Dog owners are the largest recreational users of the New Forest and forthcoming car park charges will affect us most. 130 of our members, and the New Forest Association, packed Brockenhurst Village Hall for an exclusive talk from Forestry England explaining the scheme and answering questions. Sir Julian Lewis MP also attended and is keenly interested.

Richard Burke, Recreation Manager for Forestry England explained why extra income is needed covering a range of needs such as car park conditions to new rangers who will help run the forest in a variety of roles. The New Forest currently costs FE £5m more to run than it receives in income from outside. 

Richard then set out the parking scheme, explaining how it would work, and how people can pay. In addition to spot payments via Ringo app or over the phone, an annual membership will be available for £96.00 (or £8.00 a month direct debit). This will cover two cars, but only one can be used in a forest car park at any one time. 

A cheaper local scheme has been ruled out, and NFDOG has learned from Forestry England’s Headquarters that other local schemes across the country are being withdrawn.

There was also much discussion and questions about verges, displaced parking, the effects on towns, overnight parking and camping, trailers and horseboxes, and a range of other topics. 

Sarah Hill, Landscapes Officer for the National Park Authority and Wild New Forest’s Director Professor Russell Wynn, also contributed. Verge parking was again key issue; and making sure that money raised in the New Forest is spent locally and not spread across Forestry England’s southern district. 

New Forest East MP, Sir Julian Lewis also attended, and clearly has interests in the scheme as well as ongoing questions. 

After the meeting, Forestry England updated their FAQ fact sheet on the scheme, incorporating some of the questions asked at the meeting - and the answers. You can find it here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/upcoming-changes-parking-in-the-new-forest

NFDOG has outstanding concerns over verges and funding, and will remain in dialogue, jointly with the New Forest Association who jointly hosted the talk.