FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION’S (FAQ’S)

Buckinghamshire Country Parks are beautiful places for everyone to enjoy, to escape from the pressures of life and to engage with nature. So that everyone can enjoy their visit, we ask that all our visitors are courteous and respectful of each other and of the Parks. We have put together some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Can I walk my dog in the Country Parks?
Yes, well behaved dogs and their humans are welcome in all of our parks; we do ask that dogs are kept under control & that waste is picked up and disposed of considerately. Clear signage is displayed throughout all the Parks regarding dogs on leads areas and dog free areas. Please remember that not everyone is comfortable around dogs, however friendly the dog may be. More information can be found on our Dogs in the Parks page

Can I have a BBQ in the Country Parks?
No, fires and BBQ’s are not permitted in any of the Country Parks, due to the high risk of fire spreading throughout the Parks. Any reported fires or BBQ’s will be extinguished by the Ranger Team.

Is horse riding permitted in the Country Parks?
Yes, well behaved horses and their riders are welcome in all of our Parks; we do ask that horse riders keep to the Public Bridleways and that accompanying dogs are kept under close control. For public safety horse boxes are not permitted in any of the Country Parks car parks which have no access to Public Bridleways.

How do I report lost property in the parks?We are not currently taking lost property in our offices.  If you have lost something in the parks, retrace your steps to see if you are able to find it and contact Go Ape or the Café's to see if it has been handed in. If the item is high value or if you have found an item in the parks please follow the advice on the Thames Valley Police Website. Please do not contact the duty ranger regarding lost property unless it is in relation to car keys and means you will need to leave your vehicle in our car park outside of opening hours.

Can we bring our bikes to the park?

Yes, considerate cyclists are welcome in all of our Parks; cycle racks are available at the Café & Kiosk in Black Park, the Tea Rooms in Langley Park and by the Visitor Centre in Denham Country Park. Clear signage is displayed throughout all the Parks regarding no cycling areas and pedestrians have priority at all times. Bikes can be hired from Go Ape in Black Park. A Sustrans trail goes through Langley Park. Please be aware that height restrictions are sometimes in place at the entrances to our car parks - see our parking page for more details

Can I bring my School/Organised Group to visit the Country Parks?
Yes, groups of all ages are welcome in all of our Parks; however all organised groups are required to check availability for their desired date and book via our eventbrite booking form. Additionally, Black Park has a private Forest School area and runs a range of exciting school trips by trained Forest School practitioners. Please email enquiries to: countryparks@buckinghamshire.gov.uk before booking to request more information and to check availability and prices.

Do you run birthday parties at the country parks?
Currently Buckinghamshire Council do not run organised parties at the country parks. Go Ape are located in Black Park and parties can be booked directly with them, plus Groundwork South based at Denham Country Parks offer party packages. The country parks currently do not have any exclusive areas available for hire. Balloons are not permitted on site. Fires and BBQs are not permitted anywhere in our country parks. No temporary structures (like a gazebo) permitted - please follow site bylaws. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy all that the country parks have to offer.

Can I fly my drone at the Country Parks?
No, the flying of drones is not permitted in Buckinghamshire Country Parks under the Byelaws. This is to keep the public safe under Civil Aviation guidance – the no fly area over the Parks falls within the legal requirements for the flying of drones in the UK.
Film crews may be given special permission by Buckinghamshire Council and have to comply with stricter CAA approval.

Can I fish in the Country Parks?
Fishing is only permitted in Black Park and requires a permit and Environment Agency rod licence. Please see the fishing page for further details.

Can I sail my model boat on the Country Parks lakes?
Yes, well skippered model boats are welcome at Black Park Lake at any time during park opening hours. Black Park Model Boat Club meet Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning near the bridge; you do not need to be a member to sail model boats.
The use of fast electric boats or petrol engine boats are not permitted, please keep model boats to the wide end of the lake and be considerate of the wildfowl on the lake.
Model boating is not permitted on lakes in Langley Park and Thorney Park.

Can I use my metal detector in the Country Parks?
No, metal detecting is not permitted in any of the Country Parks for conservation and safety reasons; any disturbance to the ground, even if very minor, can have a detrimental effect to some wildlife habitats.

Can I swim at the Country Parks?
No, swimming is not permitted in any of the Country Parks lakes or rivers, visitors are requested to comply with the Byelaws by not entering the water.

Do the Country Parks close in winter/bad weather?
The Country Parks are open 365 days a year and car park opening times can be found on each park’s overview page. The parks may close in weather that causes risk to public safety such as high winds. In the event of an emergency closure, there will be a notice on our website, social media platforms and notices at all entrances to the site which is closed.

Are there height restrictions at the car parks?
Height restrictions are in place all year round at Denham Country Park and are also currently in place in Langley Park. Please see the parking page for further information

If you have a question which isn’t answered here please contact us for further information.

Thank you for your help to keep Buckinghamshire Country Parks a lovely place for all to enjoy