But it has become less enjoyable for him after strict new rules were brought in banning dogs off leads in some areas – with fines of £100.
With dog walkers claiming to feel intimidated by enforcement officers, signs detailing the restrictions vandalised and confusion about whether some are in the right place, he says it is ruining his enjoyment of the Stanmore park.
A year after the public spaces protection order (PSPO) was brought in, Andrew is just one of many dog walkers who feel the new measures have sown division within the community.
Bentley Priory PSPO. A PSPO has been in place at Bentley Priory since August last year. Image Credit: Grant Williams. Permission to use with all LDRS partners
Describing the implementation as “a bit of a mess”, he said: “Myself and other dog walkers have begun to feel targeted – not only by enforcement officers, but by other patrons who hate dogs.
“It has caused a very unpleasant atmosphere, and this is not helped by having new signage which is vague and in the wrong location.”
In February 2024, Harrow Council initially tabled plans to ban dogs off leads throughout the 250-acre nature reserve.
Following a backlash from dog walkers, the local authority passed a watered-down version of the plan, which restricted enforcement to a 2.9 mile circular walk – known as Deer Path Corridor – and in Spring Meadow from April 1 to July 31. Dogs are also banned from all ponds and specifically marked watercourses.
New Sign. New signs were put up at the Deer Path Corridor after the previous ones were said to be \”confusing\”. Image Credit: Andrew Herring. Permission to use with all LDRS partners
The Bentley Priory Dog Walkers Group initially described the row back as a “satisfactory result”. However, many have since said it has been “divisive and ineffective”.
A common complaint is the wording and placement of the Deer Path Corridor signs. The original signs had to be replaced as they created confusion about where the corridor began and ended.
Harrow Nature Conservation Forum supported measures to “reduce the damage caused by free running dogs” in Bentley Priory. Its chairman, Stephen Bolsover, acknowledged that the initial signs were confusing but feels the problem has since been solved.
He told the LDRS: “The attractive new signs are clearly at the obvious start and end of the wooded section, so make perfect sense as well as being clear about when one enters and leaves the corridor. These new signs say nothing about dates. They simply state that dogs should be on a lead.”
Perry Lynch And Mabel. Perry Lynch described his experience of the PSPO to date as “a mixture of shambolic and vindictive”. Image Credit: Grant Williams. Permission to use with all LDRS partners
Many dog walkers disagree. Perry Lynch described his experience as “a mixture of shambolic and vindictive” and claims the signage is still incorrect.
Complaints hinge on claims that signs have been put in the wrong place, with one said to be nearly 100m from where it should be.
Perry said: “There have been a number of incidents of enforcement officers, as well as other members of the public who are against dogs, intimidating dog walkers as they now feel empowered by the signage – despite it being in the wrong place.”
Another local resident and dog walker, Luisa, added: “Not only are the signs confusing, but they are not always situated in the right places, making them even harder to follow. Pair that with the enforcement officers often regurgitating the wrong information and we’re left scratching our heads, wondering if we will get fined even though we are following the regulations.”
Sue described her experience with two wardens as “intimidating and upsetting”. She claims they followed her up and down the Deer Path Corridor for 15 minutes, insisted she had “broken the law” and demanded her details. She added: “I refused as my dogs were on leads and I hadn’t broken any law.
“I resorted to recording them on my phone as they should not be following a lone woman using intimidation tactics to try to obtain a name and address.”
Harrow Council deputy leader Cllr Marilyn Ashton told the LDRS that the signs are now in the correct place and there is “no reason” people should be confused. However, she highlighted that new security measures have had to be installed after two of the new signs were vandalised.
Vandalised Sign. Two of the signs have been \”vandalised\” resulting in the council installing cameras. Image Credit: Andrew Herring. Permission to use with all LDRS partners
The dog walkers spoken to by the LDRS all condemned the vandalism, but many still “feel victimised”, particularly by comments made online. Andrew claims dog walkers were subjected to “veiled threats” of further enforcement patrols due to what they say are incorrect claims on Facebook by Harrow Council Conservatives that dogs “have caused significant damage to wildlife”.
One post suggested that cattle had to be put down due to injuries sustained either in dog attacks or when spooked by dogs. Andrew claims this is “a complete lie” and exacerbates “the animosity towards law-abiding dog walkers”.
The post has subsequently been removed by the Conservatives and Andrew received an apology after it was reportedly accepted that this was not true.
Despite the furore, just one fine has been issued.
A Harrow Council spokesperson said: “This PSPO for Bentley Priory went through extensive consultation with 65 per cent agreeing with our proposals to have dogs on leads in three specific areas. We listened to what the majority of residents and park users wanted – including dog users.”
They added: “The PSPO helps us protect wildlife and allows everyone to enjoy Bentley Priory. The majority of park users are well informed and comply with the new rules. We have carried out lots of engagement prior to the order coming into force, sadly a small number of people refuse to comply despite being fully aware of the order.
“Our officers will continue to patrol the area, engage with park users and issue fines to those found in breach of the PSPO.”
