Brighton dog campaigners hit council with Waterhall report

Brighton Dogwatch is warning of major repercussions as Brighton and Hove City Council is set to introduce cattle to the disused Waterhall golf course – a popular spot for dogs to run free near Westdene, Brighton.

Owners would have to keep their pets on a lead under the new plans, which the campaign group says would see some 1,000 dogs forced to use other areas of the city each day.

After the city council failed to enter “listening mode”, Brighton Dogwatch compiled a 20-page report based on public opinion and research on how it thinks the 222-acre Waterhall site can be shared effectively.

Dogs can currently run free at Waterhall

The group said: “The council has already decided. Unless we act, Waterhall will be lost for off-lead dog walking and many other areas of the city and beyond will struggle with one thousand extra dogs a day.

“We need the council to hear from their voters and from other organisations. We need them to see the implications of their decision.”

In the report, Brighton Dogwatch said it is in favour of rewilding plans, but feels the council has deviated from its early description of “people and dogs visiting to appreciate nature”, now favouring an approach of “pasture grazing with some public access”.

It also rejects claims that an increase in dog walkers has led to a decline in biodiversity, particularly due to the methodologies used to collect data.

The council previously produced a report in which it monitored land adjacent to Waterhall, though Brighton Dogwatch says this may not provide an accurate reading on which to base future plans.

It said: “Specific questions arise as the data isn’t about the Waterhall land itself. As amateurs, the obvious question is why wasn’t Waterhall itself monitored?

New fencing at Waterhall

“At the moment, the evidence for such a major change in land use doesn’t seem to be there. It may exist, but the council report doesn’t quote it.”

On the issue of an increase in dog walkers, the group said that it believes this is due to the introduction of paid parking by the council at another popular off-lead area -Stanmer Park - leading pet owners to favour Waterhall.

As well as research by the group, the public had their say on plans.

“I’m devastated about this plan for Waterhall. I use it two or three times a week to switch off from the stresses of life and enjoy the countryside. There must be a compromise. I despair with this council,” said one person.

Another said: “It’s very sad to see the city council is being so draconian. It’s a shocking and naïve response to a variety of problems.”

There has also been praise for the rewilding plans, with one person saying: “The amount of dogs going missing over there, dog mess left, dog fights – it’s no wonder the council wants to tighten up”.

In a recent Instagram post, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, said she had a “fascinating” visit to Waterhall.

“It was brilliant meeting some of the precious species already there," she said.

The council was contacted for comment.