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Spring/Summer 2016
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ParkLife News from the New Forest National Park Authority
Appeal to motorists to watch out for foals Forest organisations are appealing to motorists to take care on the roads especially as new-born foals appear in the National Park. Nearly 10,000 motorists were caught speeding in the New Forest when a police safety camera van was used to stop animals being killed on the roads. Last year was a record low for animal accidents in the New Forest with 55 Forest animals killed and 21 injured by motorists. Pigs, cattle, donkeys and sheep were involved in accidents as well as ponies. But campaigners say just one animal hurt is too many. Thanks to further funding by the Verderers, the mobile speed camera will continue policing New Forest roads for at least another year as part of a number of measures to reduce accidents. In 2015, 9,765 motorists were caught exceeding speed limits in and around the Forest. Despite the risks, half those caught were on unfenced roads with free-roaming animals owned by commoners. Head Agister Jonathan Gerrelli, who is also a commoner owning animals out on the Forest, said: ‘Animals do not have any road sense. When drivers see an animal on the road or on the verge they need to slow right down and give the animal plenty of space. Drivers should be especially careful at night.’ The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) developed the mobile speed camera project in partnership with the New Forest Verderers, and Hampshire Constabulary. CDA Chairman Graham Ferris said:
Discover the hidden Forest Save the date for the New Forest National Park Authority’s popular Walking Festival which makes a return from 15 to 30 October. Last year around 1,000 people took part in 80 walks guided by experts revealing the history, culture and wildlife of the New Forest. Details will be announced soon. Visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ walkingfestival
Two adventure playgrounds!
New foals in the Forest
Foals are even more unpredictable than the more mature animals. So we’re appealing to drivers to slow down, help save animals from being killed or injured, and to help protect the New Forest National Park. ‘The number of drivers caught driving at well over the speed limit on Forest roads is totally unacceptable. Motorists are putting the animals, themselves and their passengers in danger and risk seriously damaging their vehicles. Many are now facing fines and points on their licence. ‘The animals are owned by commoners and it’s extremely distressing to see your pony dead on the roadside or having to be
dispatched by an Agister because it’s too seriously injured to survive.’ Nigel Matthews, the New Forest National Park Authority’s Head of Recreation Management and Learning, convenes the New Forest Animal Accident Reduction Group of organisations working to protect the animals. He said most speeding drivers are locals who become complacent as they go about their daily travels. He said:
‘The New Forest is a world capital for wildlife with its habitats protected under international designations. This exceptional area for nature conservation is created by the grazing of animals which are allowed to roam free across the landscape. ‘Foals are even more unpredictable than the more mature animals. So we’re appealing to drivers to slow down, help save animals from being killed or injured, and to help protect the New Forest National Park.’ For details about where the high risk routes for animal accidents are and how Forest organisations are working to reduce collisions, visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ animalaccidents.
The New Forest remembers A website recording personal stories, documents and photographs of the Forest’s fascinating role in the First and Second World Wars has received over 100,000 visits. You can upload details or browse the stories at:
www.newforestheritage.org Wounded WWI Indian troops at the Forest Park Hotel Brockenhurst. Credit Topfoto
Visit the WWI exhibition at the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, until 1 May. Entry is free.
Tropica l Butterfly House open Ea ster to September
One acre of adventure playground fun! Open all year round Café and Gift Shop Nature Trail • 4 species of Otter • 12 species of Owls • Deer • Lynx • European Wolves • Bison • Wild Boar • Wallaby • Foxes • Polecats • Scottish wildcat
ur Visit oite webs
023 8029 2408
Deerleap Lane, Near Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 4UH
www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk