It is rare for a dog to tear about like an idiot

I READ the article by Alison Stephenson regarding dogs and Sylvia?s Meadow at St Ann?s Chapel with interest and several points come to mind: If the number of orchids in the meadow has decreased in recent years has no-one in the Cornwall Wildlife Trust the intelligence to apply some common sense ? or dare I say it ? logic to the question? Local inhabitants have used the meadow to walk their dogs for about 60 years without affecting the flora. Dog walking is dog walking. The method has not changed, and if anything people now tend to keep smaller dogs. So what other changes have occurred that could contribute to the smaller numbers of orchids? Global warming? The weather in this country is definitely warmer than in the days of old, so why preclude this from likely causes? Donkeys are now allowed to winter in the meadow. It is stated that the orchids are dormant so the donkeys aren?t able to eat them. So what about their hooves churning up the ground and disturbing or damaging the rhizomes? The wetter weather during these months makes this the most likely cause. Anyone that owns a dog will know that when on walks it is rare for a dog to tear about like an idiot. They tend to follow their owners along the easily discernible paths, frequently stopping with an inquisitive nose and to leave a few drops of fluid as a calling card. The diligent owners will be watching and pick up the more substantial deposits. If the CWT erected a suitable disposal container it would encourage owners to be even more diligent! When walking in the meadow, most people keep to the paths because it is a lot easier than wading through ankle or knee deep vegetation, especially if it is wet. I live in Tavistock so therefore not immediately local, but I have walked my three dogs in the meadow in the past. All three kept to the path and ambled along at their own speed, just the way other dogs have done for many years. B Knapp Bolt House Close Tavistock