NFDC Green Way programme sees Carrick Wood and Ashington Park in New Milton upgraded

TWO parks in New Milton have been given a revamp, including new seating areas, improved footpaths and new planting to encourage wildlife.

The work at Carrick Wood and Ashington Park was part of district council programme Green Way to enhance local green spaces across the New Forest.

An official opening event was held in Carrick Wood to mark the completion of the upgrades, which was attended by NFDC councillors and staff, New Milton Town Council staff, and residents.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: “I'm really delighted to see these footpaths and environmental improvements at Carrick Wood and Ashington park completed.

“Green Way projects are designed to provide alternative recreational opportunities locally, and are in addition part of an important network of footpaths linking key destinations across New Milton.

“These projects are part of a £1m annual programme to improve walking routes and green spaces across the district, funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) collected from new residential developments.”

He added: “Ashington Park and Carrick Wood have been enhanced not only to provide accessible walking routes but sitting spaces to encourage residents to enjoy their local natural environments, as well as providing improved habitats for local wildlife.

“The idea behind these enhanced walking routes and local green spaces is to help mitigate the impact of recreational visits of an increasing population to the most sensitive areas of the New Forest.

“I hope our residents and their pets will greatly enjoy using them.”