The last few weeks have seen extraordinary times but out of the many news stories it has shown us at least two things:
- The importance of being as fit and healthy as possible.
- The importance and value of our countryside and green spaces.
In Cople we are lucky to be surrounded by countryside, footpaths, bridleways and other green spaces to which we all have easy and immediate access. And it is has been lovely to see people getting out more and using these spaces for their physical and mental health and it has shown how vital these ‘green lungs’ are to all of us and how we need to look after them and even increase them for everyone, including future generations, to enjoy. Never has nature and green spaces been so valued…
Due to more people using these areas there has, sadly, been a general increase in littering and dog mess not being picked up and we would encourage everyone to please, take your litter home and clear up after your dog to make these places safer and more pleasant for everyone to enjoy and use.
Our green spaces around Cople include:
- The Millennium Wood at Water End (now managed by the Parish Council). Dog poo must be removed.
- The Cricket and Playing Field (managed by the Cople Village Trust). Dogs must be on leads and dog poo removed.
- Cople Pits Nature Reserve (managed by the Wildlife Trust). Dog poo must be removed.
- Dog Field (managed by Bedford Borough Council). Dog poo must be removed.
- Bedford Girls’ School ‘Cople Fields’ (managed by Bedford Girls’ School). Dogs must be on leads and dog poo removed.
It is now illegal in the UK not to pick up your dog poo and you may face an on-the-spot fine of up to £80. In addition, dog poo is hazardous and can cause serious diseases, particularly to children, so please bag it and put it in any rubbish bin.
The access to the Girls’ School playing fields is permissive and it is only by their kind permission that local people can use it for their enjoyment and dog walking but you must keep your dogs on leads at all times and remove any dog poo. If this is not done, then there is strong chance that the school may close the fields to us, which would be a real shame so please respect the school’s rules whenever you are using the playing fields.
Thank you and we hope that you continue to enjoy, and respect, the green spaces and countryside around Cople.
Cople Parish Council