Parks Service Opens Permit Applications and Publishes Autumn Events Programme

The Parks Service of the Velocity Interoperability Network today opened applications for permits in its parks and reserves and published its first programme of public events. Permits are required for organised events with more than fifty people, for sporting events, for commercial filming and photography, for aerial photography, for guided activities run by outside organisations, for research and specimen collection, and for vehicle access beyond car parks.

Applications are made by writing to the Service and are assessed by the ranger for the site concerned, normally within ten working days. No fee is charged to community groups, schools or the staff associations of member organisations; a fee assessed on the scale of the activity applies to commercial events and filming. The notice required for each kind of permit, and the steps from application to the day of the event, are set out on the Events and Permits page of this site.

The autumn programme begins on Saturday 12 September 2026 with the opening of the Ashcombe Forest Visitor Centre and a guided walk, and continues with a wader watch at Longwater, an open day at Central Exchange Gardens on 19 September, a bat walk at Westbrook Woods, a ridge walk at Highfold, a geology morning at Fennimore Quarry and volunteer tasks at four sites, ending with a tree planting day at Northgate Common on 31 October. Places on events that require booking may be requested at contact@parks.gov.vin.