Hatchet Pond car park to reopen after being moved away

The 16-acre Hatchet Pond, which attracts a huge number of visitors every summer, has suffered from pollution and other problems caused by its popularity.

Described as one of the UK's most important ponds for nature, it is situated near the tourist honeypots of Beaulieu and Lymington.

Now the final phase of a four-year project that aims to protect the site has been completed.

Hatchet Pond, near Beaulieu, is one of the UK's most important ponds for nature (Image: Newsquest.)

The car park has been moved away from the water's edge and is due to reopen on July 11 - just in time for the main tourist season.

READ MORE: Hatchet Pond car park to be moved to protect 'unique' site

A Forestry England spokesperson said: "Hatchet Pond is the New Forest’s largest body of fresh water and home to some of the UK’s rarest wetland plants and freshwater animals.

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

"Restoration began in 2019 after analysis showed the health of the water, and the plants and wildlife that rely on it, were in severe decline.

"An action plan by Forestry England, Freshwater Habitats Trust, and Natural England was put in place to begin the long-term task of improving its condition."

The car park was too close to the water's edge and has now been moved (Image: Newsquest.)

As reported in the Daily Echo, the toilet block was demolished to prevent it from polluting the pond.

The restoration work has also seen improvements to the drainage, the removal of non-native carp that were harming the water quality, and more signs urging visitors to help protect the pond.

READ MORE: Planning chiefs approve application that aims to protect Hatchet Pond

The car park has been moved to prevent it from draining into the water.

Given the ecological importance of the site, the work was carried out by specialist contractors, overseen by Forestry England’s ecology team, and has taken several months to complete.

The health of the water, wildlife and plants will be closely monitored, which could in further changes to safeguard the site.

Hatchet Pond is one of the best-known beauty spots in the New Forest (Image: Neil Harris)

Leanne Sargeant, senior ecologist for Forestry England, said: "Hatchet Pond is truly a special place.

"It is a haven for nature and home to some of the UK’s rarest species. It is also an important location for people to come and appreciate its beauty.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped to support the area and for their patience whilst the car park has been closed for the restoration."

Forestry England has not disclosed the cost of the restoration work.