New Forest prepares for post-lockdown visitor influx

More volunteers are needed to help protect the New Forest.

The park authority's expecting a huge influx of visitors once lockdown's lifted.

Ambassadors will help tackle litter and parking problems while also looking out for the wildlife.

The scheme was set up in July by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) and parish councils after local people said they wanted to get involved more in helping to care for the Forest following lockdown.

Last summer, there was a rise in anti-social behaviour including fire risks, irresponsible parking and littering.

BBQs have already been banned permanently to reduce the risk of wildfire.

The Ambassador scheme provides a list of practical ways people can help across the National Park, including in their local villages and community areas.

Last year, more than 400 people signed up as ambassadors to help pick litter, report verge parking and help share New Forest Code messaging.

500 free litter picking kits were distributed to various pick-up points, more than 400 counts of cars parked on verges were submitted, and 10,000 copies of the New Forest Code were circulated.

With lockdown measures starting to ease from next week, the NPA is appealing for more ambassadors to come forward to help protect the wildlife, habitats and livestock of the National Park.

250 further litter picking kits will be available at various outlets on Monday 29 March, and more copies of the New Forest Code have been printed.

The ambassador scheme supports a new joint action plan put in place by several Forest organisations to ‘Care for the Forest, care for each other’ which includes increased patrols in visitor hotspots, joint visitor communications, fire safety warnings and support for the working Forest.

Nigel Matthews, Head of Recreation Management and Learning at the New Forest National Park Authority said: ‘There are many health and wellbeing benefits of being out in the countryside and on the coast, and the New Forest is expecting another busy spring and summer season. Alongside welcoming people back to the National Park, we want people to understand and respect it, and not inadvertently harm the area they have come to enjoy.’

Richard Taylor, New Forest National Park Authority member said: ‘We’d like to thank all the people who continue to care for and protect the New Forest National Park. This includes businesses and individuals who have helped to share the New Forest Code, as well as existing ambassadors and other community groups such as litter pickers who work tirelessly year-round. All these actions from a collective ‘team New Forest’ help to ensure that the New Forest remains a truly special place.’

For more information on the New Forest Ambassador Scheme, click here.