Hatchet Pond car parks to close for major conservation works
CAR parks at Hatchet Pond, one of the New Forest's most popular beauty spots, will be shut for several months during major conservation works.
The project to relocate the current gravel parking area further from the shoreline is to begin at the end of the month after a more than two-year delay, due to Covid.
The aim is to stop rain run-off carrying pollution from the car park into the pond, which is the largest body of fresh water in the Forest and home to many rare species.
The current car park and the one at Hawkhill will both be closed during the works which begin on 23rd January.
Visitors can leave vehicles instead at Hatchet Moor and Stockley car parks.
Forestry England, Natural England and the Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) have been carrying out an action plan to protect Hatchet Pond.
Leanne Sargeant, senior ecologist at FE, said: “Hatchet Pond is truly a special place. It is a haven for nature and home to some of the UK’s rarest species.”
Dr Naomi Ewald, from the FHT, added: “There are no other water bodies in lowland England which support the same number of plants and animals, and so many rarities which are in decline elsewhere.
"Taking actions to protect it help us protect this special area of the Forest and we are pleased to be supporting this project.”
The pond is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area for Conservation, making its proper maintenance a legal requirement.
Restoration began in 2019 after analysis showed that the health of the water, and plants and wildlife that rely on it, were in severe decline.
Among the first actions was the removal of a toilet block and the improvement of drainage to prevent run-off from the car park.
Non-native carp were also removed and signs erected informing the public how they could protect the pond.
But work on relocating the car park had to be halted due to Covid.
Jenny Thomas, New Forest nature recovery senior adviser at Natural England, said: “This programme of restoration will help to protect and restore Hatchet Pond for the benefit of all the plants and animals which depend on it, as well as safeguarding it for the enjoyment and wellbeing of New Forest residents and visitors.”
For more information visit www.forestryengland.uk/wildlife-hatchet-pond