20/08/2026
I wonder how many people can see multiple problems regarding this picture?
I'll try and break it down.
Fruit and chopped up carrots dumped in a ditch. (Yes ok, this time a small amount) Dumped by someone who probably thinks they are doing a kind thing for the Livestock.
But this is where many issues start.
I got there and removed it before the livestock found it because, if they had got there there would have probably been a fight between them that would have spread them all over the road. One or more could have been injured or hit by a vehicle.
Leaving your windfalls is actually fly tipping and breaching the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO's) and fineable offences.
This it not a natural food for New Forest Ponies and does cause colic which can prove fatal.
I am going to make a odd request. Carry a bag in your car, and if you see dumped fruit, PLEASE stop and collect it if safe to do so. Yep you will get funny looks, but you will know you are doing your thing to protect the Livestock.
The New Forest Livestock still have water and their natural food out there and We as Commoners, along with our wonderful 5 Agisters are monitoring our Stock.
Please DO NOT put a bucket of water out for the livestock!
Why? I hear you ask.
There is always a lead mare in a herd, and If she drinks that bucket of water, and yes she will, she will not take the others to water. Also the Equine Flu is spread by water and buckets of water will increase the spread.
As you can see, when I took this picture this morning water was falling from the sky...I think we all want a bit more of that.
Thank You for reading and please please share.
