Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators Relax Rules

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On dog walking and opening of car parks but visitors are reminded to social distance


Rangers office - Google Streetview

As the Government’s guidelines are relaxing, we are relaxing the restriction on dog-walking on Wimbledon and Putney Commons and, from Thursday 28 May, we now strongly advise that dogs be on lead between 9am and 7pm. Outside of these times, dogs may be off-lead with the exception of the seasonal restrictions requiring dogs to be kept out of ponds, and also on a lead around Queensmere and on The Plain - these restrictions remain in place for the sake of our wildfowl and we ask you to respect them.

What do we mean by “strongly advise”? This means that we ask you to take responsibility for ensuring that your dog(s) remains under proper control at all times and that you can recall them if the situation demands it. If you cannot guarantee this, then please keep them on a lead. This is particularly important given the significantly increased visitor numbers we are currently experiencing, and if you are walking when or where it is busy. Please respect all our visitors - some people are frightened of dogs, may be vulnerable and at risk of being injured if knocked over, or simply don’t want their family picnic invaded. Our staff may ask you to put your dog on a lead should circumstances dictate that this would prevent your dog from causing a nuisance.

We are introducing a phased re-opening of car parks over the next week or so beginning with The Telegraph car park on Putney Heath at mid-day on Thursday 28 May. Larger than normal parking bays have been marked out to enable you to adhere to social distancing guidelines and visitors are requested to park within these bays. Do check around you and allow others to move away from your vehicle before getting out.


Simon Lee
Chief Executive of Wimbledon and Putney Commons