Visiting the New Forest is something that tens
of thousands of people do every year. It is a beautiful place and
one which is rich in wildlife - to keep it this way we all need
to take care when in the forest. One thing in particular to bear
in mind when staying at a holiday cottage in the New Forest is that
ponies or cattle will take a gate which is not securely shut as
an open invitation to pop in with all their friends! Fresh, juicy,
green lawns are like a magnet to them! Another important thing to
make sure of is that bin lids are well secured - a pony with a plastic
bag in it's stomach is a serious problem - and foxes seem to enjoy
the challenge of 'breaking and entering' bins!
The New Forest Code
Long-term conservation and preservation are goals
of the Forestry Commission. Following their simple rules will help
to maintain this delicate area. In the New Forest the well-being
of the animals and the needs of the countryside come first. The
Codes below are provided by The
Forestry Commission. Please contact Emma
Stevens if you require further information.
Dog Walking Code:
(see our New Forest holiday cottages Latchmoor
and Pampas, where pets are welcome)
1. If you cannot control your dog, keep it on a lead.
2. A dog out of sight may be out of control. It must not be allowed
to disturb or chase livestock or wildlife.
3. Keep to the existing tracks on the forest when birds nest on
the ground (1 March - 31 July). At this time, keep your dog close
by or you may be asked by a forest ranger or keeper to put it on
a lead.
4. Prevent your dog fouling on footpaths and around car parks. If
it does foul, remove the waste.
5. Groups of dogs can be intimidating to other forest users and
wildlife. Keep them under control.
6. Be considerate to other forest users, particularly children at
play and picnickers.
7. Keep well away from any work taking place in the forest.
8. Prevent excessive barking from your dog.
Horse Riding Code:
1. Keep to the tracks when the ground is soft or muddy. When there
is no alternative, keep to a slow pace.
2. Take an alternative route to avoid soft slopes. Riding straight
up and down causes erosion.
3. Avoid widening existing tracks, or creating new ones. Keep off
re-seeded areas and recently reinstated rides.
4. Vary your route on the forest to spread the wear and tear.
5. Keep to the tracks when birds are nesting on the ground (1 March
- 31 July).
6. Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest
users. Be courteous and friendly.
7. Do not build jumps or create lunging areas on the forest.
8. Keep well away from any work taking place in the forest.
9. Never ride more than two abreast. Limit groups to a maximum of
eight horses on the road.
Out and About guide:
1. Be safe and plan ahead - follow any signs and aim to be out of
the forest by dusk.
2. Close all gates behind you unless they have been fastened open.
3. Do not pick or remove plants or flowers.
4. Do not feed or disturb the common stock - ponies, cattle and
donkeys. Give them space and do not touch them.
5. Take your litter home and do not light fires.
6. Keep to the existing tracks on the forest when birds nest on
the ground (1 March - 31 July). At this time, keep your dog close
by or you may be asked by a forest ranger or keeper to put it on
a lead.
7. Keep below the forest speed limit (40 mph) and slow down when
approaching walkers, riders or livestock.
8. Do not park on verges or in gateways. Use one of the many car
parks.
9. Keep well away from any forestry work and obey the warning signs.
Cycle Code:
1. Keep to the way-marked gravel tracks when cycling in the forest.
2. Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest
users. Be courteous and friendly.
3. Take extra care when nearing horse riders. When in a group, all
cyclists should pass the horse on the same side.
4. Do not startle ponies, cattle or wildlife. Go slowly and give
them space.
5. Avoid causing obstructions - do not ride more than two abreast.
Always ride in single file on narrow roads.
6. Keep well away from any work going on in the forest.
7. Do not pass any vehicle loading timber until you have been told
it is safe to do so.
8. Use the map, and plan to be out of the forest by dusk.
Tell-a-Friend
about the New Forest Code and our holiday cottages.
Save This Page