Have your say on recreation in the Park
The New Forest National Park Authority is asking for your views on how outdoor recreation in the National Park should be managed over the next 20 years.
The Authority’s draft ‘Recreation Management Strategy’ aims to enable people to enjoy the National Park as much as possible while keeping the impact on the landscape to a minimum.
The draft document also proposes to bring the public, interest groups and land managers together to discuss recreation issues and work out solutions for the benefit of all interests in the New Forest.
Stephen Trotter, Director of Conservation, Recreation and Sustainable Development at the New Forest National Park, said: ‘Recreation is a really important way for people to enjoy and experience the New Forest National Park – and whilst they’re getting some exercise, people have the chance to learn more about its fascinating charms and enjoy its natural beauty. This strategy sets out how recreation might be managed so that it continues to make a positive and sustainable contribution to people’s lives and to the economy of the New Forest.
‘At the same time it is vital to ensure the Park’s special qualities are conserved and enhanced for future generations - so the really important thing for the National Park Authority and everyone involved in the management of recreation will be to carefully balance recreational activity with the conservation of this very precious place.
‘The draft strategy is not saying we can solve everything here and now – and nor does the Authority have all the answers. We want to collect more evidence of how recreation might be affecting this special landscape and then work closely with user groups and land managers to come up with acceptable solutions to strike the right balance.’
An Equine Forum to discuss issues with the horse-riding community has already been established and the National Park Authority is working closely with conservation groups, dog owners, cyclists and walkers – and through the New Forest Access Forum which it organises.
Around 500 detailed comments from interest groups and the public have already been built into the strategy from the previous round of consultation as well as the input from lots of discussions with individuals and organisations in and around the New Forest.
To save costs and avoid wasting paper, the National Park is asking people to access the Recreation Management Strategy from its website.
Please send your comments by 12 February to rms@newforestnpa.gov.uk or post them to New Forest National Park Authority, South Efford House, Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 0JD.
Following any comments, the final draft of the strategy will go before National Park Authority members for adoption on 25 February.
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Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@newforestnpa.gov.uk
