Salt licks placed around the New Forest to help protect livestock

The salt licks are back out for a fifth year to help protect New Forest livestock.

Two of our committee members – Bill Howells (pictured above) and Tony Vanderhoek – have placed 30 salt licks across the Forest.

They have been placed in various locations, including along the B3054 Bull Hill to Furzey Lodge and Hilltop to Dibden Purlieu. They are also situated along the B3078 Cadnam to Godshill and B3079 at Turf Hill.

The salt licks, which are formed of large blocks of Himalayan salt inside old tyres, are a way of enticing livestock away from busy roads where they are in danger of being hit by traffic.

This is heightened during cold weather and when gritting lorries have been out, leading to lots of salt on the roads which draws in the animals.

It is hoped the salt licks will keep animals off and away from the roads by providing a safer alternative in a more natural habitat.

Even with these measures in place, we still ask all drivers in the Forest to drive to the conditions, expect the unexpected and prepare to stop at any time.

If you are involved in an accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep, you are required by law to report it to the police by ringing 999 as soon as possible.

A big thank you to The New Forest Trust for helping fund the salt lick project. Find out more about what the Trust does on its website here