Milton Country Park

From 1 March to 31 August each year, all dogs must be kept on a short lead throughout Milton Country Park to help protect wildlife during the bird nesting and breeding season. The park is home to a wide range of species, and dogs running off lead can disturb nesting birds and other wildlife, damage sensitive habitats and affect animals’ ability to raise their young. The change follows recommendations from our 2025 Biodiversity Audit and will help give wildlife the best possible chance to thrive.

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The updated policy will also help make the park a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone, including visitors who may feel uncomfortable around unfamiliar off-lead dogs. Outside this period, our existing policy will remain in place: dogs must be kept on a lead south of the Thirteenth Public Drain, while off-lead walking is permitted to the north, provided dogs are put on a lead if requested by a member of staff.

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Dogs and responsible dog walkers remain very welcome at Milton Country Park. We recognise the importance of off-lead exercise and are exploring options for a suitable alternative, including a secure, fenced area where dogs can run freely. In the meantime, we ask all visitors to keep dogs on a short lead during the seasonal restriction, pick up and dispose of dog waste responsibly, respect wildlife and habitats, and follow park signage and staff guidance.

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We understand that this change may take some getting used to and thank our dog-walking community for their understanding and support as we work together to protect the park’s wildlife and ensure everyone can enjoy this special place.

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For further information on this change, please follow this link.