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Country Parks Information

Countryside Code

Car Parking

Access For All Abilities

Riding in Country Parks

Further Information

Contact: Country Parks Team
Email: countryparks@leics.gov.uk
Tel: 0116 305 5000

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The Countryside Code

Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs

Even when going out locally get information on where you can go. This might change according to the time of year.
Take responsibility for personal safety by checking weather reports and taking suitable clothing for changes in circumstances.
Mobile phones might not work in all areas so let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside. See Public Rights of Way for more information.

Leave gates and property as you find them

A farmer may leave a gate closed to hold livestock in but also might leave it open to enable access to food and water.
Use gates and stiles where possible to avoid damage to walls/hedges/fences.
Do not disturb historical sites and ruins.
Leave machinery and livestock alone.

Protect plants and animals and take your litter home

Make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants or trees.
Litter and leftover food can be dangerous to farm animals and spread disease so take it away with you. Dropping litter and dumping rubbish are criminal offfences.
Take care to not damage, destroy or remove features such as plants, rocks and trees.
Do not get too close to farm animals or wild animals as their behaviour might be unpredictable, especially if with their young.
Don’t drop matches or smouldering cigarettes as they might start fires. Call 999 if you see a fire but if possible check first that the fire is not intentional as controlled fires are sometimes used to manage vegetation between October and early April.

Keep dogs under close control

Dogs are welcome in Country Parks but they should always be kept under close control. There may be times when dogs need to be kept on leads to protect wildlife and each park will advise accordingly.

By law you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals.
Between 1st March and 31st July your dog should always be on a short lead near farm animals and also on most open country and common land
On most public paths your dog does not need to be on a lead unless you cannot rely on its obedience. Farmers are legally entited to destroy a dog that worries on injures their animals.
If a farm animal chases you and your dog it is safer to let your dog off the lead; don't risk injury by trying to protect it.
Take particular care that your dog doesn't scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground or other wildlife.
Always clean up after your dog; and get it wormed regularly.
At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of land or may need to be kept on a lead. You can check this by: looking out for signs. Contact the Countryside Service for more information: email countryparks@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 5000.
Alternatively, visit The Countryside Agency website, email openaccess@countryside.gov.uk, or call 0854 100 3298.