MANY of the New Forest campsites are reopening from tomorrow - but most of the main sites are staying shut until next summer.

Hollands Wood and other major facilities run by Camping in the Forest are keeping their gates shut despite the mass reopening of other businesses in almost every other part of England.

The decision is a major blow to traders in villages such as Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, which rely heavily on the income generated by campers.

Daily Echo:

Anthony Climpson, chief executive of Go New Forest, said the continued closure of the ten sites operated by Camping in the Forest was a "potential catastrophe" for shops and eateries.

Camping in the Forest's decision has also sparked fears the area will be hit by an outbreak of wild camping, with families determined to stay in the district despite the official sites being out of bounds.

Richard Frampton, a former member of the New Forest National Park Authority, claimed the prospect of wild camping means the area was facing "total Armageddon".

District councillor David Harrison added: "Normally thousands of people descend on the National Park and spend a few nights or even a fortnight under canvas.

"My friend predicts many people will come here from all over the country and, finding the official campsites closed, will camp anyway - even in places where camping is not permitted. I fear he is right."

Camping in the Forest says it would be unable to comply with its high hygiene standards and the social distancing regulations imposed by the government.

Campsites that are reopening (advance booking only - check availability)

Avon Tyrrell Campsite, Bransgore (July 6).

Back of Beyond Touring Park, St Leonard's (July 4).

Green Hill Farm, Landford (July4).

Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park, Bransgore (July 4).

Long Meadow Campsite, Brockenhurst (July 4).

Lytton Lawn, Touring Park, Milford on Sea (July 4).

Red Shoot Camping Park, Linwood (fully booked July and August).

Arniss Bell Tents, Godshill (August 5).

Black Knowl, Brockenhurst, and New Forest Caravan Club, Bransgore, are both run by the Caravan and Motor Home Club, which is planning a phased reopening of its sites from July 4.

Daily Echo:

Campsites that are staying closed until next summer:

Aldridge Hill, Brockenhurst.

Ashurst.

Denny Wood, Lyndhurst.

Hollands Wood, Brockenhurst.

Holmsley, Bransgore.

Long Beech, near Bramshaw.

Matley Wood, Lyndhurst.

Ocknell, near Fritham.

Roundhill, Brockenhurst.

Setthorns, Sway.

Daily Echo:

In a statement Camping in The Forest said: "It has been an extremely difficult decision to make and followed a careful review that considered many different factors but concluded that it is not viable to re-open the campsites from a safety, operational and financial perspective for the remainder of this year.

"We fully understand the disappointment this will cause campers, staff and our partnering businesses within the local area of the campsites.

"Safety and wellbeing will always be our primary concern and from an operational position, Camping in the Forest sites pose unique challenges in the current circumstances, which has meant we would be unable to meet our high hygiene standards and adhere to government guidance on social distancing and gatherings, together with new measures for the running of campsites.

"The very nature of Camping in the Forest campsites is to offer the freedom to pitch up wherever holidaymakers want on the site and to always provide campers with the best possible experience in a truly safe manner – that is something we feel we would be unable to deliver in the same way this year.

"This will be a big disappointment to all Camping in the Forest customers and the organisation has been in touch with them to offer sincere apologies. Automatic refunds will be provided in full to all who have a booking.

"Despite the disappointing position for the 2020 season Camping in the Forest remains fully committed to all its campsites and the communities they sit within.

"Our local relationships and working in partnership remain key and we will continue to oversee and manage all of our campsites in the usual way during the closed period.

"This will include working closely with all local agencies, communities and stakeholders to ensure our campsites continue to be maintained and kept to the high standard we pride ourselves in, nestled amongst the beautiful locations our campsites are within.

"We are already preparing for the 2021 season and looking forward to welcoming our campers back.

"Camping in the Forest would like to thank all of our customers, business partners and stakeholders for their continued support and trust they will understand the extremely difficult decision in these unprecedented times."