![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_SG_BGS_03-04-24-stgeorgepark_result.jpg\")
The lake at St George Park, Bristol(Image: Sophie Grubb\/Bristol Live)<\/p>\nNew licensing requirements at Bristol’s parks and green spaces are being introduced next monthThe lake at St George Park, Bristol(Image: Sophie Grubb\/Bristol Live)<\/p>\n
Professional dog walkers and fitness instructors will soon be charged hundreds of pounds to use parks across Bristol. As part of new licensing requirements being introduced next month, anyone offering paid-for services in parks and green spaces managed by Bristol City Council<\/a> will need to pay for a licence.<\/p>\n People who run exercise classes such as boot camps, yoga and walking groups, will also need to apply for a licence in order to operate in Bristol\u2019s parks from Wednesday, October 1.<\/p>\n Similar licensing requirements have been in place in parks and green spaces across the UK for some time – including those run by the Royal Parks charity in London.<\/p>\n Bristol City Council has said the aim of this scheme is to help keep people safe, protect parks, and support fair access to Bristol\u2019s shared spaces.<\/p>\n All parks run by the local authority will come under the new scheme, however Clifton<\/a> and Durdham Downs may have a different pricing structure to the council\u2019s scheme. These specific requirements and prices will be announced in due course.<\/p>\n Sign up to receive daily news updates and breaking news alerts straight to your inbox for free here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Licensing fees start at \u00a3450 per year for a single park (excluding The Downs) and \u00a3900 for those requiring a licence to cover multiple parks.<\/p>\n Dog walking licences are issued per individual walker and are valid for one park or green space only. For the 2025\/26 year the licence for dog walking costs \u00a3450. One walker is allowed a maximum of six dogs at any one time.<\/p>\n Applications are already open for dog walking licences for Clifton and Durdham Downs. Businesses operating without a valid licence could face enforcement action, including fines.<\/p>\n The licence is not needed for informal or non-commercial activities like solo jogging and fitness, playing informal sports with friends of family or formal sports activities that already have an agreement with the council.<\/p>\n Councillor Stephen Williams, chair of the Public Health and Communities Committee, said: “Our parks and green spaces are some of Bristol\u2019s most cherished public assets. By having this licensing requirement, we\u2019re making sure they remain safe, welcoming, and well-managed for everyone who uses them. It also ensures that businesses operating in these spaces are properly insured and responsible.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re working to strike a fair balance between supporting businesses that make use of our parks and protecting the experience of regular park visitors who enjoy these spaces for relaxation, exercise, and community.\u201d<\/p>\n Join Bristol Live\u2019s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone<\/strong><\/p>\n Bristol Live<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we\u2019ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose \u2018Exit group\u2019.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_WhatsApp-Phone.jpg\")
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