Works to upgrade two New Milton parks are completed

New Forest District Council has completed improvements in Carrick Wood and Ashington Park, which include new seating areas, improved and accessible footpaths and bridge, and new planting to support and enrich local wildlife habitats.

The improvements are part of New Forest District Council's Green Way recreational mitigation programme, which aims to enhance existing recreational spaces across the district, reduce pressure on nearby protected sites, and support local wildlife.

An official opening event was held on September 24 in Carrick Wood to mark the completion of the upgrades, which was attended by New Forest District Council councillors and staff, New Milton Town Council staff, and New Milton residents.

The event included a guided tour of the new features and speech by Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability.

Cllr Blunden said: “I'm really delighted to see these footpaths and environmental improvements at Carrick Wood and Ashington park completed.

"They form what are known as Green Way projects, which are designed to provide alternative recreational opportunities locally, and are in addition part of an important network of footpaths linking key destinations across New Milton.

"These projects are part of a £1m annual Green Way programme to improve walking routes and green spaces across the district, funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) collected from new residential developments.

"Ashington Park and Carrick Wood have been enhanced not only to provide accessible walking routes but sitting spaces to encourage residents to enjoy their local natural environments, as well as providing improved habitats for local wildlife.

"The idea behind these enhanced walking routes and local green spaces is to help mitigate the impact of recreational visits of an increasing population to the most sensitive areas of the New Forest. I hope our residents and their pets will greatly enjoy using them.”