WOODLAND chiefs are banking on dogs leading their owners to better health by signing a new agreement with the Kennel Club.

The Forestry Commission has sealed a pact to make its 55,000 acres of woods in North Yorkshire as canine-friendly as possible for responsible dog walkers.

Similar agreements have been signed in recent years with mountain biking and horse riding organisations, resulting in better access and facilities.

But the benefits of the new alliance are not just for pets eager for walkies.

The Forestry Commission is encouraging more people to venture into woodlands as part of its Active Woods campaign, backed by the British Heart Foundation.

The health push is bidding to chip away at the grim statistic that obesity levels have tripled in 20 years.

Dog walking is already the most popular form of human woodland recreation.

New figures reveal that up to 40pc of the 350,000 people who visit Dalby Forest, near Pickering, each year are dog walkers. Nationally, that figure translates to 100m visits across the UK.

"The health benefits of dog walking are not just restricted to the pet," said Paul Cody, district forester.

"Going for walkies can be an important part of the recommended 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.

"But dog walkers need to feel welcome and valued. That's why we are formally undertaking to work with them to resolve any conflicts and understand their needs.

"Where necessary we will provide better facilities. That could be anything from more drinking bowls to dog washes. And we will only insist on dogs being kept on leads in specific circumstances, such as around play areas or sensitive wildlife sites."