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NPA SPARKS DEBATE ON HOW FUTURE USERS WILL ENJOY THE FOREST |
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Cautious optimism has been expressed by an NFDOG committee member over a National Park Authority (NPA) exercise to draw up a strategy for outdoor recreation in the New Forest. The process that has begun with consultation sessions with Forest users could have a significant impact on how they enjoy the Forest. NFDOG’s David Dickenson was one of dozens of stakeholders involved in the exercise, called New Forest, New Chapter, that included suggestions for using “zoning to spread pressure”. The dilemma presented for discussion was zoning versus dispersal. Previous moves over the years to confine specific users to certain zones have been comprehensively rejected by NFDOG. However, David Dickenson stressed that the current debate was not about forced zoning. “It was made quite clear that any attempt to confine, for instance, dog walking to one area and horse riding to another, would be vigorously opposed by NFDOG. “The general feeling seemed to be that ‘freedom managed by persuasion’ could be the answer. Sensitive areas could, for example, be protected by subtle changes to publicity, routes and car park signage, making them less obviously accessible although not out of bounds.” During the discussions, he pressed hard for the provision of more robust “honey pot” sites to attract the visitors unfamiliar with the Forest, coupled with improving reasonable access to all the quiet areas for those seeking a more tranquil experience. He said: “I was pleased that a majority of fellow users seemed to share my view that we need a mixture of approaches to meet our needs. There was absolutely no hint that the NPA was heading towards enforced zoning.” However, he did strike a note of caution. “Listening carefully to us during consultation sessions like these is all very well. However, what really matters is how the consultation feeds through into firm action the NPA will take. It is crucial that NFDOG remains deeply involved in the process and that we have the powerful backing of our large and concerned membership. “NFDOG has to remain extremely vigilant to ensure our traditional welcome to exercise our dogs, off lead but under control, throughout the Forest is not diluted.” Other issues discussed by the stakeholders included • Agreement that the recreation strategy needs to address high traffic volumes and congestion • Consideration to be given to location and accessibility of car parks, and better control of parking outside designated car parks And two key points • The physical and mental benefits of using the Forest for people of all ages and abilities should be emphasised, with no “’favoured” groups • The need for better evidence on recreational use and impacts to be recognised, with new research needed Since the initial consultation, David Dickenson has continued to present NFDOG’s views to the NPA. The NPA said it would present to a stakeholders’ workshop key elements of a draft management plan and recreational management strategy, and consider priority actions needed to implement them. |
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