new forest
todaySummer 2009
newforesttoday.org.uk
newforest.gov.uk
See yOu atthe ShOW
Summer Safety
WhO’S WhO
WOOD WORKSuStainable fOReStRy
In the National Park
New Forest Show edition
FOOD • BUSINESS • ENERGY • HEALTH & LEISURE
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New Forest Today is brought to you by the communications
department of New Forest District Council in partnership with
the Forestry Commission and the New Forest National Park
Authority.
Editor: David Atwill.
New Forest Today writing team: Davina Staples, Donna Jones.
Photographs: Robert Hales, Luke Johnson and Kevin Holmes.
A large print copy and a talking book of
New Forest Today is available on request
from the communications team on
023 8028 5142
New Forest:today
This edition of New Forest Today
is all about letting you know
what is on offer from New Forest
District Council and its partners
– the Forestry Commission and
the New Forest National Park
Authority – at the New Forest
and Hampshire County Show.
I believe the show does
more to tell visitors, from far and
wide, about the life and times of
the New Forest than any other event or organisation.
The show is a summer highlight that gives the New
Forest District Council a chance to demonstrate how we go
about leading our forest communities through practical
examples of our services.
This year we are launching Brand New Forest at the
show. This new initiative is designed to reinvigorate support
and loyalty for the local economy and to instil a sense of local
pride in the community of the New Forest.
Come and see us at the New Forest District Council
exhibit, block 24, stand 165. You will be able to find out
more about Brand New Forest; and the New Forest Business
Partnership, the New Forest Food Challenge, energy
conservation and recycling, and opportunities for health and
leisure activities.
And have a look at our two ‘grow-your-own’ gardens
outside our marquee – both designed to show you how easy
it is to produce cheap fresh food right on your doorstep.
We look forward to meeting you.
Councillor Barry Rickman
Leader, New Forest District Council
new forest
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Information correct at time of printing.
Printed from paper from sustainably managed forests.
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A Chinese dragon, Bollywood
dancers and Morris Men are
among the acts getting together
to strut their stuff this summer.
The New Forest Mela is a free
festival for people of all ages,
celebrating the art, music and food of
the diverse ethnic communities who live
and work in the New Forest.
The festival will be held on Saturday
8 August, from 11.00am to 8.30pm in
the beautiful grounds of New Forest
District Council’s offices at Appletree
Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst,
SO43 7PA.
Music & dance performances will
include bhangra, street dancers, gypsy
jazz, reggae, and salsa.
Workshops and stalls include Indian
craft, henna tattooing, Kabaddi games
and more.
And why not challenge yourself on
the climbing wall or view the gypsy
wagon.
Plus - enjoy food and drink from
across the world, including Indian,
Chinese, Thai and Afro-Caribbean
specialities.
Find us on FacebookVisit us at: forestmela.org.ukEmail: [email protected]: 023 8028 5494Organised by the New Forest
Diversity Network in partnership with
New Forest District Council,
Hampshire County Council, Forest
Bus and Community First New Forest
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Come and visit us in the
Forestry Commission area at the
New Forest Show this year.
You may think we’re biased, living
and working in woodlands across
Britain, but throughout the three days
we’ll be on hand to share with you why
we think wood is so great!
We may even surprise you by
challenging your own views about
forestry. Can chopping down trees be
good for the environment? Can it really
benefit wildlife? How can burning wood
have a positive impact on climate
change? We’ll explain all about
sustainable forestry – and even show
you some of the big machines we use
to fell and extract timber.
We’d like to tell you about exciting
developments in the forestry industry
and let you know what is happening on
your doorstep. What happens to all of
the timber stacked along forest tracks?
Are trees being replanted? How can
YOU use wood?
We’ve teamed up with local groups
Wood workand businesses to let them
demonstrate how they use woodland
products. The Hampshire Coppice
Group will be demonstrating traditional
woodland crafts.
Snakecatcher Charcoal will show
you how they use New Forest
woodlands to fuel your summer
barbecues and The New Forest Wood
Burning Centre will explain how you can
have clean, efficient and carbon-neutral
heat in your home by burning local
wood in a wood burning stove.
If you’re involved in the forestry
sector, pick up some information from
our funding opportunities stand and see
how you can improve the economic
value of your woodland, add value to
your forestry products or invest in
marketing support for your forestry
business. Visit the New Forest
Transition Group to find out how they
are taking action locally.
And for the kids – there will be
plenty of opportunities to explore the
woodland with one of our Rangers,
perhaps have a go at den-building and
of course complete our woody-trail and
claim a prize. For the more
adventurous, Arbor Venture will be on-
site to test your nerve and help you
swing high amongst the trees!
As always, you’re very welcome to
pop in and simply enjoy your picnic.
Relax in our open grassy area, on
benches made by our own staff in their
workshop at Burley Yard (made from
timber grown and harvested in the New
Forest - naturally!). Enter our
competition to win an FSC piece of
garden furniture made by Burley
Products in the New Forest.
Plus, we’re joined by our usual
show-partners: the Verderers of the
New Forest, Lyndhurst Fire and
Rescue, CountryWatch, The British
Deer Society.
Facts:Using an additional two million
tonnes of wood per year as a
renewable fuel to replace fossil fuel
use would save 400,000 tonnes of
carbon a year and help to tackle
climate change.
Bringing more of England’s
woodlands into active management
could help support wildlife.
Many of our most important and
cherished woodlands are not
‘natural’ but have developed thanks
to a long history of management for
fuel and other wood products.
All Forestry Commission wood
harvested in the UK must be
sustainably harvested which means
that when a tree is felled other trees
are planted in its place. By using UK
Forestry Commission woodfuel you
can guarantee that forests have not
been destroyed.
Woodfuel works best on a local scale
– using locally grown trees in efficient
boilers to provide heat for business
and community use reduces haulage
costs and emissions.
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School’s out– and many
families are planning their
summer breaks on the south
coast. Everybody wants a
day of fun in the sun and
there are fabulous places to
choose from – whether it’s
splashing in the surf or
foraging in the forest, but
don’t let unforeseen
accidents spoil your day.
Follow our top tips for staying safe
at the seaside and in the forest this
summer – with a little help from our
friends at the Royal National Lifeboat
Institution and the Forestry
Commission.
The RNLI’s beach safety campaign
urges people to keep themselves and
their families safe by choosing a
lifeguarded beach. Last year, RNLI
lifeguards responded to more than
9,500 incidents and helped more
than 10,900 people on some of the
UK's busiest beaches.
RNLI lifeguards are patrolling
140 beaches around the coast of
the UK.
1. Always swim at a lifeguarded beach.
2. Swim between the red and yellow
flags.
3. Never swim alone.
4. Know your beach safety flags.
5. Never use inflatables in strong
winds or rough seas.
6. If you get into trouble, stick your
hand in the air and shout for help.
7. If you see someone else in trouble,
tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a
lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask
for the Coastguard.
8. Check tide times before you go.
9. Read and obey local hazard signs.
Visit the RNLI’s website,
rnli.org.uk/beachsafety
There’s plenty to do in the beautiful New Forest, butvisitors are reminded to be mindful of the wildlifeand residents who live here.
Watching the ponies while enjoying a picnic makes a
perfect day out – but to stay safe and leave the forest as you
found it, the Forestry Commission has drawn up the following
guidelines:
1. Keep to the forest’s tracks and plan to leave the car parks
before dusk.
2. Enjoy walking with your dogs, but keep them under
control at all times.
3. Park your car in a designated car park and always lock
your car, taking all valuables with you.
4. When driving on forest roads, keep at or below the
40mph speed limit – slow down and give forest animals a
wide berth.
5. Enjoy a cycle ride around the forest, but keep to the
tracks and give way to horse riders and walkers. Ride in
single file on narrow roads and make sure you are visible
after dark.
6. Campfires are not allowed in the New Forest without the
landowner’s permission, but there are several designated
barbecue sites for hire around the forest. See
forestry.gov.uk/newforest for more details.
7. Be aware of warning signs and keep a safe distance from
forest management work sites.
8. The New Forest ponies are a wonderful sight – but help
look after their wellbeing. Don’t get too close or attempt
to stroke them – view from a safe distance as ponies are
liable to kick or even bite if they feel threatened. Never
feed ponies as they can suffer bad stomach cramps. The
feeding of ponies also makes them more vulnerable to
traffic accidents and can make them aggressive at picnic
sites.
9. And NEVER drop litter – take it home with you.
In an emergency, always dial 999. But the public can
also call Hampshire Constabulary on 101 to report
crime, including anti-social behaviour issues, leave a
message and seek general advice. Calls cost 10p
and are free from public phones.
Summer safety
For what to see and do in the New Forest this summer visitthenewforest.co.uk
newforesttoday.org.uk 7
BUSINESS
The economic downturn has
had an impact on all our lives. If
you feel you need help or
business advice, then ask
yourself these questions:
• Do I want to develop and promote
the New Forest business brand?
• Do I want to be better connected to
other New Forest businesses?
• Do I want to adopt smarter working
practices?
• Have I got a small business and feel
cut off?
If you’ve answered ‘Yes’ to at least one
of these, then pop in to the Brand New
Forest marquee at the New Forest
Show. There you can meet New Forest
Business Partnership (NFBP)
professionals who will give you the
answers.New Forest Business Partnership
Bridging Commerce and Council
“Have fun, look after yourself
and do your bit for the local
economy by signing up to the
Brand New Forest campaign at
the New Forest and Hampshire
County Show,” said the leader
of the New Forest District
Council, Councillor Barry
Rickman.
Led by New Forest District Council,
and hosted in the Brand New Forest
marquee, the campaign aims to get
everybody involved – as local
consumers, businesses, communities,
or as individuals.
Call in to see for yourself what
Brand New Forest is all about - there
will be plenty of activities,
demonstrations and helpful advice on
the four themes of business, energy,
exercise and food. Read more about
these areas on the following three
pages.
For instance, find out how to take
the New Forest Food Challenge, get
healthier, lead a more environmentally-
friendly lifestyle, back local business or
simply buy and shop locally.
Brand New Forest aims to inspire a
sense of loyalty to the local economy
and fill us all with a sense of New
Forest pride. And with your help, we’re
on our way.
Following the launch, a Brand New
Forest roadshow will visit many
locations and be at the heart of all New
Forest Business Partnership events.
Brand New Forestbe part of it, be proud of it!
The best for your businesstogether we can make a difference
NFBP was established with the aim
of promoting better business-to-
business relationships, building a
stronger economy and bringing greater
prosperity to the local community as
well as improving relations between
commercial organisations and local
government.
During the economic downturn,
working together has become even
more vital than ever and through the
Brand New Forest campaign
businesses can get the help and
support they need to weather the
current financial climate and prosper in
the future.
NFBP brings together every size
and type of business and in every
location to the benefit of all. There’s
more to a vibrant local economy than
just good business. Together we can
make a difference.
For subscription and membership
benefits, visit nfbp.org.uk.
For any further enquiries email:
[email protected] or tel:
023 8028 5371.
Visit us atBlock 24Stand 165
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It’s time to get into gear and put
your driving skills to the test at
the show.
A mean green Co2 emissions-
reducing driving simulator will allow
drivers to find out how they can reduce
their car’s impact on the New Forest
and further afield.
Sitting in the fun ‘car’, participants
will be invited to take a road trip which
will gauge how efficiently they drive. The
Energy Saving Trust is working in
partnership with the New Forest District
Council and advisors will be on hand to
discuss results and suggest ways to
drive to reduce emissions, cut fuel use
and save money too.
As part of the Brand New Forest
initiative, visitors will also be
encouraged to take the eco challenge,
ENERGY
The best for the
environment
Come along and play our
snakes and ladders game -
find out what steps you can
take to help the environment
and win the game.
pledging to do their bit to
help save the planet. There
will be a limited number of
eco-friendly giveaways each
day.
NFDC and the Energy
Saving Trust will also be
handing out free impartial
advice on grants, funding,
energy efficiency, renewable
energy, waste and water.
For more information, contact
the Energy Saving Trust free on 0800
512012 or energysavingtrust.org.uk
Test your driving skills
and see whether you
can be a more energy
efficient driver.
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With the warmer weather and energy levels up, summer is the
perfect time to start leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
So come and visit our Health and Leisure staff who will give you ideas to help
you on your way to a fitter future. And why not take up the offer of a free health
check before having a go on our ‘smoothie bike’ where you will be able to make
your own drink using the energy you create from your cycling efforts!
Enjoying outdoor activities that summer brings, such as cycling in the forest,
swimming in the sea or gardening, can help maintain our health and wellbeing,
reduce stress and improve our overall fitness. But as the autumn and winter
months approach, the activity doesn’t have to stop there - that’s why, as part of the
council’s commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle for the whole community, we
are encouraging everyone who visits us to make a pledge for a fitter future.
Whether it’s committing to an extra day in the gym or pledging to take a new
dance class, we can all do something to become fitter and more active. What will
your pledge be?
Applemore Health & Leisure
Claypits Lane, Dibden, Southampton
SO45 5TN
Lymington Health & Leisure
North Street, Pennington, Lymington
SO41 8FZ
New Milton Health & Leisure
Gore Road, New Milton BH25 6RR
Ringwood Health & Leisure
Parsonage Barn Lane, Ringwood BH24 1PX
Totton Health & Leisure
Water Lane, Totton, Southampton
SO40 3GX
0845 659 0845
newforest.gov.uk/leisure
The best for yourhealth and wellbeing
HEALTH ANDLEISURE
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Food and the forest go together like strawberries and cream – and
the abundance of fabulous locally-produced food and drink will
be showcased in the New Forest District Council marquee.
To tickle the tastebuds – and encourage more people to join the
Brand New Forest food challenge, there will be mouth-watering cookery
demonstrations using fresh produce in imaginative
ways. You may even get a chance to taste test the
dishes for yourself.
To promote a healthier lifestyle for all
ages, Brand New Forest is encouraging
everyone to make a pledge to improve their
diet.
By taking part in the New Forest Food
Challenge, you’ll be encouraged to eat locally
grown produce, preferably organic or free
range food from local farms.
Summer or winter, spring or autumn,
you can keep down costs by eating
food that’s in season. From hearty
hotpots to crunchy salads, you can
plan your meals – for those seeking
inspiration, turn to Well Seasoned, a
great cookbook featuring delicious
recipes from members of the New
Forest Marque. Any leftovers can
often be used to make a second
meal – and waste scraps are
great for your compost heap.
And for keen gardeners,
why not grow your own food,
as demonstrated outside our
show marquee, to serve up fresh and inexpensive
family fare.
Make a pledge to join the Brand New Forest’s commitment to
a locally sustainable food system – and enjoy a taste of success on a plate.
For more information about the New Forest Food Challenge, go online at
newforesttransition.org/foodchallenge
The best forlocal produce
FOOD
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LOCAL PRODUCEMARKET DATES
10 - 2pm unless otherwise statedJuly12th Beaulieu Village School19th Hoburne Holiday Parks - Bashley,
New Milton25th Sandy Balls Holiday Centre,
Fordingbridge (4pm-7pm)26th Lyndhurst Community CentreAugust2nd Lymington Masonic Hall9th Beaulieu Village Hall16th Hoburne Holiday Parks - Naish,
New Milton22nd Sandy Balls Holiday Centre,
Fordingbridge (4pm-7pm)23th Lyndhurst Community Centre30th Brockenhurst Masonic CentreSeptember6th Lymington Masonic Hall13th Beaulieu Village Hall20th Hoburne Holiday Parks - Naish,
New Milton27th Sandy Balls Holiday Centre,
Fordingbridge27th Lyndhurst Community Centre
Grants for rural businesses
The New Forest Marque is
launching a brand new scheme
that offers everyone who joins
exclusive discounts, days out,
recipes and much, much more.
The ‘Friends of the Marque’ scheme
is for anybody who loves to shop local,
cares about the welfare of animals and
is keen to support local producers,
farmers and commoners.
The New Forest Marque was
launched to provide a recognised
standard and stringent criteria for all
goods that carry the Marque. There are
currently 134 individuals, farmers,
hotels, B&Bs and restaurants who are
part of, endorse and supply New Forest
Marque produce.
By joining the ‘Friends of the
Marque’ scheme you can take your
passion for shopping local a step
further by getting to know the local
people behind the food and produce
you buy.
For just £20 a year you will receive
the following exclusive benefits:
• A 10 percent discount at
participating New Forest Marque
outlets.
• A farm tour, where you can meet
farmers and producers, talk to them
about their work and try their
delicious products.
• A ‘meet the producers’ day where
you can sample your way around
the different delicacies the New
Forest has to offer.
• Two newsletters bursting with local
recipes, events and features on
local producers.
For more information please visit
newforestproduce.com or contact
Sarah Richards -
Tel: 01590 646692 or why not come
and visit us at the New Forest Show -
Hampshire & New Forest Food
Experience area.
Food friends
Farmers, foresters, growers,
rural businesses and community
organisations in the New Forest
are now able to apply for a
share of the £2.2 million New
Forest RDPE (Leader) fund.
Grants of up to 50% are available
for a wide range of buildings and
equipment for farm diversification
projects, forestry management
activities, on-farm renewable energy
projects and for businesses which add
value to local produce.
New Forest community groups can
apply for funding to build or improve
essential community facilities.
For more information visit us in the
‘Food from Field and Forest’ area at the
New Forest Show or see
newforestleader.org.uk
Alternatively, contact Sally Igra, New
Forest RDPE (Leader) Programme
Manager, New Forest District Council,
Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road,
Lyndhurst, Hants SO43 7PA
Tel: 023 8028 5368 E-mail:
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Snap your ‘iconic’ New Forest
image and win up to £500.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of
the National Parks and Access to the
Countryside Act, the Authority and the
Forestry Commission are launching a
joint photography competition with
prizes worth £1000. All you need to do
is take a picture that is your ‘iconic’
image of the New Forest National Park.
Whether you are a fan of the
famous New Forest pony or the
heathland or coast we want your
pictures. For more information about
the competition, prizes and conditions
visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/
photography_competition
‘Who’s who?’ is the theme of
the New Forest National Park
Authority’s stand at the New
Forest Show this July.
Visitors will follow a Forest trail
made of giant National Park boundary
markers, discovering who does what in
the New Forest with multiple-choice
questions featuring fun cartoon
characters.
For example: who owns the animals
that roam free in the National Park?
Who decides what you can build in the
National Park?
Along the way visitors will get to
play games about disposing of litter,
voting for what is most important to
them in the Forest and decorating a
tree with their favourite places and
things to do. Everyone who follows
the trail gets a prize.
In a separate part of the stand,
there will be a peaceful autumn
woodland scene complete with
beautiful images, mushroom-
shaped seating, heaps of
colourful leaves and autumn
sounds. Members and staff
will be on hand to talk to
visitors about the National Park
and its work.
The autumn area will also
feature a host of free leaflets to
take away and an interactive
terminal with quizzes and slide-
shows.
Martin O’Neill, Director of
Information and Visitor Services for
the New Forest National Park Authority,
Who’s whosaid: ‘We know from questions we get
all the time that it can be tricky for
people to work out who’s who in the
New Forest.
‘Our Forest trail is first and foremost
good fun, but it will also be packed with
useful information about who does
what.’
in the National Park?
Foresticon
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The New Forest National Park
Authority, Forestry Commission
and Hampshire Fire and Rescue
are working hard to prevent a
scourge of wildfires this summer.
After a damp winter with lots of
flooding, we are now faced with the
prospect of a very dry summer. The risk
of fires in the New Forest is high with
both accidental and deliberate fires
being a big issue.
Fires in the New Forest National
Park can have a devastating effect; not
only the threat to human life but also to
the animals and vegetation.
Many fires are started accidently.
There are simple steps you can take to
make sure you do not start a fire:
• Do not throw cigarettes out of car
windows or drop them on the
Forest floor when you are driving or
walking in the New Forest. Use a
portable ashtray.
• Only barbecue at the following
designated sites where running
water is available:
- Use disposable barbecues only
on the metal plates fixed to
picnic tables at Bolderwood,
Wilverley and Blackwater
- Use raised non-disposable
barbecues at Anderwood,
Blackwater, Bolderwood,
Hatchet Pond, Linford Bottom,
Whitefield Moor, and Wilverley
car parks.
- Or hire a barbecue site at
Wilverley or Anderwood car
park.
• Never drop glass of any kind on the
Forest floor; this can sometimes
start a fire.
• Never start a campfire as they can
get out of hand very quickly.
For a portable ashtray or to book a
designated barbecue site contact the
Forestry Commission on
023 8028 3141.
What to do if you spot a fire:
Call 999 immediately and give the exact location of the fire. If possible
wait for the fire crew to arrive to give directions.
Summer scorcher
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Residents, visitors and commuters in south east Dorsetcan soon have their say as part of a major transportstudy. The study will explore the area’s current and future
transport needs and will develop proposals for improvements to
the transport system for the next 20 years in Poole, Bournemouth
and Christchurch, extending north to Wimborne and Ringwood.
During July and August, the views of people who use buses,
trains and roads will be gathered to understand what they see as
the main problems when travelling around the area.
Questionnaires will be available in libraries, council offices and
tourist offices. They can also be accessed at sedorsetmms.com.
Do your travels take youto south east Dorset?
“The next 20 years could see major growth in this area and we need to
start planning now to ensure that we have the transport system in place
to cater for it.”
Rick Clayton, Project Manager for the SE Dorset Transport Study
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See individual health and leisurecentres for class information
Applemore Health & Leisure
Lymington Health & Leisure
New Milton Health & Leisure
Ringwood Health & Leisure
Totton Health & Leisure
0845 659 0845 newforest.gov.uk/leisure
Shape up for summerVisit your local health and leisure centre tofind out about our classes and special offers
Spin • Aerobics • Boxercise • PilatesZumba • Aquafit and lots more...
Don’t forget under 17s and over 60sswim for free**£2 registration fee
SummerHoliday programmes
Fun and excitingactivities for childrenaged 3 -16yrs