Protect Our Animals this Autumn, Winter

To mark the season’s changing, we thought it was only appropriate to remind residents, commuters, and tourists the importance of animal protection when driving through the New Forest. Historically, autumn and winter are times of great animal welfare interference, resulting in accidents affecting many livestock. Due to low light, shining headlights and bad weather, many animals find themselves in unfortunate positions, having been either injured or killed due to reckless driving. Last year the number of animals severely injured by roadside accidents was a fraction of the previous, and we would love to see this number continue to decrease.

New Forest National Park Authority’s Executive Director, Steve Avery, highlights the importance of road awareness within his statement. “Accidents can happen at any speed and cause untold suffering to the unfortunate animal, can result in injuries to people in the car and may result in a badly damaged vehicle. By slowing down in the dark, especially when oncoming vehicles approach, drivers, their passengers and the animals will be much safer.”

To protect our environment, wildlife and families, there is a simple message to follow; simply think DEERS:

Drive slowly, especially in the dark
Enough berth, on roadsides, bends and hills
Eyes Peeled! Be wary of grazing animals or excitable deer
Reflective collars will help you spot horses nearby, but be aware not all have them
Stop! Be prepared to hit the brakes

We are so proud of the work being done so far, as Charlotte Lines, Chair of the New Forest Commoners Defence Association states “great work has been done by several forest groups working together to reduce the number of road traffic accidents involving commoners’ livestock, such as reflective collars for ponies and ear tags.” However, there is far to go to ensure the roads remain a safe space for our free-roaming wildlife.

Roads to be especially mindful of are:

• B3078/79 from Cadnam to Godshill
• B3054 from Lymington to Dibden Purlieu
• B3055 from Brockenhurst to Sway
• C10 from Picket Post to Holmsley

For more information, please look to www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/animalaccidents