ROARING around on quad bikes to round up ponies and cattle that stray into New Forest enclosures is environmentally unfriendly, according to the Commoners' Defence Association.

Mike Cooper, who speaks on behalf of the defence association which promotes and safeguards the interests of the commoners whose animals graze in the New Forest, complained about the use of quad bikes to the Court of Verderers.

The animals get in to the enclosures through broken fences, or are sometimes let in through the gates by visitors who mistakenly believe they are doing the correct thing.

But the Forestry Commission does not want cattle and ponies in the fenced-off enclosures because they can feed on the cash crop trees.

Mr Cooper told the Verderers: "Our committee do not see this as an appropriate or environmentally-friendly way to carry out this task.

"Perhaps the Verderers would care to discuss this with the commission and our association in due course, to seek a better way of dealing with the trespassing stock.

"On these rare occasions areas that had been cleared were soon seen to be repopulated and one must assume that the fencing is either broken, or poorly maintained.

"It is felt that repairs should be instigated in the first instance, before any further round ups are carried out and that these are only attempted after discussions with the Verderers."

Verderers' clerk Sue Westwood said Forestry Commission keepers use quad bikes.

"Provided they are used sensibly they work very well. We have asked Forestry Commission staff to liaise with us," she said.

"They will take the quad bikes in if they need to, but they need to liaise with us to get the Agisters, or the owners if they can get there, to get along and help."

The best way to round up stock is on horseback, but that is not always possible, she said. The Agisters all ride, but not all owners.

"You won't chase ponies out on foot. They have the advantage over you," she said.

A Forestry Commission spokesman said: "Occasionally when ponies and cattle find their way into an enclosure Forestry Commission staff will assist commoners in rounding them up. This is done in a sensitive manner and the welfare of the animals always takes top priority."