Manor Park Comments

I met John Craig in the park at lunchtime today. He came across better in person than he had on the phone last Friday! From our conversation it became obvious that the situation is a 'fait accompli' even though I went through all the reasons why is should not be! He did, however, apologise for the way it had been handled and said that lessons would be learned!
I asked him if he would consider cutting a path or paths through the 'ice field' (on the other side of the lake at the lower end for those that do not know it) and he said this was a reasonable request and would be considered on his return from annual holiday at the end of August.

As a recent (one year) dog owner using the park I can appreciate both sides of this argument. However, I think the lack of consultation is poor and lack of planning (for example, not securing fencing and gates before introducing livestock) even worse.

Many park users are intimidated by cattle and sheep/dogs just do not mix. If fencing and gates are not secured then we will be forced to keep our dogs on the lead throughout the park.

We don’t walk our dog down by the lake (to protect the birds) and most don’t walk in the picnic / play area understanding that this is best left for families to use. It seems only reasonable that dog walkers are allowed to let their dogs, off lead, in both of the fields.

Conversely, we dog owners must be careful not to overstate our case or we will lose sympathy and support. Also, there are still too many owners not clearing up their animal's mess, which doesn't help.

We have written to Beverley Durling at Kent County Council's Environment & Waste department.

Let's be firm but use moderate language to make our points and hope that commonsense prevails.

I have just come off the phone after speaking with John Craig (Head Rangers at Shorne Woods Country Park), we had an open discussion about the livestock changes that are taking place at Manor Park and he has clarified that there will be Hebridean Cattle as well as Hebridean Sheep being introduced to the Park today. The number of animals depends on the level of grazing available in the park. They will be rotated between the two fields and the dogs will need to be under control in the field where the sheep and cattle are grazing. These animals are apparently hardy breeds and will initially be sited here on a 6 month trial which will run through to the new year. I have pointed out my concerns with the gates and stiles and the dangerous condition of Abbey field when it's over used in the winter (wet) period. He will be in Manor Park tomorrow between 10:30 and 3:00pm and would like to chat to anyone during that time.

I have been to Manor Park regularly over the last 30 years with my dogs.
I too contacted John at KCC and found his attitude infuriating. He quite obviously dislikes dogs and presumably people who have dogs! He suggested that I was the only person to complain about the sheep and cattle. He did inform me that they would be grazed in rotation on the 2 fields, but that "dogs can be exercised under close control in the other field". An old friend of mine has been so incensed by the Council's lack of consideration on this matter that she has sent KCC a strong email informing them that the site is not "animal proof" and reminding them that years ago when sheep were put in the field they were attacked one night to the horror of the shepherd who found them! I believe she has sent a copy of her missive to Round Oak Farm (who own the sheep)! We have all formed friendships in this park and we are the ones who keep the new Cafe going during the winter months. I just feel that this situation has been thrust upon us with no realy forethought as to the consequences in the long term.

Thank you for that clarification Kay on Cattle. I have been in touch with Trudy Dean our Borough Councillor, she didn't know anything about this and expressed her annoyance as they have a liaison Committee to handle this type of thing. She will l ask Tim Bell for answers to the questions I have raise.

I agree with your comments Paul. There has been no communication about this being a trail and the notices on the park mention cattle as well as sheep so who is telling the truth ? My husband has rang the contact number provded and no one was available to discuss this with him. A friend also rang the same number and was informed that she was the only one to have rang the office which is untruthfull. Its disappointing that we will have to stop going to manor park and i will be writing to my MP to advsie about the total lack of consultation and communication farce.

It's a pitty that the KCC Park Notice was not that clear, but I see that the Notices have now been removed from the gates into the country park now! Sally is much more in the know than me and other users of the park including Suzie Cafe owner who have been left completly in the dark.

A country park is provided for the benefit of the park 'User Groups', dog walkers are one group, I cannot see how keeping livestock in a country park benefits any of the 'User Groups'. There's been no mention of a 'trial'? If this is a trial why haven't Borough and Parish councils been informed, why haven't the park users been informed and more importantly where is the risk assessment? For example what happens if a gate is left open? or if a style is breached by a dog, what steps are going to be taken if a dog does get into the field with the sheep. Finally which 'User Groups' is going to be blamed if anything happens to the sheep! Answer .. The Dog Walkers

I have to disagree with the opening statement of Patrons of Manor Park Treated as Second Class Citizens.

I have only ever known politeness and courtesy from all the staff at Manor. I can understand the worry of not being able to exercise dogs off the lead, but as stated there will only be one field being used for grazing leaving the other for all others users.

Manor Park is not just for dogs and owners, everyone is welcome. Perhaps if all people cleared up after themselves and their dogs, the place would be a whole lot nicer for all to use. The wardens find dog mess tied in bags and hung on trees or thrown in the bushes which is highly unpleasant. I know most owners are clean with their animals but not all are.

If people feel that strongly about the park, there are plenty of other places in which to exercise their dogs. But please remember this is for a six month trial. I feel you are all taking this a little personally. Lets face it, the word 'Countryside' implies animals of all species.

Years ago there were sheep kept in the park. Later cattle was introduced so it has not always been purely the domain of the dog walker. Manor Park is still a great place to take dogs. If only people were a little more broad-minded.

Can I put the record straight as far as livestock grazing in Manor Park goes. There will only be sheep,they will graze in one field, leaving the other field free for everyone who wishes to use it. They will be rotated every now and then over a trial period of six months. May I respectfully point out that the country park is for the use and enjoyment by everybody and not the sole preserve of dogs and their owners. As for the waste produced by either sheep or cows,please remember it is a country park, and that it is good for the wild flowers.

Finally, please do not put up notices,especially one containing bad language,without asking permission from the owners of the park (KCC).

Mick - Countryside Warden

Hi Paul
I too am irratated by the lack of consultation regarding the addition of livestock into the park. I enjoy being able to let Mylo run freely around the two fields and will now have to find alternative areas to use, Someone told me they are having to pay a farmer to graze the fields. Do you know if this is true
Regards Kate

Paul I agree with your comments re the park. As you know, we visit Manor Park twice daily with Oscar and I think generally it is beginning to look a bit run down.
I never liked it when the cattle were there before and was glad to see the back of them.
I even sent a comments card to Kent Council to have the water troughs removed due to the water being stagnant. However, we then found out the cattle were returning so the troughs are staying put. I didn't like the attitude of tim Bell, the head ranger who quite clearly from his reply has not been to inspect the troughs. He said the water in them was fine and I should keep my dog on a lead.
We have decided that we will not be using the park either until the cattle have gone.
Anyhelp I can give please let me know.

I've just contacted the number displayed on the notices at Manor Park (01474 823800) to register my complaint. The ranger (Mel) has taken my details and will pass them onto the two rangers handling these changes (John & Tim). I have pointed out that I am unhappy with the lack of notice and consoltation with the park users on this matter.

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