Keep your distance from animals

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 and it’s best that they don’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.

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 (bad stomach ache) which is very painful and can be deadly.

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.

As of 2023, a Public Space Protection Order was introduced prohibiting the feeding or petting of free-roaming New Forest ponies, horses, donkeys, and mules, to safeguard animal welfare and reduce risks to the public. Failure to comply may result in a fine.