The BHS calls for an end to equine discrimination in the New Forest

The British Horse Society has released its response to proposals which impose controversial development control restrictions on equestrian activity in the New Forest.

The New Forest National Park’s Draft Recreation Management Strategy and the New Forest Park Plan Consultation Draft, aim to restrict equestrian activity in the New Forest by requiring planning permission for certain types of horse-keeping. This is due to alleged erosion of the landscape and natural habitat of local wildlife.

The Society welcomes the New Forest National Park Authority’s review of recreation provision across the whole of the National Park and the opportunity to make representations. It does not however accept, and the Park Authority adduces no evidence to show, that horse riding causes any more localised erosion or associated damage to vegetation than cycling or walking – activities that are not restricted under the proposals and occur on well-used routes and at pinch points.

Mark Weston, BHS Director of Access Safety and Welfare, said: “The equine industry is a £4 billion industry and any development control policies need to balance the needs of this industry against the need to preserve and enhance the landscape character of the New Forest.

“Five per cent of households within the New Forest identify horse riding as their main activity, providing them with a healthy form of exercise on their doorstep and reducing the need to go further afield to find an alternative exercise opportunity.”

A copy of the Society’s full response can be viewed at http://www.bhs.org.uk/DocFrame/DocView.asp?id=2615