A NEW campaign is calling on visitors and residents to keep their distance from the New Forest's free-roaming animals.

Animal owners and local organisations have come together to issue the call due to concerns that people are putting themselves at risk by approaching the animals.

Head Agister Jonathan Gerrelli and his tea are responsible for overseeing all of the animals owned by people called commoners.

"Most New Forest ponies and donkeys are even-tempered animals and often come close to visitors, but they are not used to being handled and should be left alone," Mr Gerrelli said.

"They can react very suddenly if they feel threatened, so give them space.

"The animals may look friendly but can bite or kick, especially when they have young with them, so please keep your distance. Sadly some people – usually children – are hurt each year.’

To tackle the issue, New Forest commoners and local organisations are launching a ‘keep your distance’ campaign to make people aware they should not approach the animals.

Forest stakeholders say treating the animals as tame encourages them to pester people and hang around busy roads and car parks putting them at risk of road accidents.

The public are urged not to feed New Forest ponies as they are well adapted to thrive all year round in the wild.

The grazing of ponies, donkeys and cattle throughout the open areas of the New Forest also helps to maintain the unique habitats that make the area internationally important for nature conservation.

Tony Hockley, chair of the New Forest Commoners’ group, said: "These grazing animals are vital to everything we all love about the Forest.

"We believe that people wouldn’t get too close or disturb them if they understand this, and the risks to themselves and the animals.

"The Forest provides all the food they need, and feeding them just draws them to people, car parks and roads, putting them at great risk. It also changes their grazing habits that keep them healthy all year round."

Zoe Cox, Forestry Commission community manager, added: "New Forest Rangers are helping people to have a better understanding and awareness of how to behave around ponies to reduce the number of injuries.

"It’s a serious issue and we are trying to spread the message that people must keep their distance from animals, both for their own safety and that of the animals."

The campaign will be backed with a range of materials to clearly inform people about not feeding or petting animals, including posters displayed in popular Forestry Commission car parks.