New Forest CDA’s presentment at Verderers’ Court on parking charges introduction

The New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association (CDA) has called on all revenue raised through Forestry England’s new car parking charges to be reinvested directly into the New Forest.

Speaking at this month’s sitting of Verderers’ Court, chair Andrew Parry-Norton emphasised that both visitors and local people will be contributing financially to the upkeep of the Forest through these charges.

It is therefore only fair, he argued, that this money remains within the Forest to support its protection, maintenance and sustainable management.

‘Those who value and use this unique landscape are paying these charges,’ he told the court. ‘It is only right that the funds raised should be used here, to care for the very place they are intended to support.’

The CDA expressed concern that diverting any of this income elsewhere would undermine public trust and fail to reflect the specific environmental and cultural needs of the New Forest.

‘Spending this revenue elsewhere would fail to recognise the New Forest’s particular needs,’ added Andrew. ‘Every penny raised here should stay here, to preserve this precious place for future generations.’

You can read the presentment in full below.

New Forest CDA presentment October 2025