PLANS have been revealed to introduce a team of rangers to New Forest National Park.
But campaigners fear the proposed team could end up “policing” the ancient woodland and heath.
Bosses at New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) want to introduce their own unit of rangers to cover parts of the park.
But critics say the new team may end up “enforcing” the organisation’s blueprints for the area, which include controversial plans to create “dog free” car parks and tighten restrictions on keeping horses.
NPA chiefs have strongly denied the claim and say extra rangers would only benefit the area.
New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, who opposed the formation of the NPA, said: “I don’t like the smell of this at all. It seems like the setting up of some kind of enforcing agency.
“I can see no earthly reason why the NPA should want professional employees roaming all over the Forest unless they are going to become the equivalent of traffic wardens or park police.
“If it is something that is going to add to the joy and diversity of Forest life, then great.
“But somehow I think it is going to be more than that.”
Tina Cant from Forest Uprising – a campaign group set up to fight the NPA’s proposed Park Plan and Recreation Management Strategy – added: “It is tantamount to the park keeper with his ‘Please Keep Off The Grass’ signs. It will totally detract from the joy of visiting the New Forest.
“If they put these rangers out there, is it going to end up with us not being able to go for a peaceful walk without someone pouncing out from behind a bush saying we are only allowed to enjoy the park within certain confines?”
Funding has yet to be determined and there is no time frame for delivering the team, which could include a head ranger, outreach officer, three area rangers and an expansion of the existing Mobile Unit.
It would not replace Forestry Commission rangers and other partnership funded rangers operating in the National Park.
A spokesman for New Forest NPA said: “We strongly advise people to read the report about ranger services that went to last week’s Authority meeting.
“It is quite clear that any rangers employed by the National Park Authority would be involved in helping people to enjoy their visit and learn more about the National Park, carry out guided walks and do some practical conservation work.
“It requires a considerable stretch of the imagination to equate this with ‘policing’.”
