Vale's top beaches reopen to dogs

This is because the seasonal ban, that runs from 1 May to 30 September, has come to an end and animals are allowed back on the north's favourite sands.

The map above shows where the seasonal restrictions apply, but do please note the voluntary winter ban at the Richmond end of Vazon if you're walking further afield. 

Protect
This applies from 1 October until 30 April and is designed to help protect wading birds that overwinter there and whose numbers have been declining rapidly. The ban at the northern end starts from the drainage pipe near Richmond Kiosk.

The other thing we're asked is why there's a summer ban at all. The reason, according to the States, is to balance public recreation with environmental protection – in other words, to keep the really popular areas clean and give space to swimmers, children, and people who may be uncomfortable around animals.

As you can see from the map above though, most beaches and all the coastal areas welcome dogs all year round!