Love Dogs, Love Nature: Rethinking the Future of Dog Walking in the Surrey Hills

Dog walking is one of the UK's favourite ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But how can we make sure our four-legged friends, local wildlife, farmers and land managers can all share the countryside happily and safely?

Join us for a lively and thought-provoking evening bringing together researchers, conservation experts, farmers and local communities to explore the joys and challenges of dog walking in Surrey's beautiful countryside.

From the Surrey Hills to the Australian landscape, we'll hear fascinating research, real-life experiences and practical ideas for balancing our love of dogs with our responsibility to protect nature.

What can you expect?

• Discover the latest research into dog walking in the Surrey Hills and its impact on wildlife, livestock and the natural environment.
• Explore an international perspective on how Australia approaches the challenges of dogs, recreation and biodiversity conservation.
• Hear directly from local farmers and land managers about the realities of sharing working countryside with dog walkers.
• Have your say! Join our audience Q&A and help explore practical solutions that work for people, dogs and nature.

Meet our speakers

Dr Thomas Roberts – University of Surrey
Discover what research in the Surrey Hills reveals about dog-walking habits, their impact on nature and how we can encourage responsible countryside access.

Dr Becky Thomas and Dr Sarah Papworth – Royal Holloway, University of London
Explore Paws on Paths, research investigating dog-walking behaviour on heathlands and what it means for wildlife conservation.

Dr Jasmin Packer – University of Adelaide, Australia
Take an international look at dog walking and biodiversity, and discover what we can learn from experiences Down Under.

Molly Biddell – Hampton Estate, Surrey
Hear how an ambitious nature restoration programme is balancing biodiversity recovery, public access and the practical realities of managing a working estate.

Hugh Broom – Surrey Farmer and National Farmers' Union Representative
Get a farmer's perspective on dogs, livestock and the challenges of keeping animals safe while welcoming people into the countryside.

Professor Richard Murphy – Chair, Surrey Nature Partnership
Our host for the evening, bringing together the different perspectives and chairing the audience discussion.

*Important to note that whilst we love dogs, only assistance dogs and guide dogs can be accommodated inside the building!*

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science - Please review the University of Surrey's Privacy Notice regarding events here.

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