Bid to boost Hadrian's Wall dog ranger volunteers

Mr Darcy, a golden retriever, and Bear, a mioritic shepherd dog, are the site's current dog rangers

Volunteer dog rangers are being recruited to help visitors at Hadrian's Wall.

Donning red bandanas, the animals are used to promote responsible dog walking around Housesteads Roman Fort, Northumberland.

Current rangers - golden retriever Mr Darcy and Bear, a mioritic shepherd dog - have been walking the area since last summer along with their owners, who offer advice and hand out poo bags, water and treats.

Rachel Ladd, from the National Trust, said more dogs were needed to provide a daily service and while they were there to "encourage good behaviour", the roles were about welcoming people to the site.

Tom Millmore took up volunteering at the site with Mr Darcy after retiring as a mechanical engineer.

The 67-year-old, who lives near Consett, County Durham, said it offered an opportunity "to get out and about".

"You meet people from all around the world and chat about the area and its history, but there are a lot of people from the area out walking their pets.

"It's also a great way for me to get some fresh air and fits in around anything else I need to do."

'Living best life'

The trust, along with the Hadrian's Wall Country Partnership, is inviting people to the visitor centre in Hexham to find out more about the roles.

"Most visitors are incredibly considerate and their pets well behaved," said Ms Ladd.

"But we have ground-nesting birds and livestock, as well as adders which post a risk if they're disturbed, so it's for dogs' safety that we ask they be kept on leads."

She said the current rangers were "living their best life" as they walk the wall and meet other dogs.

"They only do two-hour shifts so its nothing onerous, but we'd like to bring more dog rangers on board so we have the service every day."

Anyone wanting to find out more is invited to attend an open day on Tuesday between 10:00 and 12:00 BST.

National Trust tips

Key points of what the trust calls its Canine Code include:

• Use a short lead to keep a dog under control

• Always clear up and take any poo bags away if you are unable to find a nearby bin

• Pay attention to signs or notices advising of guidelines for the area