TWO burnt vans have been found in the New Forest – causing damage to the forest floor that will take years to recover. 

Police officers were on patrol with Forestry England ranger Beck when they came across the two burnt out Ford Transit vans. 

The vans were found opposite Pipers Wait car park just off the B3078 Roger Penny Way. 

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by New Forest Heart CopsPicture by New Forest Heart Cops

A spokesperson for New Forest Heart Cops said: “Forestry England will remove them but the damage this has caused to the forest floor will take years to repair. 

“If you have any information about these stolen vans and where they have ended up please let us know.” 

A spokesperson for Forestry England said: “The vehicles were located during a routine joint patrol between Forestry England and the local police force.

"Forestry England will arrange for the removal of the destroyed vehicles and the clean up operation.

"This is just another example of the detrimental impact the dumping of waste has on the forest.

Bournemouth Echo: Damage done to the land will take a long time to repair.Damage done to the land will take a long time to repair.

"The clean up operation takes away limited resources that could be much better spent on supporting wildlife and conserving the landscape for all to enjoy.

"We will assess the impact of this fly-tip and the damage caused.

"These kinds of incidents cause real damage to the landscape and in some cases take a long period to restore.”

Bournemouth Echo: Two Ford Transits were set alight in the New ForestTwo Ford Transits were set alight in the New Forest

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "On-call firefighters from Totton and Lyndhurst were called to a van fire on Forest Road in Nomandsland, New Forest at 1.12am on 2nd June. 

"The van was destroyed in the blaze which was stopped using hose reels and jets. 

"Police were informed prior to the stop message at 2.41am."