Livestock deaths in New Forest down by almost a third
Total animal accidents have almost halved since 2019
Last updated 24th Jan 2023
Drivers are being thanked for slowing down on New Forest roads as animal accidents continue to fall.
Figures released by the New Forest Verderers reveal that the number of animal deaths resulting from a road accident has reduced by 29.3%, compared to 2019.
The total number of accidents has almost halved (-48%) compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 82 accidents reported this year, against 103 in 2021, and 153 in 2019.
The number of New Forest animals killed was 41 last year, compared to 44 in 2021. This included 34 ponies, 3 pigs, 2 cows and 2 donkeys.
A further 19 animals were injured compared to 15 in the previous year.
Most accidents (43) happened in the dark, while 26 happened in daylight and 13 in twilight.
The multi-agency Animal Accident Reduction Group has thanked drivers and attributed the "positive" decline in numbers to a series of spot checks and driver education events that have taken place in recent years.
Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness said:
"We have to see this as a positive and it shows that the work undertaken by the Verderers, Forestry England, Hampshire Police, New Forest Roads Awareness, Commoners Defence Association, New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council, is getting to the majority of drivers, and they are driving with more care.”
"Forestry England has done a sterling job at cutting back the verges to make sure that drivers can see the livestock."
Despite accident and death figures being lower, the group is still concerned about the overall number of accidents, with 12 of these being hit and runs.
Gilly Jones added:
“We are pleased at the reduction in incidents that Agisters have attended, but we are still concerned about the incidents in daylight and twilight.
"Speed is still an issue, part of our work with Operation Mountie has shown that unfortunately some drivers have no regard for the 40-mph speed limit. The loss of an animal affects the owners as Commoners we put so much time and effort into our animals, who shape the New Forest.”
Head Agister Jonathan Gerrelli said:
“While we are down on the number of accidents the Agisters attended, we hope that will still reduce. The work done by the Animal Accident Reduction Group has helped hugely with this, but the main thank you must go to the drivers who are crossing the Forest with livestock on their minds.”
Charlotte Belcher, Community Manager for Forestry England said:
“Thank you to every driver who takes extra care on Forest roads.
"It is especially important during the winter, with rapidly changing weather and driving conditions, that everyone continues to drive safely and pass wide and slow when near forest ponies and other animals.”
Drivers are required by law to report any accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep or deer to police, as soon as possible, within 24 hours, even if the animal runs off.
Reports should be made either by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies.
Sick, injured or distressed animals, excluding deer, should be reported to the Verderers’ office by calling 023 8028 2052 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
Alternatively, animals, including deer, can be reported to Forestry England’s 24-hour line: 0300 067 4600.
Using the precise location app 'what3Words' can help to reduce the time it takes to get help.