From 29 March, outdoor gatherings of either 6 people (the rule of 6) or 2 households will be allowed, but many restrictions will remain in place. You should continue to minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You must continue to maintain social distancing from those outside your household or support bubble and must not meet in larger groups.
Please continue to minimise the number of journeys you make where possible and consider this when planning a visit to the New Forest. If you need to travel, you should walk or cycle where possible, and plan ahead to avoid busy times and routes on public transport.
Tree felling
We’ve removed some trees from this area of woodland, this is essential thinning to give remaining trees more space to grow. Public safety is our main priority, so we ask people to follow safety signage and not enter the areas where machinery is working. Please look out for heavy vehicles, which are working Monday to Friday.
Forestry England is the tenant of Puddletown Forest, which is located near Dorchester. It's leased to us for the purpose of growing timber and public access to the area is restricted to public rights of way only.
People can walk or cycle along the public rights of way and rediscover the beauty of the conifer tree without having to abandon any love of the broadleaf, as here they exist harmoniously side by side, branches softly creaking in the wind together.
The Forest has historic and ecological importance - it's home to rare insects, ground nesting birds such as woodlark and native reptiles in particular sand lizards and smooth snakes.
