Pony warning after girl injured at forest campsite

Visitors to the New Forest have been warned about the risks of getting too close to ponies and livestock that roam freely in the national park, after a child was injured at a campsite.

The New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) said the girl had been hurt in an incident involving a pony at Roundhill campsite, near Brockenhurst, on Saturday.

Campsite operator Camping in the New Forest said it was carrying out a "full investigation".

CDA chair Andrew Parry-Norton said he wished the girl a "full and speedy recovery". The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) warned people should "keep their distance" from ponies and other livestock in the forest.

The New Forest has a population of about 5,500 free-roaming ponies, which are owned by commoners - people who own or occupy properties with ancient rights attached.

The animals have the right to roam across open woodland and heath areas, including a number of campsites.

In a statement, Camping in the Forest said it was "aware of an incident at Roundhill Campsite".

"We are conducting a full investigation to fully understand the circumstances. Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.

"As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this stage."

In 2023, a Public Space Protection Order was introduced prohibiting the feeding or petting of livestock to safeguard animal welfare and reduce risks to the public.

Parry-Norton described the injury incident as "very sad".

"We do go on saying 'please don't touch the ponies, the cattle, the donkeys, the livestock' and we're not trying to be killjoys or to be awkward or ruin people's fun - this is the reason why we say 'don't do it'.

"It's a message we really have to push out there."

New Forest NPA lead ranger, Gillie Molland, said: "We were very sorry to hear about this incident and our thoughts are with the family.

"New Forest ponies aren't tame and it's vital that people keep their distance and admire them from afar.

"We work hard with businesses, commoners and communities to share the New Forest Code so people can enjoy the national park safely and help care for the Forest."