From March – May 2017 we hosted a number of Big Bluebell Walks in England and Scotland to raise vital funds to train more amazing dogs, as well as to raise the profile of our charity. We host walks every year with support from our wonderful volunteers – you can find out more about our Big Bluebell Walks here.

We wanted to share with you the fantastic result of all the hard work and generosity that went into the 2017 Big Bluebell Walk events, so without further adieu, let’s hear it from the organisers!

Big Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Bluebell Walk – organised by Sarah Fenn

“Waking up to a bright morning with some sun and light wind was a great start to the day! I had also been informed by the owner of Riverhill that this was the best year for Bluebells on the day of our walk which was of course encouraging.

“We had a total of 26 walkers, and twelve dogs joining us on the walk, including canine partner Pandora. We did have a handful of people come who knew nothing about Canine Partners which is great, as who knows how much support them may give us in the future having joined us on this walk. In total on the day, we made over £150!”

The Big Arlington Bluebell Walk – organised by Ruth Narracott

“The weather was good to us – the Bluebells were not fully out, but were still a picture! It’s hard work and takes a lot of organising so it all runs smoothly, but as we’ve been doing it for a while now we have quite a good idea of what needs doing! It’s always a fun couple of days and I have a fantastic team including family, friends and puppy parents who come along year after year.

“On Saturday, there were 1,160 visitors and 1,260 on the Sunday. We were very busy both days! In total we raised an amazing £3,413 as well as getting some great feedback from the organiser of the charity walks, John.”

The Big Martinshaw Wood Bluebell Walk – organised by Kathleen Hodkinson

“We struck lucky weather wise with rain and cold the day before and bitterly cold winds the day after – but Sunday was sunny and warm! We had 24 walkers plus 10 very well behaved dogs, all enjoying the stroll through the bluebells which were at their best – despite my fears that they would all be over!

“I was pleased that Jane and her canine partner Chico were able to join us, as the puppy in training I puppy parent for, Uma, is too young and Spud, another puppy in training, was unable to join us.

“Local shops and friends provided raffle prizes, and we had a merchandise stall, My Amazing Puppy registration and donations all coming in too. We made a total of £203 on the day.

“A special mention goes to The Forester’s Friendly Society trustee Gary Howard, who travelled over 90 miles to join us. Unfortunately he was held up on the M1 due to an accident so arrived too late to join us – but he still strolled the many footpaths of the Martinshaw Wood, getting a little lost on the way!”

“Thanks to friends, family, the Woodland Trust and Canine Partners for all of their help.”

The Big Glasgow Bluebell Walk and Fun Day – organised by Dale Gormley

“We were all treated to a fantastic day at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall and Pollok Country Park, with the sun shining and the bluebells out in force! Over the course of the afternoon we were joined by several hundred guests from both the Canine Partners community and the wider public too. It really was lovely to have so many of our Scotland family together in one place, and I must say a HUGE thank you to everyone who travelled far and wide to be with us on the day.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to let you know that the 2017 Bluebell Walk and Fun Day has so far raised over £3,200! An incredible fundraising total and not to mention all of the priceless awareness of our work that we will have raised.

“Given the huge success of last year’s Bluebell Walk, we were really going to have to go some way to beat it’s fundraising total but I’m pleased to say we have done just that. There are still some bits and pieces of income still to come in, so our total will no doubt creep up in the coming days and weeks. Well done to everyone who made this possible.”

The Big East Grimstead Bluebell Walk – organised by Annie Standen

“Sunday morning was bright and breezy after the night rain had passed through. Our garden at Buckby was well refreshed and looking good ready to receive the visitors for our walk in Bentley Woods! This year for a change the bluebells were still in evidence, though they were in their final flush. Some fifty people arrived to support us on this our final walk we are arranging.

“All was ready for the walkers to enjoy a BBQ prepared by supporters from the village with a good spread of salads to accompany it. A plentiful selection of donated cakes were available to purchase, and a raffle was held for a fruit and veg hamper, a selection a groceries, and a further selection of wines.

“Our thanks goes to all who helped make this occasion a success and thanks to generous donations we have a sum £1,357.50 with a proportion donated by Barclays Bank in Salisbury.”

The Big National Forest Bluebell Walk – organised by Neil Fairbrother

“The Bluebell Walk in Rosliston went really well – we had dry and warm weather. We had approximately 60 people attending including 4 partnerships and 6 puppy parents.

“We all headed off to the Bluebell Wood once again we were met with a sprinkling of Bluebells due to it being a relatively new wood, however each year we see more.

“We managed to raise an amazing £ 1,500 thanks to a chocolate tombola and some fantastic fundraising from the puppy parents who had got sponsored to do the walk.

“Hopefully we haven’t set the bar to high for next year as we had more than quadrupled 2016’s total!”