New Forest CDA urges expansion of livestock warning signs

New Forest CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton has asked Verderers for permission to put out signs at every car park in the Forest to help dissuade people from interacting with livestock.

There are currently signs out in certain places in the New Forest, urging people not to touch or feed the animals.

However, the CDA wishes to extend the signage to every car park and at all the main entrances into the Forest to highlight the message.

Speaking at the sitting of Verderers Court on Wednesday, January 21, Andrew said: ‘As visitor numbers increase, the risk of stock interaction with public becomes increasingly more common and as part of the education of the public, signage plays an important role.

‘Another reason for the signs as recently advised by Forestry England’s Health and Safety officer to the CDA committee, is to reduce the risk of litigation to a Commoner in the event of an incident.

‘It is a basic requirement of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) that signs should be clearly and prominently displayed informing the public of not touching, feeding or going near the stock. We cannot afford to ignore this advice.

‘The CDA paid for approximately 50 yellow metal A boards that were then displayed at prominent locations around the Forest.

‘Although looking industrial and unsightly, these signs are very noticeable and clearly display the message of not interacting with the animals. We must do all we can to encourage Commoners to turn out their stock and not be dissuaded by the risk of legal action.

‘The Commoners Defence Association will purchase, hopefully with the help of the New Forest Trust, more of these signs but request from the Verderers their support and permission to locate them at all car parks and main entrances into the Forest.’

The Verderers will respond to the request at this month’s (February) court held on Wednesday, February 18.

Ponies, cattle and donkeys can all kick or bite if startled or to protect their young, while feeding them can cause digestive problems, choking, colic and long-term illness.