Currently, year-round parking at the Moors Valley Country Park is included in the £96 annual Forestry England membership, however, the Echo understands this is under review.
Dorset Council, which owns and manages the facilities at Moors Valley, say income from parking plays a vital role in covering rising costs— but some residents fear its removal from the membership will price them out of the forest.
Nick, from Fordingbridge, said: “Growing up in the area, having the forest for free was invaluable for my parents.
“Moors Valley was a treat— myself and my two sisters would spend and afternoon up there and it would only cost petrol for my parents.
“I wanted my children to have the same experience of the outdoors, that’s why we got the Forestry England membership.”
Currently, without membership, it costs £10.20 to park at Moors Valley for two to four hours on weekdays, and £15 for the same time on weekends.
Nick, who also uses the forest with the Scouts, is concerned that the cost of parking will deter families from visiting.
“At Scouts, parents are not taking their kids to events at Moors Valley because they cannot afford to park— even nipping in to drop off is so expensive,” he added.
“£84 quid for a Moors Valley membership and £96 for a Forestry membership is big money for regular income families, let alone a family that’s scraping together money for a weekly shop.
“At Scouts, we have about five children who already receive additional help.
“It’ll be sad if these guys can’t have the same accessibility to the forest as we did as kids— and not through the forest disappearing, but by being restricted through finance.”
Nick says he will ask for a membership refund if access to Moors Valley is not honoured.
“I work in a business, I understand they’ve got to meet budgetary requirements, but what is their priority?
“We have a hard enough time as it is getting kids off screens— is your priority making money, or is it supporting families to enjoy the outdoors?”
A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Moors Valley’s inclusion in the Forestry England National Membership is currently under review.
“Forestry England has very recently expanded its National Membership scheme to cover its car parks across the New Forest, now including more than 100 Forestry England sites.
“Considering this, Dorset Council is reviewing whether it is appropriate to be included within what is a national scheme.
“At Moors Valley, Dorset Council owns and manages key facilities including the Visitor Centre, toilets and Information Point, as well as other parts of the site.
“Income from parking plays an important role in funding the everyday running of these facilities, as well as supporting the rangers’ service, play areas and site management.
“Any change to parking arrangements therefore needs careful consideration.
“Further information will be shared with members and visitors once this process is complete – the council’s final decision on whether to be included in the national membership is expected shortly.
“Dorset Council and Forestry England are committed to working together to care for the park and forest, support wildlife, and provide an excellent experience for all visitors.”