CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating what they describe as a downward trend in the number of animal accidents in the New Forest.

Collisions involving ponies, cattle and donkeys are said to have decreased - despite a sharp rise in the number of animals grazing the Forest.

A recent spate of accidents on the same road in the same week has focused attention on the issue.

As reported in the Daily Echo, four collisions involving ponies and other animals took place on the busy B3054 Lymington to Dibden Purlieu route.

Nigel Matthews, head of recreation management and learning at the National Park Authority, said: "The B3054 is one of the high-risk routes across the open forest.

"It's one of the busiest unfenced roads, with commoners’ animals grazing throughout the day and night, and higher traffic flows than the minor roads.

"At this time of year, a significant number of journeys take place when it's dark and the animals are more difficult to see.

"Local organisations are working together to highlight the need to drive carefully and more slowly at night, and to give animals a wide berth.

"Last year 56 animals were killed and a further 23 were injured.

"Although 2015 was marginally better, with 55 killed and 22 injured, the overall downward trend in accidents seems to be continuing.

"This is despite the fact that number of animals grazing on the Forest has risen significantly in recent years."