NFEA helps try out new “dual-purpose” catches on inclosure gates

Many riders in the Forest are only too familiar with the difficulties which can arise from time to time in opening and shutting the gates leading into the inclosures. Not always, but not infrequently either, these are stiff or inconvenient to operate from horseback. Riders, though, are not the only users of the Forest to experience these problems or to ask the Forestry Commission to seek for a solution to them. Another severely affected group is the disabled or other with restricted mobility, whether they are using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or simply juggling with walking sticks or crutches.

In response to the concerns of riders and the disabled, the Commission has begun a trial of two different types of gate-catches which are designed to make life easier for both groups. Each incorporates a lever (longer than the traditional gate-latch) which should be more efficient in opening the catch. One type is not unlike the traditional long-arm gate-catch (although the handle is longer), while the other takes the form of a continuous loop over the top bar of the gate (rather like a paper-clip in shape!).

One of each type of catches has been installed on gates leading into Wilverly Inclosure from the Commission’s car-park there and, on 12th. October, NFEA arranged for riders to attend a trial session with the Commission staff spearheading the initiative. NFEA Chairman, Professor Malcolm Forster, and Committee Member Chris Aldhous accompanied by Jaqui van Wyk (along with several wheelchair users) experimented with each of the catches. Both were thought to be a marked improvement on the existing types, the “paper-clip” version also having the advantage that it was difficult accidentally to loop reins or martingales over it. Chris had great difficulty with the gate fitted with a return spring, although he found both latches were a pleasure to use. He pointed out that neither would function properly if the gates to which they are attached are allowed to drop!

The Commission has agreed to leave the catches in place until Friday, November 10th, so please ride over and try them out. They are on the gates into the east side of the inclosures (“paper-clip” type) and the southern side (long-handled lever type). Please let Helen Wood, the Recreation and Community Manager know what you think. Her E-mail is helen.wood@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

New Guides to Help Protect the New Forest.

Everyone visiting the New Forest can now help to protect the area by following four brand new codes. There is a general 'Out and About' guide, plus separate codes for each of dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists.

The guides contain helpful information about how to look after the forest, such as safe cycling areas, why visitors should stay on the tracks during the ground nesting bird season and some tips for preventing soil erosion.

They also explain the dangers of touching or feeding the ponies and donkeys and why speeds have to be kept below 40 mph when motoring in the forest.

Designed to appeal to all age groups, the guides use cartoons to
illustrate the main points. They will be available to locals and tourists alike, to promote understanding and so help conserve the forest.

The 'Out and About' guide and the codes for horse riders and dog walkers are all free. The cycle code costs just £1 as it includes a large scale map printed on water and tear-proof paper.

The guides have been developed by people who live and work in the forest through the stakeholder forum of the PROGRESS Project, an international project co-funded by the EU and led by the Forestry Commission.

PROGRESS (PROmotion and Guidance for Recreation on Ecologically Sensitive Sites) aims to reconcile conservation and recreation in the Forêt de Fontainebleau in France as well as the New Forest and brings together partners from across Europe.

The stakeholder forum was established at the beginning of the project and includes local conservationists, recreational users, interest groups, businesses and statutory agencies. The PROGRESS team will continue to consult with the forum throughout the next three years to guide the future direction of the project and its actions.

Keith Campbell, PROGRESS project co-ordinator said: "Although the majority of visitors respect the area and act responsibly, some are unaware that their actions could damage the fabric of the forest - it is these people that we hope the best practice guides will reach. If everyone does their bit to protect this unique environment, between us we can all ensure that the forest will remain a wonderful place for years to come."

Peter Frost, New Forest Verderer, member of the National Park Authority, and a representative from the PROGRESS stakeholder forum, said: "Bringing together a variety of people with a diverse range of interests through the forum has meant that we've been able to discuss all forest users' needs in great detail. Ultimately, we all want to protect the forest, whilst ensuring that everyone can enjoy their favoured activity without disturbing other users, or urbanising the beautiful landscape."

Christian Tillier from Bashley walks his dog, Dipper, on the forest regularly and welcomes the new guides. Christian commented: "Dipper and I feel privileged to have such a beautiful area to walk in and the guides mean I can play a part in looking after the forest. If we all follow them we can protect the area we enjoy so much, and also ensure that everyone else gets the most out of their visit too."

The guides will be available in shops, information points, libraries, hotels, guest houses, recreation centres and other outlets, as well as being available to download online from www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest.

Poster versions will also be produced and displayed at important visitor sites such as cycle hire shops and riding stables.