Fix sturdy Nestboxes now for winter roosting. Various types for £5 ea. All proceeds to NFA funds to fight major proposed developments in or around the New Forest.
Phone Graham Baker on 01590 623935 or email brookleyfarmhouse@btinternet.com.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Personalised NFA Christmas Cards
The Christmas Cards shown are available personalised with your address. Cards come in packs of 10 with envelopes at £3.00 delivered; the minimum quantity for personalized cards is 40. The cards measure six inches by four. The photographs are by the late Terry Heathcote and depict the following New Forest Scenes - Binken Wood near Lyndhurst, Foulford Bottom in the north of the Forest and Commoner's Cattle probably near Brockenhurst.The detail inside of the card is as follows -
Best Wishes for
Christmas & the New Year
If you would like to order please Email details, including your address as you wish it shown, to brookleyfarmhouse@btinternet.com. Or phone Graham Baker on 01590 623935. Samples are available and all proceeds go to NFA funds.
Wednesday 21 October 2009
National Park Management Plan Revised Draft
The National Park Management Plan Revised Draft is available for public feedback from 22 October to 12 November 2009. A downloadable version of the Plan as well as details on how to respond are available via this link:
National Park Management Plan Revised Draft
The current draft will be considered by the members of the New Forest National Park Authority at the authority meeting on the 29th of October 2009, at South Efford House. The members will be asked to approve the revised version of the draft at the subsequent authority meeting on the 10th of December 2009.
The revised Core Strategy will be available on the National Park website from 3 December 2009 and public representations will be invited in January 2010.
National Park Management Plan Revised Draft
The current draft will be considered by the members of the New Forest National Park Authority at the authority meeting on the 29th of October 2009, at South Efford House. The members will be asked to approve the revised version of the draft at the subsequent authority meeting on the 10th of December 2009.
The revised Core Strategy will be available on the National Park website from 3 December 2009 and public representations will be invited in January 2010.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
New Forest Association Takes Forestry Commission to Task
In today's September Verderers Court, the NFA took the Forestry Commission to task for ongoing damage to the fabric of the forest and dangerously unsafe debris resulting from timber extraction operations at Islands Thorns enclosure. The NFA called for more sensitive management of the operations, particularly as a very nice job has been done by a different team nearby in the stream restoration at Howen Bottom (more info on stream restoration : Lengthening River Beds) Timber operations in character woodlands on the open forest on the SSSI should be managed to the same standards as other environmental works.
The NFA also asked for further scrutiny of the Forestry Commission's trial of a new basalt grit based hoggin material as a car park surface at Longslade Bottom, Pig Bush, Turf Hill amongst others. This is part of an ongoing search for more sustainable materials for car park maintenance. Difficulties arise in the current gravel based hoggin which is easily disrupted, but any new material needs to pass muster with Natural England as it can leech into the sensitive soil of the forest and may also impact the wetlands. The NFA are concerned that the basalt may not be as inert as suggested by the Forestry Commission, also the basalt is a darker colour closer to that of tarmac and may negatively impact on the landscape. (see Gritty solution to potholes)
The NFA also commented on the Forestry Commission's somewhat cynical "consultation" on its plans for the future of the Public Forest Estate in England. The plans include a National plan for fast conifer timber production which would be wholly inappropriate for the New Forest. The Forestry Commission are clearly looking for a mandate nationally, such policies would not work for the New Forest, and would create further unwelcome pressure to our local forestry. The NFA urged the Verderers and all members of the public to respond to the survey with this in mind.
Finally, the NFA joined the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, amongst others, in commenting on the proposed extension to Burley Cricket Club's pavilion. The NFA asked the Verderers to ensure that any extension to existing facilities should be the minimum size needed to maintain the viability of the cricket club and no larger.
(For the full text of this month's Presentment look at the first comment below, or click here).
The NFA also asked for further scrutiny of the Forestry Commission's trial of a new basalt grit based hoggin material as a car park surface at Longslade Bottom, Pig Bush, Turf Hill amongst others. This is part of an ongoing search for more sustainable materials for car park maintenance. Difficulties arise in the current gravel based hoggin which is easily disrupted, but any new material needs to pass muster with Natural England as it can leech into the sensitive soil of the forest and may also impact the wetlands. The NFA are concerned that the basalt may not be as inert as suggested by the Forestry Commission, also the basalt is a darker colour closer to that of tarmac and may negatively impact on the landscape. (see Gritty solution to potholes)
The NFA also commented on the Forestry Commission's somewhat cynical "consultation" on its plans for the future of the Public Forest Estate in England. The plans include a National plan for fast conifer timber production which would be wholly inappropriate for the New Forest. The Forestry Commission are clearly looking for a mandate nationally, such policies would not work for the New Forest, and would create further unwelcome pressure to our local forestry. The NFA urged the Verderers and all members of the public to respond to the survey with this in mind.
Finally, the NFA joined the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, amongst others, in commenting on the proposed extension to Burley Cricket Club's pavilion. The NFA asked the Verderers to ensure that any extension to existing facilities should be the minimum size needed to maintain the viability of the cricket club and no larger.
(For the full text of this month's Presentment look at the first comment below, or click here).
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Charity Event to Benefit NFA, Sunday 13th September
The New Forest Association is pleased to learn that Sally Bennetts has organised Live Music Charity Event at The Elm Tree Public House on Sunday 13th September from midday to 10pm in aid of three charities: Macmillan Nurses, Delta and the New Forest Association.
Tickets are £7.00 - kids go free, contact Sally Bennetts.
Tickets are £7.00 - kids go free, contact Sally Bennetts.
Monday 6 July 2009
Forestry Commission Launch Public Forest Estate Consultation
The Forestry Commission of England have launched a consultation on "The Long-term Role of the Forestry Commission Public Forest Estate in England". This "consultation" takes the form of a 76 page document followed by a survey, much of which includes somewhat loaded questions, and even more slanted multiple choice selections.
In a slightly cynical move, a shorter version of the survey has been issued as a leaflet consisting of one of the questions with multiple choice answers. This can be filled in and sent freepost to the Forestry Commission. Those responding to this oversimplified version are being entered into a prize draw as an incentive.
Whilst the council of The New Forest Association are issuing a joint response to the consultation, they urge the members of the Association to respond to the consultation, keeping in mind that for the New Forest area, the preservation of the nature and heritage of the native broadleaved woodlands and heathland habitats should have greater priority over conifer timber production.
The consultation closes on 28th September 2009.
In a slightly cynical move, a shorter version of the survey has been issued as a leaflet consisting of one of the questions with multiple choice answers. This can be filled in and sent freepost to the Forestry Commission. Those responding to this oversimplified version are being entered into a prize draw as an incentive.
Whilst the council of The New Forest Association are issuing a joint response to the consultation, they urge the members of the Association to respond to the consultation, keeping in mind that for the New Forest area, the preservation of the nature and heritage of the native broadleaved woodlands and heathland habitats should have greater priority over conifer timber production.
The consultation closes on 28th September 2009.
Thursday 25 June 2009
New Forest National Park Chief Executive To Step Down
At the June meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority, Lindsay Cornish the Chief Executive Officer of the NFNPA has announced her resignation.
In her statement she remarked:
Clive Chatters, Chairman of the NFNPA followed up with praise for Lindsay's achievements including setting up the Authority as "a stable, well run organisation" and her help in securing the Single Farm Payment for the whole of the Forest on behalf of the commoners, as well as getting the planning service up and running for "day one" of the authority.
The NFA are saddened by the nature of her departure, and feel it is particularly unfortunate that her achievements should be overshadowed by recent events.
[Read the full text of the Chief Executive's Statement here and the Chairman's Statement here]
In her statement she remarked:
"Over the last four years I have dedicated myself to the development of an organisation which I hope will continue to champion the New Forest long after I have gone."
Clive Chatters, Chairman of the NFNPA followed up with praise for Lindsay's achievements including setting up the Authority as "a stable, well run organisation" and her help in securing the Single Farm Payment for the whole of the Forest on behalf of the commoners, as well as getting the planning service up and running for "day one" of the authority.
The NFA are saddened by the nature of her departure, and feel it is particularly unfortunate that her achievements should be overshadowed by recent events.
[Read the full text of the Chief Executive's Statement here and the Chairman's Statement here]
Statement by Lindsay Cornish Chief Executive of the New Forest National Park Authority
After deep reflection and discussion with the Chairman it is with considerable sadness that I have decided to leave the Authority.
Over the last four years I have dedicated myself to the development of an organisation which I hope will continue to champion the New Forest long after I have gone. My staff are passionate about the New Forest and its future, dedicated and highly professional and have already achieved much, for example in support the work and role of commoners and in securing significant amounts of external funding to assist local community projects.
As those who are close to me know, it has always been my intention to pass the baton on to a fresh pair of hands once the Authority is fully established. I had hoped that this would coincide with the completion of the first national park management plan, originally scheduled for earlier this year. Now that the Plan has been further delayed, and I would shortly have completed four years in post I have reviewed my position. I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill-informed and libellous as some of it is, may be damaging the reputation of the entire Authority.
For these, and other personal reasons, I will therefore be leaving the Authority at the end of the month.
I would like to give particular thanks to : the two Chairmen I have worked with and who have given me invaluable support and encouragement; to my staff for the excellent work they do; and to a number of colleagues from key Forest organisations who have been willing to work constructively with the Authority, and to support me personally, notwithstanding our sometimes fundamentally different starting points, to achieve what is best for the Forest.
I will not be making any other statements and would ask for privacy while I remain in post and thereafter.
Over the last four years I have dedicated myself to the development of an organisation which I hope will continue to champion the New Forest long after I have gone. My staff are passionate about the New Forest and its future, dedicated and highly professional and have already achieved much, for example in support the work and role of commoners and in securing significant amounts of external funding to assist local community projects.
As those who are close to me know, it has always been my intention to pass the baton on to a fresh pair of hands once the Authority is fully established. I had hoped that this would coincide with the completion of the first national park management plan, originally scheduled for earlier this year. Now that the Plan has been further delayed, and I would shortly have completed four years in post I have reviewed my position. I also believe that the recent perception of me and my role by some sections of the public, ill-informed and libellous as some of it is, may be damaging the reputation of the entire Authority.
For these, and other personal reasons, I will therefore be leaving the Authority at the end of the month.
I would like to give particular thanks to : the two Chairmen I have worked with and who have given me invaluable support and encouragement; to my staff for the excellent work they do; and to a number of colleagues from key Forest organisations who have been willing to work constructively with the Authority, and to support me personally, notwithstanding our sometimes fundamentally different starting points, to achieve what is best for the Forest.
I will not be making any other statements and would ask for privacy while I remain in post and thereafter.
Statement by Clive Chatters, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority
Members, setting up a new National Park Authority is a challenge. This is the first time it has been done for over fifty years.
Over the last four years Lindsay has taken us through that process to establish a stable, well run organisation. Throughout her time with us Lindsay has shown great commitment and dedication to the New Forest, the National Park and the Authority.
Not only has the establishment of the organisation been a significant achievement in its own right but there is much by way of other successes to celebrate and I have selected two items to comment on.
For many years many organisations have sought to provide support for the Forest's commoning economy. This has proved very difficult as our circumstances here do not comfortably fit into the national picture. Lindsay's knowledge of how Defra works was fundamental in securing the Single Farm Payment for the whole of the open Forest to the considerable financial benefit of all practising Commoners.
Similarly the establishment of the planning service for the national park was a hugely complex process fraught with risk. If the service was not ready to run on 'day one' we could not have continued to provide a timely and proper service to local people seeking planning permission. As one member commented at the time, the achievement was nothing short of miraculous.
Members, I have known for some time about Lindsay's views on the need to hand over to a successor at the right time and I understand and respect her reasoning on this. It saddens me that some parties have more recently chosen to make personal and offensive comments about her. Such nasty behaviour falls outside what I regard as common decency; I will deal with that matter separately.
I am sure that all members will join me in thanking Lindsay for her singular contribution to the creation and achievements of the National Park Authority and in wishing Lindsay well for the future
Over the last four years Lindsay has taken us through that process to establish a stable, well run organisation. Throughout her time with us Lindsay has shown great commitment and dedication to the New Forest, the National Park and the Authority.
Not only has the establishment of the organisation been a significant achievement in its own right but there is much by way of other successes to celebrate and I have selected two items to comment on.
For many years many organisations have sought to provide support for the Forest's commoning economy. This has proved very difficult as our circumstances here do not comfortably fit into the national picture. Lindsay's knowledge of how Defra works was fundamental in securing the Single Farm Payment for the whole of the open Forest to the considerable financial benefit of all practising Commoners.
Similarly the establishment of the planning service for the national park was a hugely complex process fraught with risk. If the service was not ready to run on 'day one' we could not have continued to provide a timely and proper service to local people seeking planning permission. As one member commented at the time, the achievement was nothing short of miraculous.
Members, I have known for some time about Lindsay's views on the need to hand over to a successor at the right time and I understand and respect her reasoning on this. It saddens me that some parties have more recently chosen to make personal and offensive comments about her. Such nasty behaviour falls outside what I regard as common decency; I will deal with that matter separately.
I am sure that all members will join me in thanking Lindsay for her singular contribution to the creation and achievements of the National Park Authority and in wishing Lindsay well for the future
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Verderers Reject Mobile Shop Proposal
After one of the longest Verderers Courts of recent times (nearly an hour), consisting of many Presentments against the Forest Holidays Mobile Shop proposal, including the NFA's, and only two Forest Marque producers lobbying for the proposal, the Verderers have turned Forest Holidays down. The Verderers have issued this press release:
In a more detailed response to the Deputy Surveyor, the Official Verderer gave more detailed reasons for the rejection including "a mobile shop will further impinge on the peace and tranquillity that is offered by the open Forest; [and would] encourage the ongoing interference with the exercise of common rights on the Open forest".
[To read the full Letter to the Deputy Surveyor, click here (document maintained by the Verderers http://www.verderers.org.uk/)]
FOREST HOLIDAYS RETAIL VAN
In view of their existing policies on camping and recreational facilities, the Verderers have today decided that they are regrettably unable to give their agreement to the provision of a mobile shop at three of the Forestry Commission’s campsites in the New Forest.
The decision has been taken in response to an earlier request for the Verderers’ agreement under the provisions of Section 1(2) of the New Forest Act of 1970.
Written reasons for the decision will be given in a letter to the Deputy Surveyor, Mr Michael Seddon, a copy of which will be available on the Verderers’ website.
The Official Verderer said “This has not been an easy decision to make because we do sympathise with the Forestry Commission’s wish to make these campsites viable, but our policy is very clear on these sorts of matters and we sadly cannot support further urbanisation of the Open Forest”.
In a more detailed response to the Deputy Surveyor, the Official Verderer gave more detailed reasons for the rejection including "a mobile shop will further impinge on the peace and tranquillity that is offered by the open Forest; [and would] encourage the ongoing interference with the exercise of common rights on the Open forest".
[To read the full Letter to the Deputy Surveyor, click here (document maintained by the Verderers http://www.verderers.org.uk/)]
New Forest Association Further Slams Forest Holidays Disregard for Forest Law
At the June Verderers court the NFA once again attacked Forest Holidays for their blatant disregard for the New Forest Acts. The New Forest Acts require application to the Verderers for any new facility, equipment or accommodation. Forest Holidays have expressed a mistaken notion that they did not require the Verderers consent for the proposed mobile shops, asking only for "agreement and support". Forest Holidays have already begun to offer pre-erected tents and pre-pitched caravans for which they have not even bothered to ask permission of the Verderers.
In their presentment, the NFA contended that this is a very serious breach of both the spirit and the letter of the law:
The Verderers will announce their response to the Mobile Shop proposal after their post court meeting. The NFA will continue to press the issue of the pre-pitched tents and caravans.
[To read a full text of the NFA June presentment , see the first comment below, or click here.]
In their presentment, the NFA contended that this is a very serious breach of both the spirit and the letter of the law:
"We would urge the Verderers to use every means at their disposal to ensure that they [the New Forest Acts] are adhered to. We ask the Verderers to reject the mobile shop, and to ask Forest Holidays to immediately cease and desist providing the pre-pitched tents and caravans on any New Forest Campsite.
Forest Holidays and the Forestry Commission should not be permitted to ignore the guidance of the Verderers or their protective duties to the Forest under the New Forest Acts."
The Verderers will announce their response to the Mobile Shop proposal after their post court meeting. The NFA will continue to press the issue of the pre-pitched tents and caravans.
[To read a full text of the NFA June presentment , see the first comment below, or click here.]
Wednesday 20 May 2009
New Forest Association First to Present Against Mobile Shop Proposal
At the May Verderers Court the NFA launched a pre-emptive strike against Forest Holidays proposal to run a twice daily retail van mobile shop service to three of of their New Forest campsites. The Deputy Surveyor presented the proposal to the court on behalf of Forest Holidays, asking for the Verderers "agreement and support" for the proposal. The proposal claims the service would champion the New Forest Marque local produce and would reduce car pollution from campers off-site journeys.
The NFA Presentment took issue, claiming the proposal "fails on its supposed merits." In hiding their proposal behind the New Forest Marque, "They have dressed up their Trojan horse to look like a New Forest Pony", and that once market forces took over Forest Holidays would be unlikely to honour a preference for local produce indefinitely. The supposedly eco-friendly reduction of car journeys presents a similar sham as two of the proposed campsites are within easy walking distance of the local shops. Local businesses would inevitably suffer loss of both direct and passing trade. The forest would suffer further ecologically if more goods are bought and consumed on site producing more rubbish and packaging waste.
The NFA further chided Forest Holidays for their overly commercialized attitude as "wholly inappropriate" to the New Forest, and for failing to show the court respect by issuing the proposal through the Forestry Commission rather than sending their own representative.
The Verderers are due to make a decision on the proposal after hearing more from the public during the upcoming June court.
[To read a full text of the NFA May presentment , see the first comment below, or click here.]
The NFA Presentment took issue, claiming the proposal "fails on its supposed merits." In hiding their proposal behind the New Forest Marque, "They have dressed up their Trojan horse to look like a New Forest Pony", and that once market forces took over Forest Holidays would be unlikely to honour a preference for local produce indefinitely. The supposedly eco-friendly reduction of car journeys presents a similar sham as two of the proposed campsites are within easy walking distance of the local shops. Local businesses would inevitably suffer loss of both direct and passing trade. The forest would suffer further ecologically if more goods are bought and consumed on site producing more rubbish and packaging waste.
The NFA further chided Forest Holidays for their overly commercialized attitude as "wholly inappropriate" to the New Forest, and for failing to show the court respect by issuing the proposal through the Forestry Commission rather than sending their own representative.
The Verderers are due to make a decision on the proposal after hearing more from the public during the upcoming June court.
[To read a full text of the NFA May presentment , see the first comment below, or click here.]
Thursday 7 May 2009
Deputy Surveyor Previews Retail Van Proposal
At this month's New Forest Consultative Panel, the Deputy Surveyor, Mike Seddon, gave basic details of the Forest Holidays proposed campsite retail van, for which he will be asking the Verderers approval in the May Verderers Court. Having taken over the running of the shop at Holmsley campsite last season, Forest Holidays, a joint venture between the Forestry Commission and The Camping and Caravanning Club, wish to extend the shop's offering to three other campsites, Holland's Wood, Roundhill, and Ashurst.
The Deputy Surveyor's presentation focussed on Forest Holiday's aim of carrying New Forest Marque® products on the van, and branding the van itself with the New Forest Marque®. The New Forest Marque® is a branding scheme to promote and identify New Forest produce.
(see http://www.newforestproduce.com/about_the_marque.html for more info).
Forest Holidays will be promising the Verderers "that they are prepared to give preference to local products as far as possible." They also claim "an ancillary benefit" would be reducing car journeys by campsite visitors.
Panel members slammed the proposal for its disregard for local businesses and the environmental impact on the fabric of the forest. Peter Roberts of the New Forest Association suggested that the proposals were merely "a sideshow", and that given the statutory duty to insure that the Ancient and Ornamental woodland is kept in good or improving condition, that instead the Forestry Commission should be seeking to "remove the commercial element from the forest" which is doing actual damage to the land. Peter Sopowski, Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council, described the proposal as "a retrograde step" and that the shops dependent on the campsite trade in Ashurst are in easy walking distance of the campsite, and said, "it's not the thin end of the wedge, it's the sharp end." Olive Collins, New Forest Shops Association, said she had "a feeling of deja vu"and gave a potted history of previous attempts to run mobile shops on the campsites, leading to closures of local shops, outrage, the Verderers Court filled to bursting, and the removal of the mobile shops.
[To read a full transcript of the Deputy Surveyor's statement, see the first comment below, or click here.]
The Deputy Surveyor's presentation focussed on Forest Holiday's aim of carrying New Forest Marque® products on the van, and branding the van itself with the New Forest Marque®. The New Forest Marque® is a branding scheme to promote and identify New Forest produce.
(see http://www.newforestproduce.com/about_the_marque.html for more info).
Forest Holidays will be promising the Verderers "that they are prepared to give preference to local products as far as possible." They also claim "an ancillary benefit" would be reducing car journeys by campsite visitors.
Panel members slammed the proposal for its disregard for local businesses and the environmental impact on the fabric of the forest. Peter Roberts of the New Forest Association suggested that the proposals were merely "a sideshow", and that given the statutory duty to insure that the Ancient and Ornamental woodland is kept in good or improving condition, that instead the Forestry Commission should be seeking to "remove the commercial element from the forest" which is doing actual damage to the land. Peter Sopowski, Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council, described the proposal as "a retrograde step" and that the shops dependent on the campsite trade in Ashurst are in easy walking distance of the campsite, and said, "it's not the thin end of the wedge, it's the sharp end." Olive Collins, New Forest Shops Association, said she had "a feeling of deja vu"and gave a potted history of previous attempts to run mobile shops on the campsites, leading to closures of local shops, outrage, the Verderers Court filled to bursting, and the removal of the mobile shops.
[To read a full transcript of the Deputy Surveyor's statement, see the first comment below, or click here.]
Friday 24 April 2009
New Forest National Park Joins Ancient Tree Hunt
The New Forest National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission are adding their resources to bring the New Forest into the Ancient Tree Hunt project. The goal of the Ancient Tree Hunt is to map our heritage of trees. The project began in 2004 as a joint partnership between the Ancient Trees Forum and the Tree Register of the British Isles. Now with the Woodland Trust on board, and some Heritage Lottery Fund money, the project is spreading throughout the UK.
Volunteers armed with GPS locators and measuring tape will be helping to survey trees in the New Forest. Forester Harry Oram will be training the first set of volunteers at Queen's House in mid-May.
The NFA looks forward to the results of the survey. It will be a great boon to have the wonderful trees of our Ancient and Ornamental woodlands recorded for future research and preservation.
More info: http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/
Volunteers armed with GPS locators and measuring tape will be helping to survey trees in the New Forest. Forester Harry Oram will be training the first set of volunteers at Queen's House in mid-May.
The NFA looks forward to the results of the survey. It will be a great boon to have the wonderful trees of our Ancient and Ornamental woodlands recorded for future research and preservation.
More info: http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/
Monday 20 April 2009
Retail Van for Campsites Causes Concern
The Verderers have issued a press release:
This follows on from a presentment made by the New Forest Commoners Defence Association in the April Verderers Court. The NFCDA expressed concern that the mobile shop, along with an alleged "permanent camp places" provision, "smacks of a Center Parcs theme."
The NFA are worried that this move by Forest Holidays represents a further commercialisation of the campsites and will have a negative impact on local businesses which are very dependent on the tourist trade. The NFA will be seeking further information before answering the Forestry Commission's presentment in the June Verderers Court.
FOREST HOLIDAYS RETAIL VAN
The Forestry Commission has made a formal submission to the Verderers in relation to its desire to operate a mobile shop that will visit all of its campsites in the Forest.
The Verderers regard this proposal as one that clearly requires their consent under the New Forest Acts, and they have thus invited the Forestry Commission to make a presentment of its own at the May Verdeiers' Court giving full details of its plans.
The Verderers will then wait until the June Court to hear any presentments from the public, following which they will make a decision.
The Official Verderer said "There is still a lot of detail about this proposal that needs to be revealed and we hope the Forestry Commission will provide this at our May Court. We would like to hear the public's views on the proposals and our June court provides that opportunity".
This follows on from a presentment made by the New Forest Commoners Defence Association in the April Verderers Court. The NFCDA expressed concern that the mobile shop, along with an alleged "permanent camp places" provision, "smacks of a Center Parcs theme."
The NFA are worried that this move by Forest Holidays represents a further commercialisation of the campsites and will have a negative impact on local businesses which are very dependent on the tourist trade. The NFA will be seeking further information before answering the Forestry Commission's presentment in the June Verderers Court.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
Verderers Frown on Early Campsite Openings
Despite warnings from the Verderers, Forest Holidays have opened their New Forest campsites before the agreed upon date for the second year running. The current agreement states that campsites should not open before the Thursday before Easter Bank Holiday.
The full announcement from the Official Verderer in today's Court is as follows:
Forest Holidays, which was set up in May 2006, is a public private partnership between the Forestry Commission and The Camping and Caravanning Club. While last year's "mistake" was perhaps more forgiveable in Forest Holiday's first full year of operation in the New Forest, we can only guess what their excuse is this time. Perhaps they were thrown with last year's Easter falling in March.
The full announcement from the Official Verderer in today's Court is as follows:
"Forest Campsites:
Almost exactly one year ago we received an unequivocal assurance from the Deputy Surveyor that campsites in the Forest will open only on the agreed date, which is the Thursday before the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend. Last year, the campsites opened earlier than that date, without any notice or prior agreement with ourselves. Having received that assurance we were satisfied that this would not happen again. To our astonishment and considerable dismay the campsites once again have opened early, and we will be seeking a full explanation for this from the Deputy Surveyor when we meet in committee this morning."
Forest Holidays, which was set up in May 2006, is a public private partnership between the Forestry Commission and The Camping and Caravanning Club. While last year's "mistake" was perhaps more forgiveable in Forest Holiday's first full year of operation in the New Forest, we can only guess what their excuse is this time. Perhaps they were thrown with last year's Easter falling in March.
Studley Castle Update
In the March Verderers Court, the NFA made a presentment expressing dismay over the damage done to the Studley Castle Scheduled Ancient Monument by Forestry Commission Contractors. The NFA asked the Verderers to press the Forestry Commission to put better procedures in place to avoid future damage to the precious archaeological heritage of the Forest. In response, the Verderers have passed our concerns to the Deputy Surveyor, Mike Seddon.
As announced by the Official Verderer at today's April 2009 court, "Mr Seddon agreed that this was a serious incident that was caused by lack of communication." The Official Verderer continued, "Clearly procedures need to be tightened up; the Deputy Surveyor has agreed that this will be done."
As announced by the Official Verderer at today's April 2009 court, "Mr Seddon agreed that this was a serious incident that was caused by lack of communication." The Official Verderer continued, "Clearly procedures need to be tightened up; the Deputy Surveyor has agreed that this will be done."
Sunday 12 April 2009
Easter Camping Figures for Hollands Wood
The New Forest Association have been provided with unofficial estimated figures of the number of pitches used at the Hollands Wood campsite over the Easter Holiday weekend:
It should be noted that the Hollands Wood campsite is in an Ancient and Ornamental Woodland and bears close monitoring. On the upside the surveyor noted no encroachment beyond the boundaries. On the downside the surveyor also witnessed a pony eating the remains of a barbeque.
Caravans 74 18% of total
Motorhomes 50 12% of total
Tents 290 70% of total
Total 414
It should be noted that the Hollands Wood campsite is in an Ancient and Ornamental Woodland and bears close monitoring. On the upside the surveyor noted no encroachment beyond the boundaries. On the downside the surveyor also witnessed a pony eating the remains of a barbeque.
Thursday 26 March 2009
Conservation Areas Reviewed for Fritham and Burley
In today's New Forest National Park Authority meeting, the Authority designated revised boundaries for the existing Fritham and Burley Conservation Areas. The most significant change was the addition of Eyeworth to the Fritham Conservation Area.
The New Forest Association supports these changes which will help preserve the character of these areas in the heart of the New Forest.
The New Forest Association supports these changes which will help preserve the character of these areas in the heart of the New Forest.
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Verderers Help Secure Funding For Campsite Survey
At today's Verderers Court the Official Verderer announced that the funding has been put into place for the the New Forest Campsite Baseline Survey. This survey was first suggested in a presentment from the NFA in last October's court. Subsequently, the NFA pledged to provide half the funding (£9,000), and the Verderers would seek the remainder. The Verderers also noted contributions from Forest Holidays, the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, and the New Forest Trust. The New Forest National Park Authority have offered £3,500, and an additional £1,500 nominal contribution "in kind" assistance with digital mapping technology.
The Official Verderers went on to thank the NFA for putting up half the cash, and for providing all of the day to day project management.
Once completed it will be an integral tool for future detailed monitoring of the configuration and condition of the campsites. It will be key in insuring that future management of the campsites will comply with The survey will be of great use to the Verderers, Forest Holidays, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, and the National Park Authority in ensuring that the future maintenance of the campsites is done sensitively and appropriately and complies with the New Forest Acts.
The Association would like to thank the Verderers for their ongoing support for the survey.
The Official Verderers went on to thank the NFA for putting up half the cash, and for providing all of the day to day project management.
Once completed it will be an integral tool for future detailed monitoring of the configuration and condition of the campsites. It will be key in insuring that future management of the campsites will comply with The survey will be of great use to the Verderers, Forest Holidays, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, and the National Park Authority in ensuring that the future maintenance of the campsites is done sensitively and appropriately and complies with the New Forest Acts.
The Association would like to thank the Verderers for their ongoing support for the survey.
Damage to Studley Castle
The NFA made a presentment today in the March Verderers Court, decrying the damage done by Forestry Commission contractors to Studley Casle, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, site of one of Edward III medieval hunting lodges. The Verderers were asked to pursue the Forestry Commission to put into place sound procedures to avoid future incidents which may further damage the Forest’s heritage and archaeology.
One member of the NFA council has likened the incident to "backing a lorry into Stonehenge".
Apart from the damage to Studley Castle itself, the sheer level of mess and damage left behind by the contractors at this site in Isles Thorns Enclosure is appalling. The area is still a complete mess, and a hazard to all forest users.
Further info about Studley Castle.
One member of the NFA council has likened the incident to "backing a lorry into Stonehenge".
Apart from the damage to Studley Castle itself, the sheer level of mess and damage left behind by the contractors at this site in Isles Thorns Enclosure is appalling. The area is still a complete mess, and a hazard to all forest users.
Further info about Studley Castle.
Sunday 1 March 2009
New Forest Association AGM
The 2009 New Forest Association's Annual General Meeting will take place at Minstead Village Hall on Saturday 25th April at 10:30 am. In addition to the usual agenda items, Clive Chatters, the New Forest National Park Authority Chairman, will be a featured speaker on the current status and progress of the Park.
The day will also include an optional after lunch field trip, looking at the issues surrounding fallen deadwood on the crown lands.
The day will also include an optional after lunch field trip, looking at the issues surrounding fallen deadwood on the crown lands.
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