Pumpkins, parking rows, and a waste-collection shake-up
From charging car park users to award season, here’s what’s happening across the New Forest this month
I’m excited to bring this edition to you this month. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes on a new look and new name for us, which will all be revealed in the next month!
This edition we’re looking into the new charges coming in for New Forest car parks as well as a brand new feature ‘Your Voices’ with a letter from a local councillor.
Coming up…
What’s happened in the New Forest recently
Parking charge proposals spark concern across the Forest
(New feature!) Your voices: Councillor’s fears over losing free car parks
Council signs off on local government reorganisation proposal
New Forest businesses prepare for the festive season amid new parking incentives and awards celebrations
Residents invited to shape the Forest’s future and join new digital drive
Kerri L Watt
Editor
What’s happened in the New Forest recently…
New Forest National Park Authority elected a new Chair, wildlife conservationist Victoria Mander.
Real Jam & Chutney Company, part of Minstead Trust, spotted its handmade preserves in a scene on BBC Two’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing episode.
Lymington councillor Barry Dunning left the Conservative party to join Reform UK.
Family of rock legend Ozzy Osborne visited Sunnyfields Farm to see the giant mural of him using over 10,000 pumpkins and squashes.
New Forest Police issued crime prevention advice following nine thefts from vehicles reported in one area between October 17 and 18. Six thefts were from vans so police are reminding trade vehicle owners to remove tools, add security markings, and register tools to assist with tracing stolen items.
Arts Council England announced New Forest ‘Culture in Common’ will receive £1m over the next three years for arts and culture activities.
Hampshire County Council confirmed M27 closure between junctions 9 and 11 from December 24 8pm to January 04 4am.
Pannage season has been extended to January 04 2026.
Pennyfarthing Homes has bought the Ringwood Brewery site with plans to redevelop and convert into their new office headquarters.
Parking charge proposals spark concern across the Forest
Forestry England has confirmed plans to introduce new parking fees at more than 120 car parks across the New Forest in 2026, replacing the long-standing free-parking model in popular spots outside village centres.
The organisation says the income will help fund car park maintenance, conservation work, and allow more patrolling rangers to look after the forest.
However, local campaigners and parish councillors have also voiced fears that the new system could deter day visitors, increase verge-side parking, and put further strain on nearby high streets.
The New Forest National Park Authority has urged that “all income raised to be reinvested in the Forest, a concession scheme for local people, and robust measures to prevent verge parking.”
Andrew Parry-Norton, New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) Chair, agrees, “It is only fair that this money remains within the Forest to support its protection, maintenance and sustainable management.”
The CDA are “concerned” that diverting this car parking income elsewhere would “undermine public trust” and “fail to reflect the specific environmental and cultural needs of the New Forest.”
Parking charges will start from £1.50 for one hour, payable only via an app or website, and the new fees could commence from spring 2026.
Your Voices: Councillor’s fears over losing free car parks
The newest feature here, Your Voices, gives a platform to the people who know the New Forest best - you. Every month we’ll feature letters, opinions, and open commentaries that deserve to be heard, ensuring the Forest’s stories are told by the community itself.
Our first letter comes from Councillor Malcolm Wade outlining his concerns about the real impact of the new Forestry England parking policies.
No Parking Charges for Local People
by Councillor Malcolm Wade, Liberal Democrats, Dibden and Dibden Purlieu
The New Forest environment has always been free for people to visit and park in. There is little or no public transport to reach its leafy glades and woodland, you can only go by car.
The new parking charges potentially prevent low income families and elderly pensioners from using them.
In the New Forest District we have an aging population with 29.8% over the age of 65 with serious pockets of deprivation and poverty. Using 23/24 figures, amongst our New Forest school age children there are 20.4% on free school meals compared to 19.4% across the county and 19.7% across the Southeast region. This reflects the number of low-income families we have across the district. Even Disabled Blue Badge Holders will have to pay along with everyone else.
The impact will be either they lose that wellbeing benefit from walking and visiting in our forest or there will be parking displacement, on verges or other inappropriately patches of land.
In addition there will be parking in areas around the edges of the forest like the area I represent the Dibden and Dibden Purlieu parts of Hythe and Dibden just on the other side of the A326.
If they wish to bring in parking charges they should give New Forest District residential addresses a free pass or at the very least a 50% reduced yearly pass. That way Forestry England will still attract visitors outside of the holiday period and have an income outside of the holiday season.
Council signs off on local government reorganisation proposal
New Forest District Council (NFDC) has agreed a final proposal for the local government reorganisation.
In a unanimous vote, councillors backed the creation of a new rural unitary council for mid-Hampshire, covering the New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and East Hampshire.
More than 3,000 residents and businesses shared their views during consultation, with the final decision on the reorganisation expected in spring 2026.
The council’s Local Plan consultation has paused to ensure its alignment with the potential changes the local government reorganisation could bring. They have assured residents that they will work to ensure the Forest’s voice is heard in both the reorganisation and any future development of the Local Plan.
NFDC also approved its new Air Quality Strategy for 2025, setting out how it will “continue to improve air quality, protect public health, and help meet environmental targets.”
Meanwhile, community groups have until 31 October to apply for small-grant funding through the council’s Community Grants scheme. Click here to apply.
New Forest businesses prepare for the festive season amid new parking incentives and awards celebrations
Four free-parking days have been confirmed for December - on the 6th, 20th and 21st, with a fourth date available for each town or village to choose around local Christmas events. NFDC says the move acts as an incentive to shop locally at a vital time for local businesses.
The New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) has also announced finalists for its Brilliance in Business Awards 2025. Shortlisted names include the New Forest Show, Minstead Trust, Howley Coffee, Shine Studios, Hockeys Farm Shop, Fully Woolly and the New Forest Hamper Company. The finals will take place at Brockenhurst College on December 04. Click here for more details.
In a separate initiative, local firms are being urged to join a new safe-driving group to help cut animal collisions and accidents on forest roads. Businesses with vehicle fleets in the area are encouraged to register and educate employees. This comes after 62 animal accidents were recorded on forest roads so far this year, 36 resulting in deaths or injuries. Click here to register.
Meanwhile, Digital Island Business Services is inviting companies with five or more employees and growth ambitions of 20 percent or more to apply for a tailored support programme running until August 2026. Click here to apply.
Residents invited to shape the Forest’s future and join new digital drive
Phase two of the district’s new waste and recycling service has now begun, with households in Fordingbridge, Ringwood and surrounding areas.
Of the 32,000 individual bin collections in this area, there were 208 reports of ‘missed collections’, less than 1% of the total.
The rollout aims to deliver a “more efficient and sustainable waste and recycling service” and the final phase, areas including Hythe and Marchwood, will join the new service in March 2026.
Meanwhile, residents are being asked to share their views on life in the National Park as part of the New Forest National Park Authority’s survey. The previous survey, in 2021, received more than 2,700 responses and 10,000 comments. Feedback will help shape priorities for services and projects in the years ahead. Click here to take part before 30 November 30.
In a separate initiative, the Click & Connect programme launched to help both residents and small businesses improve digital skills and access faster broadband.
The free support scheme, backed by New Forest District Council, offers workshops and one-to-one help to get households online. Click here to register interest.
Hampshire County Council is calling for “nurturing foster carers” around the county during Foster Focus Week, October 27 to November 02. Click here to attend a drop-in session or find out more .
Returning for its 13th year, New Forest Walking Festival runs October 18 to November 02. There are 45 guided walks planned with accessible routes, half term Halloween walks, long hikes and guided rambles. Click here to browse all the events.
That’s our monthly briefing for October
We’ll return next month without deep dive into crime in the New Forest and… our new name!
I report and write every story myself to keep the Forest informed - no clickbait, no big backing, just journalism powered by readers.
If you have a story to share, a business you’d like interviewed, or you’d like to write a Your Voices letter, please get in touch at kw@kerrilwatt.co.uk. I’d love to hear from you.
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