New Forest District Council has approved the decision to bring in new powers to ban the lighting of fires in the open forest and the feeding and petting of livestock in the forest.
The proposals to make Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in respect of the lighting of fires and barbecues in the Hampshire-based national park (PSPO1) and the feeding of forest animals (PSPO2) were agreed at the council’s cabinet meeting on April 5.
The council said these behaviours are “detrimental to the local community”.
Anyone breaching the terms of the PSPOs, without reasonable excuse, will be committing a criminal offence which will be punishable by prosecution with a maximum fine of £1,000 or by the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice, with a maximum penalty of £100.
The new measures are expected to come into force on July 1, 2023.
New Forest, new fines
The council carried out a consultation from December 2022 to January 2023 which found that 95% agreed with the proposal to introduce a PSPO1 and 91% agreed with the proposal to introduce a PSPO2.
The council said it was aware that the “vast majority” of people enjoy the forest with due regards to the “New Forest Code”.
However, it said, it is expected that the PSPOs will result in a reduction of anti-social behaviour associated with wildfires and barbecues in the forest and the feeding and petting of forest animals.
“PSPOs, if used proportionately and in the right circumstances, allow us and our partners to counter unreasonable and persistent behaviour as they grant stronger enforcement powers and the ability to issue fixed penalties for breaches,” the council said.
“Formal enforcement will be used proportionately, and there will be information issued about these new restrictions and clear signage will be in place.”
The council has previously issued warnings to walkers about feeding and petting the livestock in the park.
“The New Forest is well-known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in some places, sheep. For their safety and your own please don’t feed or pet them; there is plenty of natural food and it’s best that they don’t come to rely on people’s attention,” it said.
“They may look friendly but they are unpredictable and can bite and kick, especially mares with foals.
“Cattle may look friendly but are very protective of their calves. Please stay away from livestock and avoid getting between the animal and their young. If you have a dog, keep it under control.”
