 Planet Pleasures BamBoozlers Climbing Net 13in x 11in Small Bird Toy US $14.14 
|
 Vo-Toys Galaxy Rings with Bell Bird Toy US $1.25
|
I live in the New Forest UK National Park. I have an ancient right bestowed on my property, which is a three hundred year old thatched cottage. This is called Commoners Rights. I am allowed the "Right of Pasture" and I can put New Forest ponies and other animals such as donkeys, cows and pigs out on the New Forest to roam. Grazing and adding their own individual character to the conservation of this fantastic habitat.
So, each animal you see on the New Forest is owned by a "Commoner", what is also generally not known is that New Forest ponies have right of way on the forest roads.
This is where the problem starts. A couple of large roads traverse the New Forest. These are fenced off from the animals. However, there are many main roads through and lots of smaller roads and tracks. These may lead to villages and properties across which the animals roam freely.
This is where some horrible, animal road deaths happen.
Just a few days ago we were travelling towards Southampton and saw a dead New Forest pony by the side of the road. Its leg was obviously broken but whether this caused the death or whether it was destroyed by the Agister I didn't find out. Pain and suffering to the animal was very likely to have occured.
The sight always makes me feel sick to my stomach. So, let's look objectively at whether New Forest ponies and other animals have to die on the New Forest
roads each year?
- There is a 40mph or even 30mph speed limit throughout the open New Forest - many motorists speed.
Unfortunately, many of these speeding motorists are locals! The tourists tend to slow down to view this
beautiful wildlife sight - Many people are not aware of the impact hitting an animal will have - have you ever hit a small bird?
New Forest ponies weigh a great deal more and will certainly impact on your car or van. - If you come into a National Park which contains free roaming animals would you expect to speed through?
Because I feel really passionately about animal road death my answer is a definite NO! - If you know anything about even the most domesticated animal you would know that they can be unpredictable
- The level of unpredictability may cause some of the New Forest road deaths - a New Forest pony will one minute be grazing by the road edge and then be startled by a sound etc and come straight out into the road - in front of you!
- But.....if you have chosen to drive through this beautiful forest surely you should be aware?
- And take care!
What can we do?
- It's not rocket science!......slow down!
- Be aware that they are animals and therefore unpredictable
- Respect and enjoy the beauty of the New Forest animals and the area they live in
- There has been extensive road calming measures around school sites and so there must be some people out there who don't give a damn - if that is you why not stay on the A31 and carry on down to the coast........
and give the New Forest a miss and the New Forest pony the chance to live another day?
If you are driving through and you see an accident here is what to do:
- If you see a hit and run there is a £1000 reward for information in some circumstances - so get the number!
- Ring 999 Police 24hr Emergency line
- Ring 0845 045 4545 Police non emergency line
- Ring the Forestry Commission 023 8028 3141 24hrs
- Ring the Verderers Office 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri 023 8028 2052
If you are driving through the New Forest and see a yellow triangle by the roadside an animal accident has occurred here in the last week. You can find out more on my New Forest Life website.
Living in the beautiful New Forest UK National Park is both a joy and a privilege. The Commoners need to be able to continue to let their New Forest animals out without fear of death on the roads by thoughtless drivers who think they are still on the motorway for this fantastic area to continue to survive and the
wildlife to survive for future generations.
You can find out lots more about what living in the New Forest is actually like and more details of the New Forest ponies, donkeys, cows, pigs and deer which freely roam this unique habitat by visiting My New Forest Life travel Guide.
I live in the beautiful New Forest - a UK National Park. New forest ponies, donkeys, cows and even pigs run about freely outside my door.
I love living in this unique place and want to share my love with others through my New Forest tales and experiences. All the photos on my site are my own - warts and all. They may not win any prizes but if you see one you know it is real!
Now I can allow others to take part in my website by adding their own experiences too. If you have a great story to tell about the New Forest, you can simply add it to my site. The areas covered so far are: best walks, great fishing, great food and war time memories. I'll be adding to them all the time - so if you want to contribute just visit My New Forest Life travel Guide.
I look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful New Forest, England.
Whats On My YouTube Today?
Love birds & Indian Ring Neck Babies
Here Are A Few Items From Amazon You Might Be Interested In.
| Account limit of 2212 requests per hour exceeded. |
Items recently purchased on this site:
Thanks for visiting!
Tags: home, tax, health, tips, income