Nigel Matthews, Head of Visitor and Recreation Services, said: ‘Burley is a particular hotspot for people feeding ponies and donkeys, especially in the summer; it’s one of the busiest places in the New Forest.
‘Ponies quickly become used to human food and sometimes become aggressive or unpredictable when fed. They can also easily develop colic (a bad stomach ache) which is sometimes fatal.
‘Ponies are well adapted to living on the Forest and there is more than enough food for them; a diet of gorse, grass and holly suits them best.
‘We would like to encourage as many retailers in the New Forest as possible to start using these bags and help us to promote this campaign.’
The New Forest National Park Authority is also working with New Forest District Council to produce branded pony-proof litter bins that will also be piloted in Burley. The aim is to both stop ponies reaching into the bins to eat discarded food and to highlight to people the importance of not feeding the ponies.
If you are a retailer in the New Forest and would like more information about these bags contact Paperex on 01425 673007 or email sales@paperex.co.uk
To read more about the work the Authority is doing to prevent animal feeding and road traffic accidents visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/
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Media Contact:
Karen Evans, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans@
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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.
