Sustainable Tourism and Conservation Accolades for Camping in the Forest

November 2, 2013, 1:58 am

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Camping in the Forest has reinforced its commitment to making a low impact on the environment and local culture by achieving impressive results in both the David Bellamy Conservation Awards and the Green Tourism Awards.

Camping in the Forest is a keen supporter of the outdoor lifestyle and understands that conserving the natural environment on its campsites, and supporting the local economy at the same time, is key to sustaining its green reputation.

Fifteen Camping in the Forest Sites received a David Bellamy ‘Gold’ award – the highest possible level of excellence: Aldridge Hill, Ashurst, Bracelands, Cobleland, Denny Wood, Matley Wood, Hollands Wood, Holmsley, Ocknell, Longbeech, Postern Hill, Roundhill, Setthorns, Beddgelert and Glenmore.

Notably, Bracelands campsite also achieved a ‘Silver’ award.

Local wildlife assessors looked at the steps the sites took to manage their land as a haven for wildlife; reduce their use of energy, water and other resources; reduce, reuse and recycle the waste they produce; and support their local communities.

A further five sites also achieved gold star ratings in the Green Tourism Business Scheme - Cashel, Christchurch, Cobleland, Glenmore and Postern Hill.

Aldridge Hill, Ashurst, Beddgelert, Denny Wood, Matley Wood, Hollands Wood, Holmsley, Ocknell, Longbeech, Roundhill and Setthorns also received ‘Silver’ star ratings.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme recognises places to stay and visit that are taking action to support the local area and the wider environment. It’s the largest sustainable green scheme to operate globally and assesses hundreds of fantastic places to stay and visit in Britain.

Bob Hill, The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Sites Director, said: “Once again, our Camping in the Forest Sites have excelled themselves and have achieved some brilliant results - it really is a fantastic effort by all of our site teams.

“We hope these accolades encourage holidaymakers to visit our sites and enjoy spending time in the local area – holidaying in the UK is certainly continuing to flourish.”

To book at pitch at any of our Camping in the Forest Sites telephone; 0845 130 8224 or 024 7642 3008 or online: www.campingintheforest.co.uk

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The Story of our Coast: Fact, Fiction and Fantasy

November 17, 2013, 7:05 am

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St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington
30th November 2013 – 25th January 2014

The Story of our Coast: Fact, Fiction and Fantasy, a new exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington, looks at how the ever-changing south Hampshire coast has played a defining role in the area’s history and why it has been a source of fascination for centuries. Opening on Saturday 30th November, it will run until Saturday 25th January 2014.

The coast has been central to the development of Lymington, its salt industry, port and boat building, and to the growth of Milford and Barton as seaside resorts. Its strategic importance is shown by the building of Hurst Castle by Henry VIII and the World War II anti-invasion defences. Myths and stories have also grown up to become entwined with fact such as giant tidal waves engulfing houses and tunnels, where smugglers hid their booty.

Great visions for the future have been inspired by the coast, but many have never reached fruition. Discover historic plans for a suspension bridge at Lymington, a pier at Milford and a tunnel to connect Keyhaven with the Isle of Wight. Should we be grateful these plans were never progressed, or would they have changed the region for the better? Visit the exhibition and come to your own conclusion.

The exhibition is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tickets to The Story of our Coast and St Barbe Museum, which is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, cost £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and students, £2 for children aged five to 15, and £10 for a family of two adults and up to four children; under fives are admitted free of charge.

For more details visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk or telephone 01590 676969.

New Forest Christmas Brockenhurst - Get into the festive spirit

November 24, 2013, 2:46 am

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With locally produced seasonal gifts, tasty hot food and Santa’s grotto, the New Forest Christmas Fair is perfect for getting into the festive spirit this winter.

After last year’s successful inaugural event, which attracted over 4,500 visitors, the Fair is returning to New Park, Brockenhurst from Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 December.

The gates are open from 10am until 4pm, with an expanded number of stalls, food outlets and activities. Visitors can purchase their Forestry Commission Christmas tree, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, browse for interesting or unusual locally sourced presents, or sample delicious festive food.

Many of the traders are members of the New Forest Marque, a quality assurance scheme supported by the National Park Authority. The Marque promotes authentic New Forest fare of the highest quality, and encourages people to shop locally.

If you are a local trader we would like to hear from you, as there are still some stalls available. Make sure you join the many businesses that make the most of this prime opportunity to sell their goods during the build-up to Christmas.

Marque member Hollyhock Flock, a flock of Gotland sheep based in the New Forest, attended the fair last year to sell their woolly goods. The flock’s founder Sue Cole said: ‘The Fair gets everything right - there are lots of great stalls to buy exciting presents and seasonal goodies, and many of the traders are local.

‘The whole event has such a friendly and festive atmosphere, so much so that there are quite a few people who come both days because they have such a good time. It was everything a Christmas fair should be and this year’s event promises to be even better.’

Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque Manager and Fair co-ordinator, said: ‘Last year the event was a huge success, and the 2013 fair will have even more attractions and stalls for visitors to enjoy.

‘Take advantage of the fantastic range of local products on offer and remove the hassle from Christmas by doing all your shopping in one place.’

Gary North, Recreation Manager at the Forestry Commission, said: 'We can’t promise a white Christmas but we can help you make it green!

‘Nothing beats the experience and smell of a real tree, which use about 10 times fewer materials and five times less energy than artificial trees - and they smell divine. You can be sure that our knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you choose the shape and size that suits you best, and wrap it up ready for you to take home.'

For more information on the fair, or to reserve a trading stall at the event, email sarah.hunt@newforestnpa.gov.uk or phone 01590 622400.

Christmas Lights at Lyndhurst

December 15, 2013, 5:39 am

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I pass through Lyndhurst High Street almost every day of the week and just had to share with you just how wonderful it looks during the Christmas period. 

Christmas lights on Lyndhurst High Street, New Forest (Jim Champion) / CC BY-SA 2.0

A typical pre-Christmas scene, looking down the High Street from the junction with Romsey Road. This close to the winter solstice, the sun set an hour ago but the shops are still open. At this end of the High Street the buildings are mainly pubs or eateries.

Kids And Dogs: What You Need To Teach Your Child About Your Pet

January 11, 2014, 6:41 am

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Having a dog while having kids can be a great way to keep your family safe while giving your child a constant playmate, but it's also extremely important that you teach your child the proper way to live with dogs so that they don't hurt themselves or your pet.

In order to ensure that your child and your dog get along, it's important you teach your child the following things about your dog.

Teach your child to ask first
It doesn't matter what your child wants to do, you need to teach your child to ask first before doing anything with the dog.

Teach your child to ask before letting the dog outside
Teach your child to ask before feeding the dog. Teach your child to ask before petting dogs he or she doesn't know. When you teach your child to ask first, you can be sure that they will always interact with your dog in a way that is safe and acceptable.

Teach your child to be gentle
Dogs have feelings too, and if your child is too rough with your dog, it could end up putting your child in danger. Make sure that you teach your child the proper way to pet a dog. You also need to make sure that your child never pulls on your dog's tail, never pokes him or her in the face, and never hits, kicks or jumps on top of your dog. The nicer and gentler your child is with your dog, the better it will be for everyone.

Teach your child to stay away from food
Even if your dog is not aggressive, he or she may be possessive over his or her food, which is why you need to make sure your child never bothers your dog while he or she eats. Make sure your child never pets or touches your dog while they're eating, and make sure your child never puts his or her hands in your dogs food bowl while they're eating either. This is the best way to avoid injury.

Teach your child never to sneak up on your dog
Dogs can become startled, and if your child tries to pet the dog when he or she is sleeping, your dog could become startled and harm your child. Make sure your child only plays with the dog when he or she is awake and understands what is going on. You don't want your child to become hurt, and teaching them to avoid startling your dog is important.

Teach your child about your specific dog
Younger dogs are very energetic, and older dogs may be more irritable. Only you truly understand your dog's demeanor and personality, so make sure your child understands this as well. For example, if you have an untrained puppy, teach your child that the puppy is going to run around, jump and be excited. If you have an older dog, teach your child that he or she is not going to want to run and jump and play as often. This way, your child will know what exactly to expect of your pup.

Written by Graham Reed

NFNPA - Restoring New Forest streams

February 8, 2014, 1:53 pm

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Restoring Fletchers Thorns New Forest Stream - A Partnership between the Verderers of the New Forest, Forestry Commission and the New Forest National Park Authority.

New Forest Non-Native Plants Project Invasion

February 9, 2014, 8:35 am

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Higher Level Stewardship funds are helping the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project in an effort to identify ways to stop this invasion.

New Forest Walk - Balmer Lawn to Brockenhurst Station

May 26, 2014, 5:20 am

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The New Forest is a magnificent place for a walk, no matter when you make a visit. Early mornings are particularly rewarding with sparce company and soft mellow light. Leave your car behind to walk the old paths into the copse and mixed vegetation and Victorian plantation. Through the plantation you will see seasonal colours bursting through. Coniferous plants are sprinkled between pockets of deciduous tree as shades of green and brown mingle. Watch the video as you are taken on a walk from Balmer Lawn to Brockenhurst Station. Enjoy!



Video by WalkTreknHire.co.uk

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NFNPA welcomes Government fracking announcement

August 2, 2014, 2:55 am

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The New Forest National Park Authority welcomes the Government’s intention to safeguard protected landscapes against fracking.

In opening the bidding process for companies seeking licences to explore for onshore oil and gas, Communities Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon also provided some additional planning guidance for National Parks.

In a press release from the Department of Energy & Climate Change and Department for Communities and Local Government, Communities Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: ‘We recognise there are areas of outstanding landscape and scenic beauty where the environmental and heritage qualities need to be carefully balanced against the benefits of oil and gas from unconventional hydrocarbons.

‘For this reason, I am today making clear our approach to planning for unconventional hydrocarbons in National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites.

‘Proposals for such development must recognise the importance of these sites.’

Paul Walton, Head of Environment and Rural Economy at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘The New Forest is a world-class landscape with over half of it recognised as being internationally-important for nature.

‘We welcome the Government’s intention to safeguard National Parks to ensure these iconic landscapes continue to receive the highest status of protection.

‘As with all major forms of infrastructure, oil and gas development should only be permitted within our finest landscapes in exceptional circumstances, where the reasons for National Parks being created would not be compromised and where it can be demonstrated that they are in the public interest.’

The recently-adopted Hampshire and New Forest Minerals and Waste Plan already emphasises that any proposal for oil and gas should not be located in the New Forest National Park except in exceptional circumstances and where the reasons for National Park designation are not compromised.

A licence would provide the first step to starting drilling. In addition to a licence, any further drilling application would require planning permission (from the National Park Authority for sites within the National Park), as well as permits from the Environment Agency and agreement from the Health and Safety Executive.

An FAQ factsheet can be viewed on Hampshire County Council’s website.

Please do take this opportunity to give your views on fracking in the Comments below.

Controlled Burning of Heathlands in the New Forest

August 4, 2014, 11:53 am

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The heathland habitat is maintained by controlled burning or cutting and baling the heather. These can appear very destructive, but they are very important management methods.

Heathland areas are subject to controlled burning only once in a generation - about every 25 years - and nature recovers surprisingly quickly. Burning revitalises many of the plants on the heaths, removing old growth and allowing a nutritious flush of new young growth for animals and wildlife to graze. It also provides thick cover for nesting and shelter.

Controlled burning is carried out between the beginning of November and the end of March.
Extract from NFNPA

Photos by Paul Chambers (www.paulchambersphotography.com) who stumbled across the controlled burning on Roger Penny Way in the heart of the New Forest National Park on 16th March 2014 at 16.15pm. He spoke to a member of the burn team who told him it's the cheapest and best way to control the gorse and it also helps wildlife.

Campers have fun with new activities in the New Forest

August 5, 2014, 8:53 am

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A new seasonal ranger will help campers have fun in the New Forest whilst helping them protect the National Park’s animals and landscapes.

Chris Marshall will lead bug hunts, forest games and craft activities exclusively for families at four Camping in the Forest campsites throughout the summer.

Seasonal Ranger Chris Marshall  (blonde hair, brown T-shirt) leading activities with camping families at Hollands Wood campsite near Brockenhurst.

Campers at Roundhill, Ashurst, Holmsley and Hollands Wood will be treated to a wild time of adventure and discovery, with walks from the campsites to learn more about the flora and fauna, how the New Forest got its name and why ponies have played such an important role in shaping the landscape.

The fun activities will also show visitors how to care for the Forest and be responsible campers, reinforcing important messages such as not feeding the animals and leaving the forest as it was found.

The new role is being supported as a joint partnership between the New Forest National Park Authority, Camping in the Forest and the Forestry Commission.

Gillie Hayball, Lead Ranger at the National Park Authority, said: ‘Chris is a great addition to the ranger team. By helping campsite families to explore the Forest and discover its natural wonders, they will be better able to appreciate its fragility and help protect its special qualities during their stay.’

Rob Ganley, Camping in the Forest’s Senior Communications Manager, said: ‘We’re dedicated to helping holidaymakers learn more about the Forest and their natural surroundings, so we’re delighted to work with the National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission, this summer.

‘The National Park Authority Rangers have a fantastic knowledge of the New Forest and we hope those that stay with us take the opportunity to learn more about this unique area.’

A Forestry Commission spokesperson said: ‘This is a great opportunity to engage with visitors to the Forest and to demonstrate how the forest is sustainably managed for people, the environment and the economy while having fun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. We are very pleased to be able to support this initiative alongside our partners.’

The seasonal ranger will lead family activities at the following campsites between 4pm and 7pm throughout the summer:

Mondays – Roundhill
Wednesdays – Ashurst
Thursdays – Holmsley
Saturdays – Hollands Wood

Guided Ranger walks will be held every Thursday from 10am to 12.30pm from one of the four campsites. Members of the public are welcome on the Guided Ranger walks, although booking is essential through individual campsites. Visit www.campingintheforest.co.uk for more details.

Minister learns of New Forest Special Qualities during National Parks Week

August 6, 2014, 4:00 am

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Environment Minister Lord de Mauley visited the New Forest during National Parks Week and saw a showcase of life in the National Park.

Lord de Mauley, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for natural environment and science with responsibility for National Parks, heard about the National Park Authority’s work to encourage green transport in the Forest, reducing car journeys while helping to protect the iconic landscape.

Environment Minister Lord de Mauley (centre) with New Forest National Park Authority Member Julian Johnson and Chief Executive Alison Barnes.

During his visit to the New Forest Show last week (31 July) he met business and community leaders who support National Park projects such as the New Forest Tour, which last year saw a record 40,653 passenger journeys on the three open-top bus routes and contributed £660,000 to the local economy.

Alison Barnes, New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive, said: ‘We were also able to tell the Minister about the special qualities of the New Forest – over half of the National Park is designated as being internationally-important for nature conservation – and how it is vital we work together to protect it for the future.

‘A £2.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant has been earmarked for the New Forest with 10 organisations busy planning over 20 projects ranging from habitat restoration, to developing Forest skills, and inspiring a new generation to become involved in caring for this precious landscape.’

Natural Environment and Science Minister Lord de Mauley, said: ‘The New Forest National Park is among our greatest natural assets, and a huge contributor to the local economy and tourism industry, which is why it’s important to celebrate its success.

‘I’m grateful to the local businesses, farmers and forest authority officials who I met at the show to discuss how we can protect this unique environment and grow our rural economy to help boost opportunities for the local community.’

The Minister was presented with a hamper of New Forest Marque local produce. Supported by the National Park Authority, the New Forest Marque scheme has around 130 members and gives local businesses a distinctive ‘New Forest’ banner to sell their goods. He also visited the Local Food and Farming Area at the Show to meet some of the producers.

Southampton Maritime Festival - Motorists book parking space now

August 7, 2014, 4:00 am

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Organisers of Southampton Maritime Festival have today issued advance advice for motorists ahead of 22/23 August.

Southampton Maritime Festival, the popular family heritage event, last year attracted over 12,000 and this year organisers hope event more visitors will come down to the docks to see heritage boats, buses, trams and performers. They advise, however, that the event doesn't have a large public car park – so if you want to bring a car you will need to buy an advance ticket to park close to the event.

Motorists turning up on the day will be directed to nearby public car parks, excepting blue badge holders. From city centre car parks Festival visitors will be able to catch a FREE vintage shuttle bus to the Festival gates. The FREE heritage buses will pick up from West Quay Car Parks, Southampton Coach Station, Southampton Central Rail Station (London side), SeaCity Museum, City West Quay and Platform Road.

The free shuttle service will also help to alleviate congestion in what is a busy area of the city.

More information and tickets are available at www.southamptonmaritimefestival.com

A picture story of life in the New Forest

August 9, 2014, 6:04 am

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There is a saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words". That in mind, this post is simply a slideshow of 32 photographs taken depicting a story of life in the wonderful New Forest. Many thanks to Paul Chambers (www.paulchambersphotography.com) for sharing these fantastic photos. Enjoy!

Picket Post a must see Panoramic View of the New Forest National Park

August 10, 2014, 6:46 am

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Exit the A31 signposted Burley and Services. Follow the road round signposted Burley and within a couple of hundred yards there is a small gravel car park signposted Picket Post. Drive in to the car park and you are confronted with one of the most magnificent panoramic views of the New Forest National Park. Immediately before you is a valley stretching miles. In the far distance the landscape inclines to reveal a forest skyline.

You could literally sit there for hours with a pair of binoculars and survey the endless heathland terrain. While I was there I took four photos using my iPhone (shown below). I don't think I captured the true spender like a professional photographer, but I'm sure they will give you some idea of the magnificent views from Picket Post. Enjoy and do visit if you are in the area.

Further historical in-depth reading can be found at inewforest.co.uk/places/picket-post

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Beach Bus and open-top New Forest Tour Bus are enjoying a busy summer

August 11, 2014, 9:07 am

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Passenger numbers for New Forest buses are at an all-time high as visitors and residents swap their cars for green transport.

The seasonal Beach Bus and open-top New Forest Tour are enjoying busy summers thanks to new stops and discount offers, improved ferry links and a largely dry summer.

Both services are run by operators More bus and Bluestar in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, as part of a Department for Transport (DfT) funded campaign to encourage more people to travel without a car in the National Park.

Twice as many people caught the Beach Bus in its first week (26 July to 1 August) compared to the same period last year, with 1,552 passengers in 2014 compared to 719 in 2013.

The daily summer service, from Hythe to Lepe, Beaulieu and Lymington, has proved popular with visitors and residents thanks to great value tickets and a free ferry link from Southampton. Passengers also enjoy 20% discounts at attractions like Buckler’s Hard as well as free ice creams at Lepe beach.

The New Forest Tour has so far attracted 15,977 passengers compared to 15,388 in the same period last year (28 June to 2 August). Last year a record 40,600 passengers hopped on the open-top’s three routes around the National Park during its 11-week season.

Numbers for the green route around the south east of the New Forest are significantly higher thanks to a new link with Hythe Ferry, whilst the red route in the north of the Forest has benefited from new stops at New Forest Wildlife Park and Longdown Activity Farm near Ashurst. The timetable for the blue route along the south coast has also been revised so all three routes run eight times a day, seven days a week.

Edward Heron, Deputy Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘These figures show that by providing a better experience, better value and regular services you can encourage visitors and residents to swap their cars for greener forms of transport.

‘The good weather has been very important. But we had a warm and dry summer in 2013, so to improve on last year’s figures is significant.

‘The New Forest Tour and Beach Bus also help to protect the fragile landscapes of the National Park by reducing congestion and carbon emissions, as well as providing a boost to local businesses. Last year the New Forest Tour saved around 223,000 private car miles and contributed an estimated £660,000 to the local economy.’

Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of operators More bus and Bluestar, said: ‘We’re very pleased with the summer we’ve had so far. The new link for the New Forest Tour with Hythe Ferry has been particularly popular as people ferry across from Southampton rather than driving their cars.’

The Beach Bus and New Forest Tour are supported in part by a £3.8m sustainable transport fund from the DfT, shared with the South Downs National Park. The aim is to encourage 370,000 people to get out of their cars and use greener transport by the end of March 2015.

The Beach Bus runs until 31 August. For more information visit www.thebeachbus.info, www.facebook.com/ridethebeachbus and www.twitter.com/ridethebeachbus.

The New Forest Tour’s three routes run until 14 September. For more information and a 10% online discount visit www.thenewforesttour.info, www.facebook.com/newforesttour and www.twitter.com/newforesttour

Discover your National Park Day with Free Family Activities

August 12, 2014, 8:21 am

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Families are being invited to discover the New Forest National Park with a host of free activities in Lyndhurst on Saturday (August 16).

There will be free entry to the museum at the New Forest Centre from 10am to 4pm with a number of children's activities including making your own hobby ponies.

Rangers will lead guided walks to the Open Forest and children aged five to fifteen can go free on the open-top New Forest Tour, which stops just outside the New Forest Centre.

There will also be tours of the historic 13th century Verderers’ Court, and an opportunity to visit and picnic in the gardens of the historic Queen’s House.

Gillie Hayball, Lead Ranger at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: 'Discover your National Park Day is great fun and great value with a number of free activities. It also offers a taster of what the New Forest has to offer and gives people an insight into the Forest’s ancient traditions and unique way of life.'

Hilary Marshall, New Forest Centre Manager, said: ‘We are pleased to be working in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority to offer such a great day of activities. The New Forest Centre is the perfect place to start your visit to the New Forest.’

For more information visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/nationalparkday and for New Forest Tour timetables go to www.thenewforesttour.info.

Take a stroll at the New Forest Walking Festival this autumn

September 6, 2014, 12:01 am

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Walkers of all ages are invited to take a stroll at the New Forest Walking Festival this autumn to discover birds and beasts, unravel historical secrets and tantalise taste buds.

The festival has doubled in size this year with more than 20 walks guided by experts revealing the history, heritage and wildlife of this world-class landscape.

After the success of the inaugural event last autumn, the festival will this year be spread over a fortnight from 18 October to 2 November, including half term.

Established by the New Forest National Park Authority with support from Forest organisations and businesses, the festival is sponsored by Stewarts who, amongst other things, have Garden Centres at Christchurch and Broomhill, Wimborne.

Unlike other walking festivals, all the walks are free or discounted for those who leave their cars behind and travel by public transport, by bike or on foot.

More walks are added to the festival every week, but among the walks confirmed so far are:

• World War II history hike
• Family fungi fun
• Map reading walks
• Walking picnics
• Salt and smuggling trail
• Nordic walking.

New Forest National Park Authority Deputy Chairman Edward Heron said: ‘The autumn is the most spectacular time of year for a walk around the National Park, and  the gentle, flat landscape of the New Forest is perfect for all ages and abilities.

‘Friendly and knowledgeable walk leaders from local communities and businesses are on hand to help walkers unlock the secrets of the Forest, giving a really memorable experience.

‘We want the festival to encourage and reward car-free travel, so you can see the best of the Forest without a car and help care for this precious environment at the same time.’

The New Forest Walking Festival is supported in part by a £3.8m Department for Transport grant to encourage car-free travel in the New Forest and South Downs National Parks.
For full details, including booking, visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival

Record 50,000 New Forest Visitors for Green Transport

September 27, 2014, 6:18 am

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It’s been a record year for green transport in the New Forest after 50,000 visitors and residents switched from cars to buses.

The open-top New Forest Tour and Beach Bus enjoyed their best summers, thanks to new stops and discounts, improved ferry links and the warm weather.

The New Forest Travel Concierge at Brockenhurst rail station also enjoyed a bumper summer, helping more than 4,000 people to enjoy car-free experiences.

The services are run by the New Forest National Park Authority in partnership with operators More bus and Bluestar, as part of a Department for Transport (DfT) funded campaign to encourage more people to travel without a car in the National Park.

The New Forest Tour attracted 41,877 passenger journeys on its three routes during its 11-week season this summer, beating last year’s record of 40,653. This saved around 226,000 private car miles.

The Beach Bus attracted 7,993 passenger journeys during its five week season to Hythe, Lepe, Beaulieu and Lymington – a 35% increase from 5,898 passengers in 2013.

The New Forest Travel Concierge gave travel advice to 4,441 visitors and residents, selling 1,445 New Forest Tour tickets and handing out hundreds of car-free leaflets and 1,200 cycling route maps.

The New Forest Tour in particular also provided a boost to local businesses, contributing an estimated £680,000 to the local economy whilst stopping at local villages and attractions such as New Forest Wildlife Park near Ashurst and Ringwood Brewery.

Alex Harrison, Brand Manager at Ringwood Brewery, said: ‘Being part of the New Forest Tour red route has been a real benefit to the brewery, helping to bring in visitors and support the business. We’re delighted that the Tour continues to grow in popularity.’

Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of operators More bus and Bluestar, said: ‘We’ve had another wonderful summer of good weather which undoubtedly has been part of the success story in the New Forest. The easy access to New Forest attractions and villages, plus close links to Southampton via Hythe Ferry, have all helped attract large passenger numbers.’

The New Forest Tour, Beach Bus and New Forest Travel Concierge are supported in part by a £3.8m sustainable transport fund from the DfT, which is shared with the South Downs National Park. The aim is to encourage 370,000 people to get out of their cars and use greener transport by the end of March 2015.

Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said:  ‘The New Forest Tour, Beach Bus and Travel Concierge have all played an important role in reducing the impacts of congestion and carbon emissions on the National Park’s landscapes. By encouraging visitors and residents to travel without a car, we can help protect its fragile beauty for future generations.’

For more information on the New Forest Tour, Beach Bus and New Forest Travel Concierge visit www.thenewforesttour.info, www.thebeachbus.info and www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/travel_concierge.

New Forest tradition of pannage is producing pork to rival any in the world

October 5, 2014, 8:43 am

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A pig at Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst. Credit: Luke Parkinson.

The ancient New Forest tradition of pannage is producing pork to rival any in the world, thanks to the pigs’ free roaming lifestyle and diet of acorns.

The claim comes from top chef James Golding, chef director at The Pig Hotel Group, who says that meat from pigs turned out by New Forest commoners to roam freely in the Forest is proving a hit with his guests.

The Pig Hotel in Brockenhurst, and some pannage practising commoners, are members of the New Forest Marque, a quality assurance scheme supported by the New Forest National Park Authority that promotes authentic New Forest fare of the highest quality, while encouraging people to shop locally.

A practising commoner is someone who makes use of common rights attached to their property. The right to turn out pigs during the autumn to feed is called ‘pannage’ or ‘mast’.  Over 300 pigs were turned out in 2013 and they play a crucial role in the New Forest by eating acorns that are poisonous to ponies and cattle.

James Golding said: ‘I believe the superior flavour of pannage pork is due to a combination of its acorn-rich diet and the free roaming life of the pigs. I always say that a happy pig is a tasty pig!

‘We have seen that customers ‘in the know’ actively search out eateries in the area that are serving pannage pork. It’s a bit like every seasonal food; it’s not around all year and should be enjoyed when it’s available and at its best.

‘Using pannage pork at The Pig shows our passion for local produce. With the help of the New Forest Marque we now source 80 per cent of our produce from within a 25 mile radius.’

New Forest Marque member Jamie Burgess, of P.R. Burgess and Sons, has followed in the footsteps of generations of his family to practise the common right of pannage.

Jamie said: ‘I usually turn out around 50 pigs onto the Forest and one of the main reasons I do it is because pannage pork is so popular - the meat tastes great, and we get orders from all over the region.

‘We find the pork to be superior to regular pork because the pigs are out eating acorns and beechnuts, giving it a great, unique taste and texture. Foodies with a real passion for good meat are particular fans of it, and if demand continues to increase we will definitely be looking to expand.’

Pannage pork is available from P.R. Burgess and Sons at Swallowfields Farm in Bramshaw. Contact Jamie Burgess on 07795 082358 for details.

For more information on the The Pig Hotel Group visit www.thepighotel.co.uk.

To find out more about New Forest Marque produce and the benefits of buying locally visit www.newforestmarque.co.uk.