The New Forest for Visitors

About half is 'open forest', this includes the so-called 'lawns', wooded areas, heathland and valley bogs, around a quarter is enclosures and the remainder is privately owned.

Although the majority of people probably see the New Forest principally as a recreational area, it must be remembered that this is not its most important role.

• It is managed by the Forestry Commission and timber is produced there.
• It is of paramount importance to conservation.
• Traditional pastoral agriculture is still practised, ie grazing animals, prinicipally ponies, in the open forest.
• People live and work there.

Surprising to many people, there are very few rights of way in the New Forest. Instead there is a general permission that allows people to access most areas. Just as in other places, visitors should obey the country code:

• Shut gates
• Do not feed grazing animals, particularly do not stop on the roads to feed them as many are killed by cars each year
• When driving, keep your speed below 40mph because of the danger of animals on the road
• You can cycle in the New Forest but keep to designated cycleways because cycling causes damage to heathland and forest paths.
• Stay out of areas where signs forbid entry
• Do not light fires
• Use litter bins or take litter home with you
• Keep dogs under control especially near animals
• Only park in authorised car parks
• Camping is only permitted in authorised campsites
• Do not approach grazing animals. They are usually fine if you keep your distance but may become aggressive, especially if they have young, if you get too close.

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