Dog Walking Behaviour Survey

Calling on all dog walkers to help with a survey on dog walking behaviour in the heathlands of the South Downs National Park.

The survey is aimed at those who walk dogs in the South Downs National Park including dog owners, as well as those who walk dogs for others, such as dog walking professionals.

The survey is voluntary and your opinions and experiences will be very valuable. The questionnaire takes on average no more than 10 minutes and does not ask for personally identifiable data.

Please click here to take the survey before 13 November: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KYPV7YM .

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is seeking information on dog walking behaviour in the heathlands of the South Downs National Park as part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Heathlands Reunited project. SDNPA has commissioned independent research consultancy, Collingwood Environmental Planning, to undertake the survey on this topic.

The National Park Authority is promoting a campaign (‘Take the Lead’) to encourage responsible dog walking on heathlands and other habitats. This survey of dog walking behaviours is a follow up to one that was undertaken in 2018 and will allow us to assess the success of the campaign.

The survey results will be used to inform project activities aimed at conserving and improving heathlands sites and will contribute to a report.

We are really keen to hear from as many dog walkers as possible, so please do share this survey link with other dog walkers in your area.

If you have any queries about this survey, please contact: heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk