New Forest council consults public on £1,000 fines

The district's council's intention to impose two Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) was approved in principle at a meeting of the authority's ruling cabinet.

One of the proposed PSPOs aims to tackle the issue of people lighting campfires and barbecues on land managed by Forestry England.

The other seeks to prevent people from feeding or petting ponies, mules, and donkeys in the open areas of the Forest.

People could be fined £1k for feeding or petting the New Forest's famous ponies. Picture: Holly Marie (Image: Holly Marie)

Anyone breaching a PSPO can be handed a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or fined up to £1,000 if the case goes to Southampton Magistrates' Court.

"New Forest District Council will seek the views of members of the public during a period of consultation beginning in December, and officers will report back findings to Cabinet meeting in Spring 2023," said a council spokesperson.

READ MORE: New Forest: Fines for petting ponies and lighting barbecues

"The proposal of two new PSPOs comes after ongoing discussions with the New Forest Recreation Management Strategy Steering Group.

"As part of the group, the council have been involved in talks about how to deal with certain anti-social behaviour within the New Forest."

One of the proposed PSPOs also makes it a criminal offence to feed or pet the donkeys that roam the New Forest (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

A report to councillors added: "Used proportionately and in the right circumstances, PSPOs allow local areas to counter unreasonable and persistent behaviour that affects the quality of life.

"They can send a clear message that certain behaviours will not be tolerated, and help reassure residents that unreasonable conduct is being addressed."

Part of the report dealt with the issue of wildfires caused by campfires and disposable barbecues.

It also described the dangers associated with people petting and feeding the ponies that roam the Forest.

READ MORE: New Forest foal found to be suffering from strangles

Animals learn to associate humans with food and often approach members of the public, which can result in people being bitten, kicked or knocked over.

The report said: "Animals can also become dependent on human food, which can seriously affect their health.

"People often dump windfall apples on the Forest, mistakenly believing they are of benefit to the ponies. Apples can not only cause choking but also colic, which can be fatal to ponies.

"Grass cuttings pose a particular danger. When eaten they ferment, creating gas that can sometimes lead to a ruptured stomach."