Dogs Day on the Heath celebrates responsible dog walking on East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths

Dog owners and their four-legged friends enjoyed A Dogs Day on the Heath, a fun event celebrating dogs, the outdoors and responsible dog walking. 

Held on Saturday 25 July 2026 at the Model Airfield on East Devon's Pebblebed Heaths, the event was hosted by Devon Loves Dogs and the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust as part of Heath Week.

Julie Owen of Devon Loves Dogs said:

“A Dogs Day on the Heath was a lovely chance for people to spend time outdoors, enjoy a fun day out and find out more about this special landscape. It was great to welcome so many people as part of Heath Week and to share practical advice on enjoying walks while helping to care for the Pebblebed Heaths.”

Kim Strawbridge, Reserves Manager, Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, said:

“We know that many local people enjoy visiting the Pebblebed Heaths with their dogs. This event was a wonderful opportunity for our team to celebrate the heath with some of our most regular visitors. We were able to give people a little insight in to how we care for the nature reserve, while listening to their stories about their experiences on the heath, their favourite routes, and wildlife sightings. A great event to kick of the start of Heath Week!”

Visitors dropped in throughout the day to enjoy stalls, games, workshops and talks, all designed with dogs’ enjoyment and wellbeing in mind. Short guided walks with rangers also gave people the chance to explore the heaths, learn more about the area’s wildlife and history, and pick up tips on how to enjoy great walks while helping to care for this special landscape.

The event was planned so people could come along with or without their dog. While many dogs enjoyed the chance to experience new sights and smells, the day also included plenty for dog owners to enjoy on their own, from demonstrations and advice to browsing stalls and learning more about positive, practical dog care. To help keep everyone safe and comfortable, dogs remained on leads around the main event area.

A Dogs Day on the Heath showed what Devon Loves Dogs is all about: helping people and their dogs enjoy great walks in South East Devon while protecting wildlife. Alongside the fun activities, the event highlighted simple ways dog walkers can help care for the Pebblebed Heaths, from keeping dogs close by when needed to following local guidance that supports birds, livestock and other wildlife.

Anna Harrison, National Trust’s Nature Engagement Officer (Killerton Estate), said:

“Every conversation we have with dog walkers helps us to better understand how we can support people to enjoy the countryside whilst giving wildlife the space it needs. A Dog’s Day on the Heath provided a great opportunity for us and other organisations that care for East Devon's green spaces to learn from walkers and experts in dog behaviour.

“We were delighted to attend with some of our Dog Ranger volunteers, who play an important role in welcoming fellow walkers on the estate and sharing advice and resources developed in partnership with Devon Loves Dogs. Working together in this way helps more people to enjoy the countryside whilst contributing to its protection.”

A Dogs Day on the Heath was part of Heath Week, which took place from 25 to 31 July on East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths. Heath Week celebrates our heathland heritage with a week of events reflecting the ecology, history and recreational importance of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. A range of activities took place during the event, with around 150 people attending.