Horse-ridingIn 1847 the London to Southampton railway was extended to Dorchester, making the New Forest much more accessible and marking the beginning of modern tourism in the area. At this point, the numbers were small and their impact was minor, but after the 2nd World War tourism and recreation rapidly developed, as many families became wealthier and had more leisure time.
There was a rapid increase in recreation in the 1960s and 1970s during which time camping and car parking was relatively uncontrolled with cars sometimes venturing into the Forest, well away from the roads. The rise in the number of tourists meant that these activities began to cause unwanted environmental impacts on the New Forest and a management plan to reconcile tourism and recreation was required. The Forestry Commission began this process in 1972 - barriers were constructed to create car free areas and 142 car parks were created (subsequently reduced to 132). Camping on FC land was restricted to 18 campsites and later, reduced to 10.
Whilst the growth in tourism and recreation is not as rapid today, the New Forest remains a popular destination for holidaymakers and day-trippers. Current figures show that there are 24 million people days spent in the Forest each year with 18 million of those comprising local residents.
Many different organisations are involved in recreation management. The New Forest District Council has a strategy for tourism; Hampshire County Council has a strategy for transport in the New Forest; and the New Forest Committee has produced a ‘Strategy for the New Forest’ which includes plans for recreation management. The new National Park Authority will have an over-arching control over recreation.
Walking may cause damage to natural habitats through the compaction or erosion of fragile soils. This tends to be concentrated near car parks, since many people do not stray far from their vehicles. The impact of erosion depends on the sensitivity of the habitats affected. Areas of plantation woodland are generally more robust and able to cope with visitor pressures, whereas more fragile habitats such as heathland and riverine habitats are more easily damaged.
Dog walking is a very popular activity enjoyed by many local people throughout the year. While most dog owners are responsible, a few out of control dogs can disturb livestock and ground nesting birds. Owners are asked to stick to the paths during the nesting season, March to July. Dog fouling can be a nuisance, particularly around car parks, and is also a health hazard.
(See the Dog Walking Code produced by the PROGRESS project)
Cycling has greatly increased in popularity over recent years and its use as an alternative form of transport is seen as a positive way of reducing traffic pressure in the Forest. However, off-road cycling can have negative environmental impacts such as erosion, wildlife disturbance and conflict with other recreational users. The Forestry Commission provides a network of over 100 miles of off-road way-marked cycle routes.
(See the Cycling Code produced by the PROGRESS project)
Horse-ridingOver 3,500 horses are kept in the New Forest for recreational use by both private individuals and commercial riding stables. Riding can cause damage to paths, as Forest soils are fragile and quickly cut up under horses’ hooves. The loose soil and gravel can easily wash away during rain, causing erosion.
In 1998 a donation of £3,000, which was matched by the Forestry Commission, was given by a local riding school towards the construction of a gravel path for riders aimed at encouraging users to keep off eroded Forest areas. The track was opened in September 1998 and links with other paths to form a twelve-mile circuit.
(See the Horse-riding Code produced by the PROGRESS project)
Camping is always popular in the Forest and the Forestry Commission provides ten campsites to cater for this demand. The local economy benefits massively from campers, who spend money at local shops, pubs and restaurants.
As with the car parks, there is a need to reconsider the location of campsites that are on, or close to, sensitive areas. As there is a constant need for management to maintain safety at the campsites, the impact on the local environment at these vulnerable areas can be damaging.
It has been estimated that 95% of visitors travel to the New Forest by car. This includes 81% of local residents. Traffic can produce serious congestion, especially during the busy summer periods, and roads around Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst are particularly badly affected.
On the minor, unfenced roads there is a continuing problem of animal injury and death as a result of traffic accidents. The number of animal casualties has declined over the years as a result of measures such as fencing and the 40mph speed restriction. However in 2004, 118 domestic stock were killed or injured. Most of these accidents (109) occurred at night and 88 involved local motorists.
Educating people about and involving them in the management of this unique area has a positive effect on the environment. The Forestry Commission’s Recreation Team of rangers offers an extensive programme of events including guided walks, talks to local groups and presentations to local schools. These help to increase understanding of the importance of the Forest and the negative impacts arising from inappropriate behaviour.
In 1999 a Volunteer Ranger Service was set up for local people to get involved in the management of the Forest. There are now more than 50 committed members of the local community who provide essential volunteer support to the Forestry Commission.
For more information about the New Forest visit www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest