BCP Council: dog rules

Rules added

• Short lead (2 metres max) from March to the end of July on heaths and nature reserves such as Canford Heath, Hengistbury Head, Turbary Common, Talbot Heath and Ham Common, and near livestock all year (Countryside layer).
• No dogs in fenced play areas, for example at Poole Park; dogs are welcome in the rest of the park.
• Pick up after your dog. Beach bans are on the Beaches layer.

Many other BCP parks and green spaces allow dogs off the lead all year.

Source: BCP Council. Checked October 2026.

Assistance dogs: most council dog orders and beach bans exempt assistance dogs, such as guide and hearing dogs. Check the source if you are unsure.

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Beaches with dog rules

• Sandbanks BeachDogs banned 1 May to 30 September
• Alum Chine to Middle ChineDogs banned 1 May to 30 September
• Bournemouth & Boscombe Piers (Durley Chine to Fisherman's Walk)Dogs banned 1 May to 30 September
• Highcliffe Beach (Groynes H4–H8)Dogs banned 1 May to 30 September

Countryside

• Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Canford Heath, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Turbary Common, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• St Catherine's Hill, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Kinson Common, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Talbot Heath, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Ham Common, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Bourne Valley, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season
• Corfe Hills heathland, Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOn a lead in season