ENVIRONMENTALISTS have welcomed a decision to scrap plans to restore wetlands at Latchmore Brook.

The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme board announced its decision not to progress the planning application, after it was refused by New Forest National Park Authority planning committee in November.

A statement read out at the Verderers Open Court said the HLS would allocate its money and staff time to “less controversial projects".

“We still firmly believe that the Latchmore restoration would have greatly benefited the condition of the Forest, and we will therefore continue to monitor the erosion of the mires and deterioration of the ecology of the catchment; it would be irresponsible of us not to do so. I am much in favour of river restorations in general, and the Latchmore project in particular, and I am disappointed that it will not go ahead.”

Campaign group The Friends of Latchmore welcomed the decision as good news not only for wildlife and visitors, but also for “quiet common-sense”.

"The decision is good news not only for wildlife and visitors to the Forest, but also for the quiet common-sense that recognises the way the New Forest evolves, and has evolved over many hundreds of years. The Forest is far better served by thoughtful, gentle stewardship and local knowledge than by the heavy handed imposition of European wetland targets inappropriately applied."

Bruce Rothnie, deputy surveyor for the New Forest, said: "Obviously, we are disappointed that the hard work of many people, over several years to develop and communicate evidence-based plans, including making adjustments to proposals in light of concerns raised, will not be taken forward at this time."