A-Z of parks - F

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Parks

• Freemantle Common
• Freemantle Lake Park
• Freshfields Open Space
• Frogs Copse

Fires

We do not allow fires, with the exception of controlled and contained barbecues, in green spaces. Do not add dried leaves, twigs or wood to barbecues to keep them burning. You are not allowed to light a fire or place, throw or drop a lighted match or any other thing likely to cause a fire. To do so could result in prosecution for criminal damage and arson.

Fireworks

Fireworks let off in a public place can cause a disturbance or possible injury. We therefore do not allow fireworks in our parks and open spaces unless part of an official licensed event

Fishing

Fishing is a free activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. We encourage responsible anglers and there are several bodies of water in the city where you can fish for free providing you have the appropriate rod licence.

All persons over the age of 12 must have a rod licence issued by the Environment Agency. This can be purchased from any Post Office, or online from the Environment Agency. Please report problems with fish/fishing/ponds/rivers to the Environment Agency on 0800 807 060.

Under 12s do not require a licence however if the Bailiff catches a parent holding the rod, the parent may be liable to receive a fine.

The statutory Environment Agency coarse fishing closed season runs from 15 March to 15 June inclusive and applies to the Ornamental Lake on Southampton Common, because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and the River Itchen above Woodmill. We ask fishermen to observe the closed season on all other city waters as good practice to allow fish stocks to replenish.

Fishing for Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout is covered by different closed seasons. The city council owns the right to this and can issue permits to allow game fishing, although currently chooses not to. For enquiries about Salmon and Sea Trout, please phone Woodmill Activity Centre on 023 8091 5746. Please note, a different Environment Agency licence is also required.

Remember to pick up and take away discarded line and tackle as they are a hazard to water-fowl and aquatic life and do not bio-degrade.

• Where you can fish in Southampton

Flowers and flower beds

The flowers and plants are there for all to enjoy so please do not pick any flowers, take cuttings or dig up any plants or bulbs.

If you wish to take cutting from plants or trees in our green space, please contact parks and open spaces.

Flyers, advertising banners, poster etc

Only flyers, banners and posters advertising or promoting public activities in the park, or relating to the park, are permitted.

Before displaying any banner or poster please contact the area manager* to approve your request and prevent removal. Any banner or poster causing damage to park feature, especially trees and other plants, or obscuring any park information, including interpretation boards or signs, will be removed

*Many park noticeboards are looked after by the park friends group. Please contact the relevant group if you wish to display a poster, advertising a park activity, on a noticeboard

We do not allow any other advertising in our parks and any unauthorised material will be removed and disposed of.

Foraging

You can pick blackberries and other fruits in our green spaces. Please remember to leave some fruit for local wildlife. It is an offence to cause damage to the plant and surrounding area whilst foraging. You should also be aware that dogs and foxes may spray low areas of bushes.

We ask that you do not remove fallen wood from our green spaces and please do not use power tools such as chainsaws in public places. Dead wood is very important for wildlife particularly stag beetles.

Friends groups

We support over twenty friends groups across the city. If you would like to get involved in shaping the future of your local green space, complete the following form, and we can put you in touch with your local friends group or help you to start your own.