Is the New Forest overused?

Chris Packham who presents Springwatch has been publicly saying that the New Forest is "at breaking point". He wants designated "no human areas" to help the small birds and animals survive.

I have been out on the horse this morning and I rode for 2 hours over Highwood and I saw only one group of walkers (and I promise you we do not disturb birds nesting).

Admittedly it was Friday morning and most people are at work (lucky me), but I ride around Linford Bottom and over to Highwood and Rockford areas often and the reason I love it so much is that I am often all alone for the whole ride, just me and my horse and the peace and quiet is quite wonderful.

We are also keen walkers and love to walk up to the Red Shoot Inn or High Corner Inn and rarely do we see "hoards of humans, dogs and horses" ruining the animal life in the forest.

I have no doubt there has been a sharp increase in tourists coming to the forest with the popularity of camper vans, caravans and staycations. The New Forest has a great reputation with the rest of the country and it is such a magical place I would not want to put off the tourists from enjoying what we can everyday.

Conservation is also something that I am passionate about and I feel the New Forest is well maintained and I know there are volunteers that work really hard to keep the New Forest at its very best.

I am not sure what area of the New Forest Chris Packam is referring too so he probably has a point and he is the expert in this area, but can we not work to conserve the forest whilst enjoying it too?

photo from My Alternative Photo Stream flickr photo stream