Caring for the Forest

Access
Keep to tracks and avoid disturbing wildlife. Plan your route to be out of the open forest by dusk.

Dogs
The New Forest is great for dogs but to minimise disturbance wildlife, livestock and other people, please keep your dogs close by you and visible at all times - if necessary use a lead. Pick up after your dog, especially around car parks, on paths and where people play or picnic.

Parking
Use a designated car parks and lock your car, taking any valuables with you.

Driving
The 40 mph speed limit on unfenced roads greatly reduces the number of accidents involving animals. Always give ponies and other forest animals a wide berth; they have little road sense! Be especially careful at night.

Fires & BBQs
Because uncontrolled forest fires are a great threat, no campfires are allowed in the open forest. Raised non-disposable BBQs are welcome at Anderwood, Blackwater, Bolderwood, Hatchet Pond, Linford Bottom, Whitefield Moor, Wilverley Plain and Wilverley Inclosure car parks. Disposable BBQs can only be used on the specially provided metal plates fixed to the picnic tables at Bolderwood and Blackwater. For these sites please contact the Forestry Commission in advance (tel: 023 8028 3141).
BBQ facilities are also provided by Hampshire County Council at Lepe Country Park.

Cycling
Keep to the way-marked tracks. Give way to walkers and horse riders, and call out a warning when approaching them. Ride in single file on narrow roads and never more than two abreast. Wear bright colours to be visible and always use lights in the dark.

Forest Management
Take notice of any warning signs and keep a safe distance from work sites. Do not pass any vehicle loading timber unless told it is safe to do so.

Litter
Please take your litter home.

Ponies
Please do not feed the ponies, they may look cute but they can bite and kick - especially mares with foals - and hand fed ponies tend to gather near roads and become aggressive with other visitors. There is plenty of natural forage for them in the forest.

Give your car a break
100 miles of off-road cycle tracks, great walks, the New Forest Tour bus and a main line station at the heart of the forest in Brockenhurst, means you don't need to bring your car at all. Numerous New Forest businesses are also offering discounts and incentives for leaving your car at home, so get out there! Have fun, get fit and give your car a break. Please keep to the tracks when cycling on the open forest.

Buy Local
If you like fresh, locally distinctive free range and organic produce then look out for Local Produce, especially the New Forest Marque! You will be helping to support small and unique forest businesses, reducing food miles and be enjoying the best locally produced food and drink around. Visit New Forest Producers Markets for food, drink and crafts and take home a flavour of the New Forest.

New Forest Animal Emergency Hotlines
If you find yourself in an unforseen circumstance where you need to report an accident/injured animal please use the contacts below:

• Police (24hrs)Tel: 999 (emergency)
  Tel: 0845 045 4545 (non-emergency)
  Road traffic accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep, dog or deer
• Verderer's Office (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm)Tel: 023 8028 2052
  Sick, injured or distressed pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep
• Forestry Commission (24hrs)Tel: 023 8028 3141
  Sick, injured or distressed pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep or deer