Local businesses urged to join New Forest Drive Safe campaign

Businesses across the New Forest are being asked to play their part in keeping the Forest’s roads and its iconic animals safe.

The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has launched the New Forest Drive Safe campaign, encouraging local companies with staff who drive in the Forest to help raise awareness about road safety around the free-roaming animals.

The campaign invites businesses of all sizes to sign up and receive free support and advice to help educate their teams about the risks of driving near livestock such as ponies, cattle and donkeys, as well as what to do in the event of an incident involving an animal.

So far this year (up to the week beginning October 20), there have been 62 accidents involving animals on Forest roads, resulting in 36 animals being killed or injured. The risk increases during winter months, when more journeys take place in darkness and poor weather.

It’s also a legal requirement to report any accident involving New Forest livestock to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours – even if the animal has run off.

A collective effort to protect the Forest

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton said:

‘This is an initiative which we hope will highlight to everyone the importance of treating the Forest and Commoners’ livestock respectfully.

‘Signing up to this scheme is a great example for local businesses to show they understand why their drivers should take extra care while travelling across the Forest. Whatever size your business is, if you have drivers who drive through the Forest, I would strongly encourage you to join the scheme.’

Victoria Mander, chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, added:

‘The animals’ grazing is vital in maintaining rare habitats and shaping the incredible New Forest landscape. All individuals, organisations and businesses have a duty to look out for Forest livestock and each other when driving on Forest roads.

‘By being part of the New Forest Drive Safe group, organisations are showing a commitment to protecting Commoners’ livestock and the internationally important landscape they help to sustain.’

Charlotte Belcher, community manager at Forestry England, said:

‘Many motorists tell us they know the risks but think it won’t happen to them. The figures make it clear that accidents can happen to anyone, at any time. We can all improve safety by driving with care and passing animals wide and slow.’

Gilly Jones from New Forest Roads Awareness added:

‘The Drive Safe campaign gives businesses a way to share awareness among their teams. It’s about changing habits, encouraging drivers to slow down, and reminding everyone that the Forest’s animals always have right of way.’

Local businesses already showing support

Local companies such as Thurston, The Commoners’ Larder and Camping in the New Forest are among those to have already joined the scheme.

Mark Thurston-Jones, owner of Thurston in Holbury, said:

‘My parents were involved in a road traffic accident involving a pony a few years back and it really opened my eyes to the dangers of driving across the Forest. Many of my staff drive through the area every day, so I know how important it is to raise awareness.

‘I would urge other businesses to support New Forest Drive Safe – it’s a very worthy cause.’

Join the campaign

The New Forest Drive Safe campaign is led by the New Forest CDA in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry England and New Forest Roads Awareness, as part of the New Forest Animal Accidents Reduction Group.

Businesses can join free of charge by following the link below.

Sign up to New Forest Drive Safe

Pictured above (from left): Jim Day (New Forest National Park Authority ranger), Charlotte Belcher (Forestry England community manager), Mark Thurston-Jones (owner of Thurston), Keith Mansbridge (vice chair of New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association) and Gilly Jones (New Forest Roads Awareness)