Access to the New Forest during Coronavirus :
Forestry England has confirmed that in response to the government’s updated policy on Coronavirus it is reopening many of its car parks in the New Forest where the safety conditions of the public and staff can be met. However, in line with ongoing social distancing requirements, all other visitor facilities in the Forest including toilets, BBQ areas, visitor cabins and campsites remain closed.
Car parks will open from Wednesday 13th May and an updated list will be available on the New Forest section of Forestry England’s website. Those open may be subject to change as government guidance is reviewed and updated. Forestry England has also made visitors aware that, at this time of year, a number of car parks are routinely closed to protect sensitive areas for ground nesting birds or where essential forestry work is active, and these will remain so.
Throughout lockdown, nature has been bursting into life with birds nesting and animals giving birth across the Forest. As people begin to return, nature will need help to stay protected and flourish. Due to this, the public are urged to stay on the main paths when walking, cycling or horse riding. Dog walkers are asked to keep dogs on the main tracks, and if necessary use a lead to ensure this. People are also advised to keep their distance from the many animals that have been born on the Forest during the lockdown as they will have very protective parents.
With many car parks opening, Forestry England is reminding people not to park on grass verges or block gates. Parking on verges erodes the landscape, destroys rare plants, and significantly reduces the amount of grazing for ponies and livestock. Some areas of the Forest may be busy at times, but parking is not permitted anywhere other than within the official car parks.
Please ensure to follow new government social distancing guidance and to behave responsibly when visiting.
For more information please visit Forestry England's website.
The Council parking service operates 51 car parks in total. These incorporate 1,438 short stay spaces, 4,671 long stay spaces and 257 disabled spaces. Please see below the general charges at most of these car parks:
£1.00 up to 1 hour
£2.00 up to 2 hours
£2.50 up to 3 hours
£3.00 up to 4 hours
£4.00 up to 5 hours
£5.00 up to 20 hours
The New Forest National Park is a wonderful place to visit and you can help it stay that way by being a Forest-friendly visitor.
To avoid damage and obstruction, please park only in designated car parks, not on a verge or in gateways. Lock your car, taking any valuables with you and leave Forestry England car parks by dusk.
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