Promoting responsible dog ownership

Here at Itchen Valley Country Park, we are always keen to make our facilities and green spaces an adventure for all the family, including your pups!

We have a range of dog friendly facilities from the dog enclosure, dog wash, off lead spaces, and dog bins to dog treats and water stations at the café.

Unfortunately, we’ve recently noticed an increase in poor behaviours with regards to dog poo disposal and on/off lead area rules being ignored and related signs being damaged or hidden.

In response to the observed increase, we will be increasing the number of dog bins in the Country Park by an additional two in key locations, monitoring and repairing signage, as well as making sure a supply poo bags are made available at the café in emergencies.

Please be reminded that dogs can be off lead on the open fields at the top of the park, but must remain on lead in all other areas, including the trails, marketplace and café. Maps of the park showing off-lead areas are conveniently located by each dog poo bin along the main trails and at the marketplace. Only assistance dogs are permitted in play areas.

In addition, there is no access to the River Itchen. The section of the river which runs alongside the Country Park is privately owned and is not accessible.

We understand you’d ideally want to let your dog roam free in green spaces, but we have a responsibility to not only the variety of our other visitors, but to the resident wildlife and habitats to keep them safe.

We’re always looking to support visitors and their dogs, and we welcome feedback to help you, this also includes in how best to support responsible dog ownership.

Thank you to everyone who does observe the rules of the Country Park and has a great time with your furry friends!