Campaigners step up their battle to protect Hatchet Pond

It follows complaints about the number of families flocking to Hatchet Pond and the amount of anti-social behaviour taking place in the area.

Hatchet Pond, one of the UK’s most important wildlife ponds, is suffering from pollution and over-use.

Attempts to protect the freshwater pond started last year and are set to gather pace following the "unprecedented pressures" it experienced after the easing of the national lockdown.

Proposals include relocating the car park and closing the public toilets.

A Forestry England spokesperson said: "Hatchet Pond is home to some of the rarest wetland plants and freshwater animals long since lost from many other parts of the UK.

"As the most wildlife-rich pond remaining in lowland England, it has the highest possible conservation status."

• MP Julian Lewis demands 'enhanced police presence' at Hatchet Pond

Forestry England says the pollution is being caused by a raft of factors.

The area around the pond is eroding, allowing silt to drain into it from the car park. It has also led to regular flooding of the parking area, raising the risk of pollution from the toilet block.

Other problems include people and dogs entering the water, disturbing sediment and releasing trapped chemicals.

The spokesperson said: "Problems reached a critical point during the recent easing of lockdown with unprecedented numbers of people visiting the location and a steep increase in prohibited activities, including wild camping, littering, swimming, kayaking and paddle-boarding.

"An urgent plan agreed by Forest organisations covers a range of measures designed to halt the decline and restore this special place.

"Actions include relocating the car park away from the pond edge. The toilet block will be removed to reduce the risk of pollution, with alternative public toilets available in Beaulieu, Brockenhurst and Lymington."

Bruce Rothnie, deputy surveyor of the New Forest, added: "Hatchet Pond is an incredibly important place for nature and wildlife.

"We are taking action to help protect this incredibly valuable location, build wider awareness of its importance and ensure its long-term survival.”

Nigel Mathews, head of recreation management at the National Park Authority, also highlighted the need to take action.

He said: "Over the summer, especially in the hotter weather, large numbers of people gravitated towards this beauty spot.

"Sadly, some ignored the signs and left litter, lit barbecues, petted the livestock and entered the water to go swimming, boating or paddle boarding.

"Working closely with Forestry England we set up increased ranger patrols to remind people of the New Forest’s special qualities and how their actions could upset the natural environment and commoners’ animals.

"As the local planning authority, we will be dealing with the associated planning application for the works at Hatchet Pond in due course.”