Commercial dog walking on the MOD training estate
We recently ran a popular ‘popup’ at Velmead on the MOD Defence Training Estate (DTE). These events are a great opportunity to talk to regular visitors and this time we were there with the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership team talking to people walking their dogs and making sure that unlicensed commercial dog walkers (CDW) know they’re not insured on the DTE when they’re carrying out a commercial activity. Defence Infrastucture Organisation (DIO) has a successful licence scheme for CDWs and if any unlicensed CDWs want to join it, they can contact SouthEastTPI@landmarc.mod.uk.
The scheme was introduced in March 2019, so it wasn’t going very long before lockdown struck and many of the CDWs that had signed up had to suspend their membership. But since the restrictions have lifted, the CDWs have gone from strength to strength and there are now 48 CDWs licenced to walk on the South East Training Estate.
Our stand at Velmead last week
DIO already support the work of the Thames Basin Heaths and the South Downs National Park’s teams in promoting responsible dog walking, to help mitigate the impact of recreation on ground-nesting birds. At the event last week we had loads of interest from walkers, dog walkers and cyclists, with lots of positive comments about how we all look after the areas and how pleased they are to be able to use the areas when there’s no military training.
We were there with Nicky and Jo, who work for the Thames Basin Heath Partnership and Heathland Hounds, looking after the specially protected heathland, which amounts to 68% of the Home Counties Defence Training Estate. Heathland Hounds share news for dog walkers and promote sensible dog walking for all. DIO Operations Warrant Officer also came along to see the variety of things that get reported into the South East Operations Room. Landmarc, the third party dept. who issue the licences to CDWs, attended with their Public Safety Supervisor and the Ministry of Defence Police were in the vicinity to assist if needed.
We’re planning another similar event, so if you’re interested, please look out for details on the Heathland Hounds Facebook group. We’re there to advise and assist, so please do come to see us if you have anything you’d like to discuss.
Security & Public Access Officer
South East Training Estate, Defence Infrastucture Organisation