Public consultation starts on proposed New Forest barbecue and pony feeding fines
ON-the-spot fines of up to £100 could be issued for feeding Forest livestock and lighting barbecues under new laws being considered by New Forest District Council.
A public consultation began yesterday (Monday) into two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) which would ban the lighting of fires and use of barbecues principally on the Crown Lands managed by Forestry England, and the feeding and petting of ponies, horses, mules, and donkeys in the New Forest. The public have until 5pm on January 27th to submit comments on the proposed orders.
PSPOs are legal orders which give enforcement powers, including the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for breaches of up to £100 or a fine of up to £1,000 with a Magistrates Court prosecution. They could be issued by Forest rangers or other people in authority working within the national park. The public have until 5pm on January 27th to submit comments on the proposed PSPO’s.
NFDC deputy leader Diane Andrews said: “This consultation is a chance for people to express their views about the proposal to make two PSPOs and I would encourage them to take part.”
The draft PSPO have received the full backing of the national park authority’s Recreation Management Strategy Steering Group. NPA deputy chair Patrick Heneghan said: “The New Forest is internationally important for its wildlife and many rare species; with hotter drier summers it’s more important than ever that we do all we can to reduce the risk of wildfires.”
He continued: “The open forest and the habitats it supports are maintained by the commoners’ animals grazing the landscape. However well-intentioned, the feeding and petting of New Forest ponies can cause them serious harm, encouraging them closer to the roadsides and busy car parks and stopping them from seeking their own natural food.”
Forestry England’s Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest Craig Harrison, said: “Protecting the area from the growing risk of wildfires and their potentially devastating consequences is a key priority. Our teams have spent many hours this year preventing irresponsible use of BBQs and fires, and working with the emergency services to respond to incidents.”
Following the public consultation a report will go to NFDC’s cabinet in the spring when a final decision will be made. For further details visit www.newforest.gov.uk/publicspaceprotectionorders
