Limpsfield Common is a much-loved open space, enjoyed by walkers, families, wildlife lovers – and of course, dogs and their owners. We welcome responsible dog walking and ask for your help in keeping this special landscape safe, peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

What We Mean by Responsible Dog Walking

Responsible dog walking helps protect Limpsfield Common’s wildlife, livestock and other visitors, while ensuring your dog has a safe and enjoyable outing.

We ask dog owners to:

• Keep dogs under close control at all times
  Even when dogs are allowed off-lead, they should respond immediately to recall and not approach people, livestock or wildlife uninvited.
• Use leads where required
  Please follow lead restrictions during bird nesting season, around livestock, and in any areas where signage asks for dogs to be on leads. Leads should be no longer than 2 metres on open access land where restrictions apply.
• Dog Walkers should have no more than 6 dogs at any time
• Respect wildlife and habitats
  Chasing birds, entering ponds, or exploring sensitive areas can cause lasting damage. Sticking to paths and keeping dogs out of protected spaces helps nature thrive.
• Be considerate of other visitors and dog walkers
  Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Please ensure your dog does not jump up, block paths, or disturb picnics, cyclists or children. Keep dogs on the lead if they are not sociable or very boisterous. Aggressive dogs should be on a lead and preferably muzzled. Attacks on a person or other dog should be reported to the police.
• Clear up after your dog
  Please bag and remove dog waste — even in woodland areas — and use designated bins or take it home with you.
• Follow local guidance and signage
  Temporary restrictions may be in place to protect wildlife, livestock or the landscape. Signs are there for good reason, so please take a moment to read and follow them.

By walking responsibly, you’re helping to protect this special place and ensuring Limpsfield Common remains welcoming for dogs and people alike.

There are government rules for dogs on open access land, designed to protect wildlife, livestock and other visitors. Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the guidance below before your visit.

National Rules for Open Access Land

On open access land, dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than 2 metres in the following situations:

• Between 1 March and 31 July
  This is the key breeding season for ground-nesting birds. Keeping dogs on leads during this time helps prevent disturbance and protects vulnerable chicks and nests.
• At all times around livestock
  In areas such as the farmland around Ridlands Lane, cows and sheep may roam freely — sometimes in woodland as well as open fields. Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause stress or harm to livestock, so leads are essential in these areas throughout the year.

Protecting Yalden Spring Pond

Please do not allow dogs to enter the pond at Yalden Spring. This area is particularly sensitive, and restricting access helps protect water quality, wildlife and the wider environment that depends on it.

Local and Seasonal Restrictions

In addition to national rules, there may be other local or seasonal restrictions put in place by landowners to respond to changing conditions or conservation needs. Please follow any on-site signage and guidance you encounter during your visit.

By following these simple rules, dog owners play a vital role in caring for Limpsfield Common — helping to protect wildlife, support local farming, and ensure that everyone can enjoy this beautiful landscape responsibly.

Thank you for doing your part 🐾

For more information on dogs on NT property, please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/dog-friendly/visiting-the-surrey-hills-with-your-dog