have visited this week.
I’ve only picked up a handful of poops all week. Much cleaner than usual. We really appreciate the effort of all of our visitors to keep the field clean for all users.
We have mown the grass tonight, so it should be even easier to spot poops when we next open.
Hoping the field can handle the rain. We shall keep you posted how it copes and open IF it seems ok.
Otherwise it’s looking likely we may stay closed until next weekend.
One handed strimming didn’t work!
Was this you? Did you turn up at the field today and decide to enter, without a booking, when it was in use?
This footage shows clearly why we beg you to lock the gates. These were not young louts at all, as may have been expected. The length of time he had that gate open for could have caused an accident.
I’m so sad this happened to our customer.
We do not recognise the people here but the gentleman most definitely clocked the cctv camera tracking him.
We often hear our customers talk about how excited their dogs get when they know they’re coming to the field.
We get it! Our own dog, Dexter, walks nicely on a lead most of the time. If he gets over half way down our driveway, and knows he’s going to the dog field, he starts “boinging” like Tigger.
Dexter enjoys walks off lead in many places, but only the dog field gets this reaction 🤣
It’s supposed to be dry for the next few days. Yes, that’s rain you can hear on the shelter roof 😬🙈
We are fully booked for the weekend but currently have availability during next week.
Book your time in the field online by visiting our website:
www.outward-hounds.co.uk
It’s a wet one for my morning field check today.
Forecast says it’s going to stop any minute and is promising us a dry day during opening hours. The sky looks like the forecast is lying!
We are fully booked today. To book your time in the field, please visit our website:
www.outward-hounds.co.uk
I lost count.
This is the biggest haul of poop I’ve ever picked up out of the field.
#disappointed
It’s a very wet one this morning.
The umbrellas are hanging up by the entrance and we have the field shelter too. Forecast is expected to dry up by lunch time.
www.outward-hounds.co.uk
