Warwick District Council is the primary point of contact for reporting issues or asking questions about facilities in Abbey Fields. A general enquiry form is available on the WDC website here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/323
Please review the following frequently asked questions before sending your question to us:
How do I report illegal activity?
Call the Police 101 or 999 if it’s an urgent situation.
There is an animal in distress or has died in Abbey Fields. Who should I contact?
WDC has an animal warden and it would be good to make them aware (community.wardens@warwickdc.gov.uk). However, they recommend RSPCA as the first port of call:
- https://www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern
- The RSPCA emergency helpline is 0300 1234 999 (24 hours)
Other options:
- You can report dead wild birds to DEFRA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds
- Contact Swan Lifeline on 01753 859397 to report a swan in distress
A Swan/Cygnet is Missing
Warwick District Council inform us that most juvenile swans leave their parents sometime between 5 and 10 months after hatching. It is most likely that the juvenile decided it was time to leave and has found an alternative stretch of water. Read more about swan behaviour here: https://theswansanctuary.org.uk/general-information/
Note the observation that “that once cygnets are old enough to look after themselves the parents cut the parental ties with them and chase them away, sometimes quite aggressively.”
Can I sponsor a bench/tree/bird box, etc?
Apply to WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/324
A possible alternative is to donate towards wildflower planting managed by Friends of Abbey Fields. Please feel free to contact us to discuss.
Why is the lake’s water level so low?
The lake is fed by an intake from Finham Brook. This intake is protected by a filter crate, and the pipe runs underground, terminating where the water enters the lake. The intake level setting is dictated by the Environment Agency. If the water in the brook drops below the intake level, the lake receives no water, as it is needed elsewhere.
Does anyone look after the fish in the lake?
Note that the lake has never been stocked with fish. The WDC Green Spaces team monitors the population throughout the year and arranges for fish to be removed and relocated each winter. The team has also recently raised the water “out-take” level by 50 mm with the permission of the Environment Agency.
How do I report a dog attack?
Call 999 if it’s an ongoing threat or emergency. If it’s not an emergency, contact Police on 101 or report online here: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
Alternatively, report to WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/385 or call the WDC Dog Warden service on 01926 456734
How do I report pollution in Finham Brook?
Contact WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/346
I want to organise an event in Abbey Fields. What permissions do I need?
Contact WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20796/town_centres_and_events/1130/organising_an_event
Can I organise a litter-pick as a team-building exercise or community effort?
Friends of Abbey Fields organise regular litter picks. Please contact them initially, as they may be able to assist with equipment, insurance, and other guidance. Alternatively, make an application to WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/299
Do I need permission to organise an exercise activity?
Yes, you do need a permit if it is a commercial activity. Contact WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20245/parks/1616/park_exercise_permit
Do I need permission to fly a drone?
WDC gives the following guidance:
https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/info/20796/town_centres_and_events/1338/filming_in_the_district
Is fishing allowed in the lake?
No
Is cycling allowed?
No, but a plan to create a cycle route is currently under review (as of Nov 2025).
How do I report a stray dog?
Call WDC on 01926 456741 during office hours. Out of hours, please contact the WDC nominated kennels, PDK Trading Ltd on 07415 030165
How do I report dog fouling?
If you know the person guilty of not picking up, contact WDC on 01926 456741 or contact WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/351
How do I report a maintenance issue, e.g. with broken equipment, unsafe conditions, etc?
Contact WDC on their emergency number: 01926 45 6128
If the issue does not present a danger, please complete the maintenance form: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/325
A tree or large branch looks precarious. How do I report the danger?
Complete this form. A photo would be useful. https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/296
How do I report an issue with litter bins?
Contact WDC below. This form mentions “street cleaning and litter bins” but it applies to the bins in the Abbey Fields too: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/354
How do I report damaged or vandalised play equipment?
Contact WDC here: https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/xfp/form/326
Can I scatter ashes in Abbey Fields?
No.