Dogs, Horses & Cycling

Dogs at Queenswood Country Park

Queenswood Country Park welcomes responsible dog owners.

We have a dogs policy so that the park is a safe and enjoyable place for all visitors, their animals and the local wildlife.

Please remember that you are legally responsible for your dog and its actions throughout your visit.

When bringing a dog to Queenswood Country Park we ask you to follow the guidelines below to respect the safety and enjoyment of all park users and the wildlife:

  • Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
  • No dogs are allowed in the fenced children’s play area.
  • Clear up your dog’s mess. Dog faeces carry harmful infections including Toxocariasis. Please use the red dog waste bins which are provided around the Country Park. Biodegradable poop scoop bags are available free from a dispenser outside the toilet block during normal opening hours.
  • Do not allow your dog to interfere with other Country Park visitors (or their dogs) and spoil their visit. You may know your dog is friendly but the person it runs up to may not – this seemingly innocent action could be deemed “dangerous” under the council’s Dog control orders legislation. If in doubt, please keep your dog on a lead.

Dogs at Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve

Bodenham Lake is a popular dog walking destination. In addition to the guidelines and byelaws which apply to all our countryside sites, please keep dogs under close control, as the pasture and orchards are grazed by livestock, and keep dogs out of the water.

Important: during warm, sunny weather there is a risk of potentially toxic algal blooms within the lake. This natural phenomenon occurs due to temperature changes in the water. As the algae decompose, they release a toxin into the water, which may cause a range of symptoms and illness (and possibly death given sufficient exposure or ingestion) in both animals and humans. When warnings are in force, dogs (and any other pets) should be kept on a lead at all times and out of the water. You should also not swim, bathe or fish in the water. Please obey onsite signage.

Bodenham Lake is a popular dog walking destination. In addition to the guidelines and byelaws which apply to all our countryside sites, please keep dogs under close control, as the pasture and orchards are grazed by livestock, and keep dogs out of the water.

Important: during warm, sunny weather there is a risk of potentially toxic algal blooms within the lake. This natural phenomenon occurs due to temperature changes in the water. As the algae decompose, they release a toxin into the water, which may cause a range of symptoms and illness (and possibly death given sufficient exposure or ingestion) in both animals and humans. When warnings are in force, dogs (and any other pets) should be kept on a lead at all times and out of the water. You should also not swim, bathe or fish in the water. Please obey onsite signage.

Horses

We regret that horses cannot be ridden or walked at either Queenswood Country Park or Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve.

Cycling

We regret that bicycles, including children’s bikes and trikes, cannot be ridden at either Queenswood Country Park or Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve.  This is for your safety and the safety of other visitors.