Working together for a cleaner Forest

July 30, 2010 - PRLog -- NFDOG, which has 3,000 members, the large majority of whom act responsibly, says a proactive approach to dog mess is needed to solve the problem around car parks and picnic areas in the New Forest.

The group has developed a leaflet with the National Park and Forestry Commission which will be handed out to fellow dog owners to show best practice.

Rangers working in the New Forest will also be able to use the information when talking to dog owners around car parks.

The leaflet encourages dog owners to pick up and bag their pet’s mess around car parks and anywhere that people are likely to picnic or play. On paths and tracks NFDOG advises using a stick to flick it into undergrowth away from where people will be walking.

Pauline Ludlow, founder and Chairman of NFDOG, said the campaign might later include posters at some car parks, advice on the websites of all three organisations, and will involve talking to schools.

She said: ‘It gives me great satisfaction to be leading our organisation into a pro-active future. The New Forest will depend on authorities and stakeholders working together to deliver the equal balance between recreation and conservation. This campaign demonstrates a pragmatic and balanced approach to a very real problem.’

New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive Alison Barnes said: ‘We are pleased to be working so closely with the dog-owning community and drawing on their experience and advice to ensure people and their pets can enjoy this spectacular landscape.’

Nick Tucker, the Forestry Commission’s Head of Recreation and Community Engagement in the New Forest, said: ‘We already work with the National Park and the community on anti-litter initiatives and this campaign demonstrates another way that everyone can work together for a cleaner Forest.’

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Media Contact:
Hilary Makin, Communications Manager, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646600
Email: hilary.makin@newforestnpa.gov.uk

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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.