Lido Park and St Peters Fields, Droitwich


Ready for my close-up




Maimee and I have been shooting the breeze in the Lido Park since we were puppies so it's our favourite all-seasons local place to exercise and meet some of the friendliest dogs and owners in the county.

At this time of year, we'd normally be losing our thick teddy bear hair faster than a coyote at a barn dance but the continuing cold snap means our Winter coats are still as thick and furry as they were at Christmas.

And while the birds are still very much adding the finishing touches to their nests, our owner spotted this cheeky young robin in a thicket who was more than happy to pose for a happy snap.

Like many of the parks in our area, the Lido Park and St Peters Fields hold a Green Flag award - a national quality award for parks and open spaces which fit the criteria for among other things being welcoming, clean and well maitained, healthy, safe and secure.

It's a haven for dogs not just because you're free to go where you want to without a lead but because there's an amazing conifer arboretum to explore and maples, lime trees and rowans dotted all around the perimeter.

It's close to the town centre and covers near 20 hectares of space including St Peters Fields and the cricket ground and there are free tennis courts, play areas for youngsters and older children and a lovely old-fashioned band-stand.

During the summer months, the adjoining lido and water play area is a great place to catch the rays and enjoy the lovely big swimming pool.

Our owner normally parks in the St Peters carpark next to the school and church because it's free and you can enter the park up near the conifer arboretum, take the little foot path at the side of the church which brings you out on the fields or join the little path from the carpark down over Corbett's bridge.

Whichever way you choose, you can do a circuit which takes you up through the arboretum and down to Bishop's Pool - great for leaping into off the wooden bird feeding platform, up to the lido and back round past the tennis courts and play area and out on to St Peters fields.

One of the loveliest aspects in the walk from the play area to the fields is the fantastic seasons mural which has been painted by pupils from Droitwich High School, St Peters First School and young people from the Prince's Trust.

The scenes of winter, spring, summer and autumn are really beautiful; foxes, badgers, magpies, crows and swallows against a brightly painted backdrop of rowan bushes, trees and twinkling starry skies.



It's pretty boggy at the field edges at the moment so owners need their wellies but Maimee and I love skittering through the lake-size puddles and pinching other dogs balls which always seem to turn up in the undergrowth.

It also seems to attract an uncanny number of friendly Labradors and their owners. One morning, there were no less than ten Labs all tearing round so it's just great for socialising.

And alongside the three doggy poo bins on the park, there are a further 15 on St Peters Fields so there's no excuse for owners not to scoop the poop while they're out and about.

Ah, I can still remember enjoying my first ever icecream at the Lido Park when I was about three months old. I don't think the toddler who launched it at me from her pushchair was as happy about it as I was!

We'd recommend it in all seasons and weathers. At twilight on a cold frosty night with the owls hooting and a full moon catching the shadows across the fields, it's doggy walking heaven.

This walk is recommended by Rocky.


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