Just had a lovely half hour with our two spaniels. It was very hot but the dogs found shady places…read moreunder the trees. Lovely meadow, well fenced in. Easy parking. Will definitely book again.

Just as Toxteth is misunderstood and looked down upon as it nestles between the more affluent…read moreAigburth and the city centre, Princes Park is rarely appreciated as a genuinely nice open space. With this being the case thois often a much quieter and serene place - in the hours of daylight, I still wouldn't advise going for a late stroll though the poorly grass here - so with its large pond it makes for a great place for fishing. Fishing is surprisingly popular in Liverpool! In light of this, the pond side is often littered with cans and food as lads while away days, well catching fish I assume? I can't imagine what's in there but with common sightings of Heron and Moorhen their is definitely life in there. Although Sefton tends to get all the big events such as circus and Africa Oye, Princes Park will often host more community orientated events from local groups and schools. If strolling to town, take a detour through Princes Park rather heading straight along Park Road or Princes Ave.

Princes Park is slightly overlooked due to its close proximity to its Big Sister Sefton Park which…read moreis only a stones throw away. However it's a pretty little park that's just in need of a little TLC. It has a really well used fishing lake and there are many a fisherman on the banks waiting for their catch of the day. I've never really understood the concept of fishing and kind of wished that they would dress up like gnomes but that's just me. Anyway, if you go for a stroll around the lake and are feeling slightly imaginative, if you squint a little and photoshop out the flats that protrude from the top of the once glorious manor house, you can almost see Pemberley and Mr Darcy emerging from the lake... Well, maybe that was a fisherman, but I can dream!

Pickerings Pasture isn't easy to find. Squashed on the edge of an industrial park in Hale, south…read moreLiverpool, it's in a pretty odd location and if you haven't been before, there's a chance you may get lost. But that doesn't detract from its superb view. To the left lies the Runcorn Bridge. On a bright day sun glints off it and the glass panels on the other side of the water. To the right off this grassy stretch is a delightful bird watching spot. Nuts adorn every other tree alongside fat balls, meaning there are many types of birds you won't find in the average garden. The watching spot looks onto a mere, which it has to be said isn't that impressive. You do see the odd heron, mind you. For photographers it's a real challenge to snap the birds before they fly away - besides the cocky robin that is.

Pickerings Pasture is a stretch of small nature reserve on the banks of the Mersey estuary with…read moreviews of the turbid river and the Runcorn bridge glinting faraway in the sun, even at night. It was constructed in the early eighties, when a thick duvet of clay was draped over the pungent industrial detritus that had been accumulating on the site since the 1950s. While this sounds like the beginnings of a zombie film (and believe me nobody would want that more than myself) there's still a sublime stroll to be had around this wildflower grassland. In the far corner of the reserve stands a shoddy bird hide that you should probably avoid. There's always one grubby old man sat here staring out at the wastes beyond. You get the feeling striking up a conversation with him would result in a flash of eyes and an inhuman shriek, followed by him walking from a shallow grave a week later. Yes, I'm just scaremongering. Visit Pickerings Pasture on a sunny afternoon and you can sit on a bench and watch the river go by, wondering just what the hell it is those petrochemical plants across the river are pumping up your nostrils.

Hi Mike. You have proved that it is definitely possible to teach an old dog new tricks! Your advice…read morehas transformed our relationship with Angel, our 11-year-old rescued Bichon. We've had her for about a year but her possessiveness over food and resources was getting much worse and we were really worried that things were not going to work out with our current family situation. After one home visit from you, we have put in place all of the advice and training measures you suggested and everything is going really well. The daily growling incidents have reduced considerably now we know how to avoid and distract. Mealtimes in particular have improved - we are putting only small amounts of food in her bowl, then putting it down after she waits and then repeating the process until she has had the whole portion. One of the key things you helped us realise, is that just because she is 11, not to let her get away with things. For example, she used to have a set route she preferred for walks, with lots of little foibles about where to cross the road and stop at certain points. We used to indulge her routines and because she is an old dog, let her do what she wanted. But now, if we want to go left and she doesn't, I stand still until she stops pulling. Then I start to move towards the way I want. If she pulls again I stop, and I do not look at her. Eventually she starts to come towards me and once we are trotting off in the new direction she is fine. Thanks again for your advice. It has made Angel a much happier little lady.

From the owner: Dog & puppy training in Northwich & Cheshire…read more A well-behaved dog is a pleasure to own. At the club we show you how to interact with your dog and improve your dog handling skills. What's more, socialising with like-minded people and their dogs is a treat for you and your dog too.

On the whole, Bowland Wild Boar Park is an enjoyable day out, especially for children under the age…read moreof 10. It is open everyday 10.30am - 5.30pm, is very reasonably priced and the owners are genuinely enthusiastic and friendly, with bigger and better ideas for the future. It has come on in leaps and bounds since I first visited (roughly 6 years ago), when it was home to just a few small animals and several stinky cattle sheds. All the animals here do appear to be well cared for, have adequate room to roam and have plenty of food and water available. The drive to the park is an adventure in itself. It really is out in the sticks! If you start questioning whether you've gone the right way, you're probably on the right road, so don't worry. When you do arrive at the park, chances are you'll be greeted by one of the family members that own the park, and/or a peacock. Entry into the park is payable by cash or cheque only. Once you've paid for admission, the park areas and children's play activities are free. If no-one is at the gates to greet you, there is an "honesty box" for you pay into. Adults £4.50 Children (2 years and above) £3.50 Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) - £14.00 OAP's - £3.50 Children under 2 years - free The wild boar in the park actually tend to be the least most favourite attraction. Most kiddies just want to bottle feed the lambs and hold the chicks, which they can do at set times during the summer months. Lamb feeding is at 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm Chick handling - 11am, 2pm, 5pm. The park's owners bring them out and then allow all the children who want to have a go, to have a turn. Nobody is pushed out or missed because they get everyone in one big circle to make sure. On top of that, baby wipes are freely available for anyone who happens to get pooped on by a fluffy cute little chick! When the lambs and chicks aren't out, there are lots of other animals to see around the park including red deer, reindeer, donkeys, goats, llama's, skunks, wallabies, owls, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Visitors can hand feed many of these as well as go into the open pens of the smaller animals. Animal feed is available for visitors to use, for which they like you to make a donation of about 25p. When you have finished feeding, there are lots of small wash basins, hand soap and towels for you to use and clean up with after. Obviously, there are some animals which you cannot feed and must not attempt to get near, (the wild boar for a start). Notices are clearly displayed and animals which can be particularly nasty are behind fences and secured safely. Tractor trailer / barrel rides run throughout the day, with the park's owner simply jumping into his tractor and taking kids and adults alike, on a sightseeing tour of the area. These are £1.00 per person and last about 15 mins. The park has an adventure playground which is excellent. Along with the usual swings and slides, it has a zip wire and a sand pit, complete with spades and a ride-on digger. There are smaller pedal tractors available for younger kiddies to play on and a large "rabbit warren" is just outside the adventure playground, with large adjoining tunnels for the kids to crawl through and meet each other at end the end. What does seem to be particularly fun for the kids is a very large barn filled with nothing but hay bales. The bales are tied securely and stacked to make deep tunnels, bunkers and steps which are great for playing army or hide and seek. Also on site is a large education centre which is used for school and group bookings, and a small touring caravan area / children's birthday party can be arranged as well, but I don't know what these are like or how much they are; you'd need to contact the park directly. The park is very pleasing on the eye, with several gorgeous woodland walks and lots of picnic tables, some of which are right beside the river Hodder. You're likely to see lots of wild birds and animals if you walk round the outer areas of the park. In spring, the woods look superbly colourful; even more so at Easter when children can take part in an Easter egg treasure hunt. Wear comfortable stuff - preferably hiking boots or wellies. As its mainly grassy area, the chances are that you'll get muddy. Also, the footpaths can be uneven and in some areas are pretty steep. All visitors are given a map with info about the different routes to take though, so you won't get caught out. Toilets are available and have always been clean and tidy when I've visited. There is a small cafe and shop as well which sells the usual tea, coffee, soft drinks and even its own meat produce. (This grosses me out just a bit actually) The small gift shop sells predictable but nevertheless, nice little things such as key rings, pencils, soft toys etc. The one fault I have with this park is that there is very little in the way of shelter if the weather is poor, so ensure you pack up warm gear if

Stadt Moers Park is great for walking your four legged friend, as well as an enjoyable walk for you…read moretoo. As it is over 220 acres, then you will certainly have lots of space to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. There are even some parking spaces near areas of the park, which enables you and your dog(s) to enjoy the walk, without having to have the additonal journey to and from the park. There are flat areas to walk as well as hilly parts to really exercise boy you and your dog(s). Even though you may meet some walkers or dog walkers on the way, due to the size of the park, there is always room for you to let your dog off the lead. The rangers in the park are friendly and every walker/dog walker I have met has been pleasant too. Just remember to take your bags with you to clean up after your dog though, then it will continue to be enjoyable for everyone.