Enjoying Public Spaces in St Margaret’s: A Reminder not just for Dog Owners

In our village, we’re lucky to have a range of beautiful public spaces to share, from the Madge Memorial Field and Alexander Field to the King George V Field, the Village Ponds with their charming ducks, and, of course, our peaceful churchyard. These areas offer a welcoming environment for relaxation, recreation, and connecting with nature.

As a community, it’s important to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and safe in these shared spaces. For dog owners, this means not only following guidelines about where dogs should be on leads, or are not allowed, but also being mindful of those around us — people and other dogs — who may feel uncomfortable if a dog approaches them off-lead. Even a friendly dog can sometimes cause stress to others, so keeping dogs under control at all times and following the rules in designated areas helps create a pleasant experience for everyone.

For those who enjoy greeting dogs in our community spaces, we’d like to remind you to always ask the owner’s permission before approaching a dog, whether it’s on or off-lead. Not all dogs are comfortable with strangers or other dogs approaching, and some may need space for training, health, or behavioural reasons. Asking first ensures a safe and respectful interaction for everyone.

It’s also essential to clean up after our dogs to keep these shared spaces clean and welcoming for all.

There are specific areas in St Margaret’s where dogs must remain on leads, as outlined in the Public Spaces Protection Order.  This is an edited version showing the maps for St Margaret’s. The full version for the Dover District can be found here.

Thank you to all the responsible dog owners who help make our community spaces safe and enjoyable. With mutual respect and consideration, we can ensure that St Margaret’s remains a wonderful place for everyone.