New Forest District Council Public Space Protection Order(s) extension consultation

Tell us you thoughts – take our survey to inform the future of our Public Space Protection Orders

In July 2023, two Public Space Protection Orders came into effect within the New Forest, prohibiting:    

• PSPO 1 - placing, throwing or dropping items likely to cause a fire; or lighting fires (of any type) or barbeques (including disposable barbeques and any outdoor temporary cooking facilities or equipment). 
• PSPO 2 - feeding or providing or depositing food for consumption by any New Forest pony, horse, mule or donkey; or petting or touching any New Forest pony, horse, mule or donkey. 

The orders are to protect the forest from damage caused through wildfires and BBQs and for public safety and animal welfare. Failure to comply can result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution for non-payment. 

Following induction and training by NFDC Community Safety, staff from Forestry England, the New Forest National Park Authority and the Verderers of the New Forest were granted delegated authority by the Council to educate visitors and residents and where appropriate, enforce the two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) introduced by the Council. Before a delegated officer issues a Fixed Penalty Notice, they must be satisfied that the subject is aware of the existence of the current order(s).

Since July 2023 to 31 March 2025, there have been a recorded 399 incidents with 2,099 people being spoken to about their activities and advised of the orders and highlighting the New Forest Code. This compliance negates the need for escalation to enforcement action.

A PSPO can last for up to three years, after which it must be reviewed. If the review supports an extension and other requirements are satisfied, it may be extended for up to a further three years. There is no limit on the number of times an Order may be reviewed and renewed.   

To enable New Forest District Council to review the PSPOs with the possibility of extending the orders, we want your views. 

If you haven’t already done so, please review the attached documents before completing the survey as you will not be able to navigate back to this page.    

Public Spaces Protection Orders - New Forest District Council

The information collected will be kept in line with New Forest District Councils retention policy. Please see our New Forest District Council Privacy Notice contains additional information available from Privacy notices - New Forest District Council