The New Forest is a protected and truly unique landscape, home to rare wildlife and the famous free-roaming animals that make the area so special. While staying at Long Meadow Campsite, we kindly ask all guests to follow the New Forest National Park Authority’s (NFNPA) nine key principles of the New Forest Code. These simple steps help preserve the Forest for future generations and ensure both visitors and animals remain safe.
1. Give the animals space – never feed or touch them
Ponies, donkeys, cattle and even pigs wander freely throughout the Forest at different points of the year. You’ll often see them close to the campsite or nearby paths. Please admire them from a distance. Feeding or petting them can encourage dangerous behaviour and disrupt their natural diet. Even the gentlest-looking animals can react unpredictably, especially mares with young foals.
2. Take all litter and dog waste back with you
Anything left behind can easily harm New Forest wildlife. If bins happen to be full, please take your rubbish and dog waste away with you. This small act helps keep the Forest clean, healthy and safe for both animals and visitors.
3. Fires and barbecues are not permitted in the Forest
The New Forest is particularly vulnerable to wildfires, especially during warm, dry spells. A single spark from a disposable barbecue, firepit or dropped cigarette can cause catastrophic damage.
At Long Meadow Campsite, only raised, purpose-designed cooking barbecues are allowed, and solely within your pitch. They must be stable, safe to use, and leave no scorch marks on the ground. Disposable BBQ’s are not permitted.
4. Keep dogs close and under control
Please make sure dogs remain on paths and do not approach grazing animals. During spring, rare ground-nesting birds rely on peace and protection, so sticking to main tracks is especially important. Keeping your dog controlled protects both wildlife and your pet.
5. Park only in official car parks
Pulling up on verges or grassland can damage delicate plants and habitats. Always use designated car parks both around the Forest and here at the campsite.
6. Wild camping is not allowed
To protect the landscape, camping is only permitted within registered sites such as Long Meadow Campsite. If you’re venturing out for a long walk or cycle, please ensure you return to an approved location to pitch for the night.
7. Use only marked cycle routes
Cycling off-track causes erosion and disturbs sensitive habitats. The NFNPA has a brilliant map of permitted routes ideal for all abilities. If you’re hiring bikes from us or bringing your own, please stick to these marked trails.
8. Drive carefully – animals may be on the road
Many New Forest roads are narrow and winding, and animals often wander across them without warning. So if you’re out exploring Brockenhurst, or heading out for the day, please drive slowly and stay alert for ponies, cattle, donkeys and cyclists.
9. Protect wildlife by staying on main paths
From March to July, ground-nesting birds are extremely vulnerable. Remaining on established tracks helps prevent disturbance at a critical time of year and supports the Forest’s precious biodiversity.
Thank you for helping us look after the New Forest
We’re incredibly proud to call this beautiful landscape our home, and we appreciate every guest who helps protect it by following the New Forest Code.
If you’d like to read the full guidelines, visit the New Forest National Park Authority website.
Enjoy your stay at Long Meadow Campsite, and take some time to explore the incredible walks, cycle routes and wildlife that make this National Park so unforgettable!
