Byelaw Watch 2024: Call For Volunteers

We need your help again!

In August 2022 we conducted the first Byelaw Watch which recorded over 4,500 breaches of the most significant Forestry Commission and Verderer Byelaws, some of which form the basis of the New Forest Code. This Watch also provided independent evidence to support the two current PSPOs. It even attracted local and national press attention. But more independent evidence is needed. Public knowledge of the Byelaws and the Code could be improved, the PSPOs will need renewing and resources required to protect the forest against the most damaging activities. So, we are repeating the Byelaw Watch this summer.

We ask you to record the byelaw breaches you see when you are about and about in the forest. We suggest you do not engage with any perpetrators just note the breaches. We are using a similar online form with details of the Byelaws causing the most concern. The form can be accessed and completed online using your smart phone, tablet or computer using this link https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAN__tESpyBUMkQxT0tMTE4zR01JN0I3R1VLUTU2Rk82RS4u&origin=QRCode  OR the QR Code below. All you need to do is record what you see and submit it to a dedicated website. We will do the rest.

The raw data will only be accessible to Council Members of the New Forest Association (Friends of the New Forest) and will be compliant with GDPR requirements. Only appropriately anonymised and aggregated data and photos will be provided to the forest authorities and released to the public.

Thank you in advance for taking part in the Byelaw Watch 2024. Your participation is vitally important to inform the future protection of the New Forest.