Visiting Knowle Park with dogs

Dogs are welcome at Knowle Park Country Park all year round. To help everyone enjoy the best possible visit, please follow the Countryside Code at all time, and keep your dog on a lead in designated areas of the park.

Dogs are able to visit all parts of the park. However, they must not enter the adventure playground, lake, river, Osier Bed (ancient woodland) or wetland corner.

You must keep your dog on a short lead at all times in all parts of the park north of the public footpath that runs through the centre of the park. This means dogs must always be on a lead around the lake, river, car park and the wildlife meadows in front of the woodland corner. Signs are in place to show you where dogs must remain on a lead.

To protect the ecology of the lake and river, please do not allow your dog to enter the water at any time. There are water bowls available near the kiosks if your dog needs a drink.

On the hillside part of the park, dogs are allowed off the lead, but must be under close and effective control at all times.

Keeping your dog under close and effective control in those parts of the park where dogs are allowed off the lead means:

-The ability to recall your dogs immediately in any situation, on the first call.

-Being able to clearly see your dog at all times (not just knowing they have run into hedges or over the crest of a hill). Your dog must always be in sight.

-Not allowing your dog to approach other visitors without their permission.

-Having a lead with you in case you encounter wildlife or if you are asked to use one.

Knowle Park is a country park and nature reserve. We are home to a wide range of native animals, including roe deer, wildfowl, ground nesting birds and more. You can help us protect our precious wildlife by keeping your dog on a short lead and under close control.

Please don’t leave your dog unattended in a car at any time during the year.

Keep your dog close: Use a short lead to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and other native wildlife.

Pick up the poo: Always clear up after your dog, in every part of the park. If you can’t find a nearby bin, take the poo bag home with you.

Look out for signs: Keep an eye open for signs and notices, as requirements for keeping dogs on a lead or out of certain parts of the park can vary depending on time of year or events taking place.

Keep your wits about you: Not everyone loves dogs. Some people are scared of dogs. Make sure your dog doesn’t run up to other people, especially children, without their consent.