Car park closures
We manage over 130 car parks across the New Forest providing access to a wide range of locations to enjoy. With only around 10% of our core funding coming from government we need to raise the majority of funds to look after car parks, trails and all of the work we do, ourselves.
Bad weather and prolonged periods of rain throughout the year have increased damage and erosion to car park surfaces. We are also trying to cope with large increases in the costs of materials needed for repairs.
This unfortunately means we will have to close some car parks if they become unusable and keep them shut for longer as we work through the list of repairs.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this.
Please don't park on verges, along access tracks or in gateways, alternative car parks are available, thank you.
The New Forest is a Special Protection Area for birds. Under pressure in many parts of the UK, helping ground nesting birds breed successfully in the New Forest has a key role to play in their overall survival. Whilst the fortunes of some species of these rare birds have improved in recent years thanks to people’s support, others still remain under considerable pressure. Each year, we close some of our car parks to protect nesting areas. Orange signs indicate areas very close to breeding grounds and can be seen in locations including car parks and on the main tracks. Red “stop” signs highlight nesting sites in the immediate vicinity and ask the public to avoid these areas. People are asked to stick to the main gravel tracks and not to venture onto open, heathland areas where birds will be nesting. Dog walkers are asked to lend their support by keeping dogs with them on the tracks and where necessary using leads to keep them under close control.
Latest closures:
- Car parks closed during the breeding season (1 March to 31 August) include: Clayhill, Crockford, Crockford Clump, Hincheslea, Hincheslea Moor, Ocknell Pond, Ogdens, Shatterford, Yew Tree Heath and part of Beaulieu Heath car park.
- Bolton's Bench car park will be closed between Thursday 22 to Friday 23 May while essential works are carried out. The nearest alternative car park is Lyndhurst car park.
- Osmond's Bushes car park remains closed.
