TWO parks in New Milton have been upgraded as part of a programme to enhance green spaces in the New Forest. 

Improvements have been made to Carrick Wood and Ashington Park to include new seating areas, footpaths, bridges and new planting to support and enrich wildlife habitats. 

An official opening event was held on September 24 in Carrick Wood to mark the completion of the upgrades, which was attended by our councillors, town council staff and residents.  

Geoffrey Blunden, cabinet member for the environment at New Forest District Council, said: “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.”  

He added: “[The projects] 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.”