Dog Walking Advice
Take extra care during the deer birthing season (May-July) when newborn deer are often hidden by their mothers in bracken or long grass. Female deer are very protective of their young and can act defensively if disturbed.
All park users are advised to keep at least 50m away from deer, never get in between two deer and never feed or photograph the deer at close range. At this time of year, dog walkers are advised to stay away from the parks.
If using the parks they should:
- keep their dogs on a lead at all times
- let go of the lead if pursued by a deer. The deer are less likely to charge if the dog runs away from them
- stick to busier areas at the edge of the park and avoid nursery areas in the quieter interior.
New Golf Course Club House
The new golf course club house opened for trading last year but it was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra on 28 May. The golf course has also been re designed and the new layout was opened for playing on 31 May.
Caterpillars
At this time of year the park's trees host a large number of caterpillars. While we often think of caterpillars as only being the larval stage of the 59 UK species of butterflies, there are also over 2400 species of moth. All these caterpillars eat leaves and at night, in June, oak woodlands resound with the noise of them foraging and the woodland floor becomes dusted with their droppings. The oaks then produce a fresh surge of new leaves known as Lammas growth, which has evolved to compensate for the damage caused by the caterpillars. Only a very few caterpillars go on to become butterflies and moths whilst the vast majority get eaten by young birds. In turn the birds get eaten by predators such as Sparrow hawks.
Caution - Lyme Disease
The warm weather and plant growth provides cover for ticks that can attach themselves to deer, dogs or humans, potentially causing Lyme disease. Whilst the chances of contracting the disease are low, symptoms can be serious so it's worth taking sensible precautions. Wearing long trousers, long sleeved shirts and using insect repellents can help to prevent ticks.
If you find a tick on you and develop cold/flu like symptoms or find a rash develops it is precautionary to tell your doctor. Dogs can be prevented from getting ticks by using drops supplied in pet shops or vets. A leaflet is available from Holly Lodge.
