The ideal location for any dog owner to live is a place with umpteen country walks and yet not too far from the necessities of life. There is a small town in mid Essex called South Woodham Ferrers that is surrounded by countryside and a river. The residents are exceptionally friendly and mostly kind to each other.
It is the variety of pleasant places to walk that helps make South Woodham Ferrers the place to live with dogs. There are walks along the river Crouch that flows past the southern side of the town and onwards to the Essex coast. The gravel riverside path is suitable for walks all year round and the river presents ever changing moods depending on the light and weather. This is also one of the favourite spots for local photographers who capture images of boats and sails near the yacht club, or of screeching gulls and placid white swans that flit between the two banks depending on where people come to feed them.
To the west and east of the town are the fens, rough marshland that is home to birds, amphibians, grass snakes and adders. Well-trodden trails through the fens and on the raised flood defences provide a variety of places to walk. On the east are lakes formed by the influx of water from the river creating a bulrush edged salt marsh.
Radar hill to the north of the town is one of the few hills that stand above the Crouch Valley. It is named as such because the Marconi company tested its radar there. Paths lead up from the town up the hill. This place with some height is a popular spot for sledging on the rare occasions that there is any snow. It is also a wonderful spot for rabbits. Dog owners beware!
A dog may be man’s best friend and it is also one of the easiest ways to make friends. Dog walkers get to know each other as they pass during their walks. People stop to admire and stroke their pets. There is a great deal of interaction. If a naughty dog ever slips its lead and escapes to an independent adventure, the people of South Woodham quickly alert residents to its description and whereabouts via the local Facebook page and the dog is very quickly reunited with its owner. The town has a caring community – especially towards dogs.
Two veterinary surgeries in the town tend to the needs of ailing pets. There is also a dog training school. Apart from the good facilities for dogs, people have a choice of good quality housing and a surprising number of eateries. The inhabitants of South Woodham Ferrers enjoy a good time, a good life and their dogs.
