New Milton Park Life Autumn-Winter 2019

D rivers are being warned to be extra careful this winter as accidents peak at commuter times in the darker nights. Forest organisations are appealing to people to drive slowly and to just add three minutes to their journey - the extra time it takes to drive some of the most dangerous routes in the Forest at 30mph rather than 40mph. There were 63 animals killed last year on Forest roads. Most of the accidents are caused by local people on regular trips, with four main roads seeing the most accidents: • Lymington — Beaulieu — Dibden Purlieu

Five near-life-size animal silhouettes are again going on tour to prominent locations around the New Forest. They show the number of ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep killed last year and provide an eye-catching reminder that winter is the most dangerous time of the year as the evenings become darker. Nigel Matthews, of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘To reduce the accidents, many things are done by several organisations all year round. At this peak time for accidents there will be prominent road warning signs, the mobile police speed camera van out in the Forest day and night, and a social media campaign urging drivers to slow down and #add3minutes to their journey.’

3

Park Life Autumn/Winter 2019

#add3minutes

• Brockenhurst — Sway • Burley — Picket Post • Cadnam — Godshill

‘Failing to report an

accident with a commoner’s animal can lead to prosecution.’

which means they’ll be using the roads and verges. We all need to drive carefully, especially at night.’ People have worked hard together to reduce the number of accidents by 40% over the last 10 years, but one

Sue Westwood, Clerk to the Verderers, said: ‘Drivers should be aware that they are very likely to encounter animals on the Forest’s roads, day and night. Animals don’t have road sense so please help avoid accidents by driving slowly and carefully. ‘Failing to report an accident with a commoner’s animal can lead to prosecution. The Verderers offer a reward of up to £5,000, payable to anyone providing information which leads to the successful

prosecution of a driver responsible for a hit and run accident.’ Tony Hockley, Chairman of the Commoners’ Defence Association, whose members own the animals, said: ‘Local people let their animals graze the New Forest to protect the landscape — it’s their grazing which helps maintain one of the best places in Britain for nature and for people to enjoy. ‘It’s vital that the animals remain free to roam widely,

accident is too many. • Report all accidents

involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep to the Police on 999 (emergency) and 101 (non-emergency).

Young people inspired by the Forest

Everton Nurseries - Garden Centre - Camellias COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT An ideal place to stop by for a coffee or a meal Delicious range of light bites

and homemade cakes available all day. Home cooked lunches available daily between 12 noon and 2.30pm

M ore than 500 young people from all over Hampshire spent a fun and educational day in the New Forest National Park as part of their four- week National Citizen Service. Young people learning about the New Forest

on the professionalism and enjoyment of these sessions. The New Forest National Park Authority had a hugely positive impact on the hundreds of young people they educated, supported and developed over the course of the NCS programme, and we look forward to working with them again.’ Craig added: ‘Our sessions are unique and offer an unrivalled opportunity for hundreds of teenagers who live across Hampshire to enjoy, understand and play a part in caring for the New Forest.’ To register your interest for next summer, please contact Gillie Molland, lead ranger at gillie.molland@ newforestnpa.gov.uk

Or, if you fancy a treat, why not have Cream Tea with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea.

rhododendron plants; 75 hours transporting and cutting hazel poles for charcoal production; and 28 hours helping to thin out woodland.’ The NPA worked with other organisations including Forestry England, the New Forest Heritage Centre, RSPB, Blackwater Conservation Group and the Pondhead Conservation Trust – who were all keen to share their time, passion, knowledge and skills with the young people. Liam Cooke, NCS Curriculum Coordinator said: ‘Our participants gave outstanding feedback

Rangers at the New Forest National Park Authority led summer activities for groups of 15 to 17-year-olds who’d signed up to the nationwide voluntary personal and social development programme. Topics included woodland and heathland management; commoning; recreation; invasive species; protected landscapes and health and wellbeing. Craig Daters, New Forest National Park Authority ranger, said: ‘They particularly enjoyed the practical tasks which included a total of 240 hours pulling up invasive Himalayan balsam and

The New Forest’s leading garden centre, offering you the quality and choice from our own 25 acre nursery. Open every Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm ∙ Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm

www.evertonnurseries.co.uk ∙ 01590 642155 Everton, on A337, Nr. Lymington, SO41 0JZ