Working together to protect the Island’s parks, beaches and paths

The Isle of Wight boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, footpaths and green spaces in the world, and the Isle of Wight Council has a responsibility to ensure that these areas can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by all.

A handful of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) have therefore been put in place in recent years, designed to deal with specific problems that have a negative effect on a local community’s quality of life.

PSPOs requiring dogs to be on leads in certain areas have been in force since 2020 and are in place to ensure that our parks, beaches, cemeteries, recreation areas and roads remain clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

• Full information on the PSPOs in force on the Isle of Wight 

Part of the order requires dogs to be kept on leads on all public roads, including pavements and verges within the Isle of Wight Council’s boundaries.

This includes limited access roads that are only used by certain services, such Appley Walk and Garden Walk, which are the roads that go across Ryde seafront, past Appley Tower and finish at Puckpool.

The Isle of Wight Council has placed temporary signage in key areas such as Ryde seafront to educate and inform, but signage is not required to enforce the PSPO for dogs off lead under schedule 1 of the order (roads, pavements and verges).

Officers from the Public Realm Officer Team are regularly on patrol and will engage with the public to educate and explain rules where necessary.

These officers do not have the power to seize dogs, but can issue Fixed Penalty Notices at a last resort if PSPOs are breached.

Dog owners play an important part to play in creating welcoming and well-maintained public spaces for all, and the majority of owners across the Island take pride in acting responsibly.

In addition, dogs are not permitted in fenced children’s play areas at any time, helping ensure safe and hygienic spaces for young people.

Detailed maps for all affected locations are available online for dog owners wishing to check specific areas before visiting.

Officers can also check to see if dogs are microchipped with up-to-date details registered on an approved database, in line with the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2023.

While some beaches welcome dogs all year round, selected areas have dog‑free zones between 1 May and 30 September so that families and visitors can enjoy designated bathing areas during the summer season.

Dog owners looking for year‑round dog‑friendly beaches can find a full list online, along with maps of both dog‑on‑lead areas and dog exclusion zones.

Owners can walk their dogs in any public green space not covered in the maps shown on the Isle of Wight Council’s PSPO page: PublicSpaces Protection Order (PSPO)

Exemptions are in place for people who are registered blind or who rely on trained assistance dogs.