Keep your distance from animals
Help protect the Forest’s animals
Why the New Forest livestock are important
The New Forest is well known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in some places, sheep. The grazing habits of these animals are vital in supporting and creating the rare mosaic of habitats which makes the National Park special.
For their safety and your own please don’t feed or pet them; there is plenty of natural food, such as the gorse and holly, and they shouldn’t come to rely on people’s attention. They may look friendly but they are unpredictable and can bite and kick, especially mares with foals.
Why feeding ponies causes harm
Feeding ponies, even things like carrots, causes serious issues in the New Forest. Some ponies and donkeys develop an unhealthy craving for human food and become aggressive with people who, quite rightly, try to keep their picnics to themselves. The animals also tend to gather near roads, looking for people with food, and this makes them more vulnerable to traffic accidents. Human food also gives the ponies colic, which is very painful and can be deadly.
Stay safe around livestock
Cattle may look friendly but are very protective of their calves. Please stay away from livestock and avoid getting between the animal and their young. If you have a dog, keep it under control.
