New Forest community brought together to develop vision of sustainable transport in the National Park

New Forest Inclusive Cycling charity PEDALL
Photo:

The New Forest National Park Authority brought together local communities and organisations to create a vision of integrated sustainable transport during the inaugural transport summit.

Around 100 people from across local parishes, community groups, businesses, elected representatives and local organisations attended the first New Forest National Park Transport Summit.

The flagship event took place at Brockenhurst Village Hall last Thursday (20 November) to co-create a vision and actions for how people move around the National Park in ways that protect and enhance its special, working landscape.

There were several panels throughout the sold-out Summit on active travel (such as walking, cycling, running), sustainable public transport and the relationship between travel and local businesses and attractions. Panellists included sustainable transport planners, representatives from MoreBus, South Western Railway, Wightlink, Go New Forest, and Beaulieu National Motor Museum, as well as residents who regularly get around without a car.

Talks also took place on the New Forest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, wayfinding, transport emissions, a Lymington to Lyndhurst active travel corridor, speed on New Forest roads, and public transport innovation in the Lake District National Park.

Attendees were invited to share ideas on what is good about transport to and within the National Park and what they would like to see improved.

There were active travel demonstrations outside throughout the day on a fleet of specialist and adapted cycles. This included New Forest Inclusive Cycling charity PEDALL, New Forest bike hire company Cyclexperience, Jorvik tricycles, and a local carpenter who runs his business from his adapted cargo bike and electric van.

Two guided walks also took place around the village, using Brockenhurst as an example of how to conduct a case study using a 'Healthy Streets' framework.

Local transport, environment, and public health communications and engagement specialist Charlotte Baker chaired the event. She said: 'Transport is fundamental to how we live our lives; it's like breathing. That means everyone has a view and a lived experience. What was fantastic was not only that there were lots of people sharing their experiences, but also ideas for how we can build on what we have and improve things going forward.

'It's about giving people options about how they move around so they feel they don't have to always take cars. We saw lots of people wanting to sign up for that vision too, and it was really inspiring.

'I live here in Brockenhurst, in the middle of the New Forest, and I love where I live, so for me it was such a privilege to facilitate and be involved in this event. We have fantastic communities that really want to get together and harness the passion and energy of the Summit to improve things.'

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, said: 'We thank all those who attended the New Forest Transport Summit and their valued input into what was a day of thoughtful consideration of the existing and future movement needs of residents and visitors. The contributions from all those who attended will help Hampshire County Council develop future transport policies and projects.'

New Forest National Park Authority access and learning manager Jim Mitchell said: 'In the 20th anniversary year of the National Park, the New Forest Transport Summit was a unique opportunity to bring people together to shape a fresh vision, which gets people where they need to go in a way that is sustainable, healthy, and above all protects our National Park for the future.

'We are delighted with the enthusiasm and engagement from the community at the Summit. We will now be writing up and sharing the thoughts and ideas more widely, so people can join in the conversation. We want to follow up the Summit with clear actions that can make a difference to how we all move around the New Forest more sustainably.'

The New Forest National Park Transport Summit was hosted by the New Forest National Park Authority in partnership with Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and Go New Forest. The event was supported by Active Travel England's National Park Capability Fund.

About the New Forest National Park Authority

Protect - Enjoy - Prosper

The New Forest National Park Authority's statutory purposes are to:
-Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect.
-Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities - Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
'Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park - Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

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Sion Britton, Caernarfon

“Ron Woodbridge believes that off roaders should be restricted to farm land on the bases of being working vehicles by design. By his logic should we not also be stopping horses from using the national park as well after all they are the predecessor to the tractor. I agree that there is an element of ware on green lanes from the use of motor vehicles but this happens on foot paths as well I recall a story some time ago I think it was in the lake district where the national park was having to air lift equipment into sites to repair damage done by walkers if authorities did regular maintenance a task I for one would be happy to help with this would not be an issue. as a 4x4 owner I feel we are given a bad press and a bad reception by the public we are portrayed as mindless vandals wrecking the country until that is there is an emergency when the national 4x4 response network swings into action I'm sure many of those criticising 4x4 use in the national parks would be more than happy to see a land rover pull up in front of their house when they fall ill during a period of heavy snow and that 4x4 is the only way to get a health professional to the scene. so next time you see me or one of the other 4x4 drivers who choose to drive the green lanes in there leisure time just think that our hobby makes those vehicles and skills available when they are needed and next time it snows in might be you using their help.”

Peter Upton, Scarborough

“The problem is that some people have no consideration for anyone but themselves. In general I like dogs, although I do not have a dog myself. However when I am out walking I do not want dogs running up to me and barking. It can be very frightening, especially if the dogs are large. Being told that the dog is being friendly doesn't help. If you cannot control your dog, then you should use a lead. It's as simple as that.”

Bernie Thornton

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Jack Trend, Kettering

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Colin Mccrae, Glasgow

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