Drivers are being reminded about the importance of not parking on verges in the New Forest.
The verges can look like muddy or grassy areas but are incredibly important habitats which support many different animals and rare plant species.
They’re a separate designated feature of the New Forest’s Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSIs) so are legally protected against damage.
In addition, they are also a vital source of food for free-roaming livestock such as the New Forest pony and are a treasured part of the Forest landscape.
Parking on verges can obstruct access for the emergency services so people are instead being strongly encouraged to park in one of the 130 official car parks in the New Forest which are owned and managed by Forestry England.
Over the past decade, verges have been restored to their original state due to funding from the Verderers of the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme.
The Forestry England-led scheme, which delivers a range of projects to help protect the New Forest National Park’s internationally-important wildlife and landscapes, runs a programme of work which has seen 26 miles of verges nursed back to life in various ways including the installation of short chestnut posts called dragon’s teeth, and the creation of ditches or banks.
Animals such as slow worms and newts can be found in the habitats on verges, as well as plant species like chamomile, wild orchid and coral necklace.
The verges also contain high quality grazing land which attracts ponies and other animals.
Holly Fitzgerald, Verge Restoration Officer at Forestry England, helps to educate and inform the public about the importance of verges and not parking on them.
She said: ‘Drivers don’t realise that they have caused the erosion, and that other people will park there if they see cars in the area.
‘When you explain why this can cause damage most people get why they need to stick to the car parks.
‘I also work with residents to encourage them to park within their property, rather than on a verge outside their home.
‘Together we can help protect these extremely important parts of the New Forest and reinstate many more miles which have been lost.’