No fines issued during first year of new powers in New Forest
The Public Spaces Protection Order prevents petting animals and lighting BBQs
Over 700 people were spoken to in the New Forest over the summer about petting ponies or starting barbecues.
It's the first season that new powers have been in place to stop people doing it - but no fines were issued.
Authorities say they intervened in over 150 incidents across the summer.
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was brought in by New Forest District Council, with support from Forestry England, the National Park Authority and the New Forest Verderers.
It's aimed at supporting and looking after roaming livestock and wildlife, as well as protecting the forest from wildfires.
The vast majority of the interactions that staff had with people contravening the PSPO were related to animals.
Only around a fifth of the incidents involved using BBQs and fires on the Forest - in one case, someone has even set up a pizza oven on the Forest.
Charlotte Belcher, Community Manager for Forestry England, said:
“Our focus in these first few months of these new rules has really been on education. Together with our partners and the local community, a huge amount of effort has gone into making sure as many people as possible aware of them and understand why they are in place.
“Talking to hundreds of people this summer it’s often the case that they just don’t realise the harm these activities can cause, especially when they try to get too close to the famous New Forest ponies. It’s clear that when people understand the risk, and how they can change their behaviour to help protect the Forest, most are much more likely to comply without the need for a fine or further action but if needed we now have the power to do this.”
Earlier this year, a video was released explaining why it's so important to protect the national park:
Steve Avery, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning from the New Forest National Park Authority said:
“It’s been great to see all the partner organisations working so well together to protect this special place and whilst more still needs to be done to ensure the New Forest code is followed, the PSPOs have had a really positive impact. As well as the direct approach to people on the ground, attending events, communications and putting up signs, we have been working with the tourism industry and local communities to ensure more people understand how they can help care for the New Forest.”
Councillor Dan Poole, Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Well-being from New Forest District Council, said:
“The early results of these additional powers to help the New Forest are exactly what we hoped for – education and understanding of why following the New Forest Code is so important. I am grateful to our partners for the positive conversations they have had with people, and I am hopeful that this good outcome will continue as we all work together to share the information of why the lighting of fires and the petting and feeding of ponies and donkeys is banned, and how to enjoy the wonderful National Park in better ways.”