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Dogs are set to get special posts to wee against, in a bid to protect historic properties from damage.

Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire and Attingham Park in Shropshire are taking part in the trial after National Trust members said they wanted facilities for their pooches on days out.

Large amounts of dog urine can increase the acidity of soil and affect plants and the surrounding environment, bosses said.

National Trust project manager Ceinwen Paynton, said: “We're currently looking at a range of solutions to help balance access for dogs with measures to look after the environment.”

The poles have not yet been installed, but the trust plans to test the scheme and introduce them at other sites if it proves successful.

Ms Paynton said the specially-designed poles were made from oak and would be surrounded by a circle of permeable gravel, which the liquid can soak into.

The hope is that once one dog has used a post, others will tend to follow.

The trust will also install signage to explain their use to owners.

“This is an inexpensive and simple way to help us look after these places, while still making sure dog owners feel welcome,” said Ms Paynton.

“We're also improving dog-friendly trails, providing more waste bins and wash-down areas, and creating dog-free spaces for wildlife, livestock and visitors.”

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