Guidelines for use of public parks

Please follow these guidelines to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and safe experience in our parks and greenspaces.

Behaviour

  • Ensure children are always supervised by a responsible adult.
  • Respect all other park visitors and staff.

Litter

  • Put all litter in the bins provided.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome in our parks and greenspaces.

  • Dogs can be let off their lead if you can see them and can control them when they meet other park visitors.
  • Clean up after your dog has fouled.
  • Respect restricted areas such as children’s play areas.

Plants and animals

  • Only pick berries and wild fungi for your own consumption. The Scottish Wild Mushroom Code has information on how to collect wild fungi responsibly.
  • Leave flowers, plants, bushes and trees for other visitors to enjoy.
  • Leave frogs, toads, spawn or tadpoles in their natural environment.
  • Do not release frogs, toads or goldfish from your own garden pond into local ponds or abandon other pets in parks.
  • Fish responsibly. Remove all tackle, lines, hooks and litter.

Camping, fires and BBQs

  • Use BBQs in designated BBQ areas only.
  • Vogrie Country Park has a dedicated firepit area you can hire. Do not light open fires in any other location.
  • Overnight camping is only permitted as part of an organised event.

Drones

Fireworks

  • Fireworks are only allowed as part of organised displays.

Metal / mineral detecting

  • Do not dig into the ground for metal or mineral detecting.

Cycling

Cyclists are welcome in our parks - please follow the Do the Ride Thing Guidance.

  • Give way to walkers or horse riders on narrow routes and/or shared paths.
  • Take care to avoid alarming domestic or farm animals, or wildlife.

Motor vehicles 

  • Motorised disability buggies can be used in our parks.
  • Cars, motorbikes, mopeds, quad bikes or other motorised vehicles are limited to roads and designated car parking areas only.
  • We do not currently offer overnight parking for motorhomes or caravans.

Tents and gazebos

  • You can erect a temporary tent or gazebo, but you must ask us first.

Weddings

  • For permission to get married outside in any Midlothian Park or Greenspace email registrars.

Commercial activities

Let us know if you wish to undertake any other commercial activity or event in a Park or Greenspace.

Guidance for professional dog walkers

Professional dog walkers must follow the rules above and:

  • Keep dogs on the lead when leaving or returning to their vehicle
  • Provide public liability insurance for their services and only exercise the number of dogs that are covered by this

Guidance for Outdoor Fitness Instructors

Professional outdoor fitness instructors must follow the rules above and:

  • Leave room for other Park visitors, especially on paths
  • Keep noise levels to a minimum, particularly early in the mornings 
  • Not use children's play equipment
  • Not attach any equipment or rope to trees, benches or other Park furniture
  • Provide public liability insurance cover for their services

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