New Forest National Park inquiry - Day 10

COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have called for the proposed New Forest National Park to be enlarged.

The Council for National Parks (CNP) claimed the scheme could prove to be a false dawn unless the area of specially protected land was extended.

CNP wants the National Park to embrace Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head, land west of the Avon Valley and an area north of Fordingbridge.

Yesterday deputy director Ruth Chambers and policy officer Tom Oliver represented the organisation at the public inquiry into proposals drawn up by the Countryside Agency.

In a joint report they said: "The international value of the New Forest is matched by forces working to diminish its special qualities.

"In order that the National Park is not a false dawn it is vital that those charged with determining the boundary show a vision equal to the task.

"CNP submits that only by embracing the widest possible legitimate boundary can the vision of the New Forest National Park ultimately be realised."

Inquiry chairman Roy Foster also heard from Wellow Parish Council, which is angry that only part of the area is included in the scheme.

Parish council representatives said the boundary should be extended north to embrace areas of ancient woodland and attractive countryside.