New Forest District Council (NFDC) is encouraging residents and visitors to become Forest Guardians through its Look Out For Our Forest (#LOFOF) project, promoting simple actions such as taking litter home if bins are full and leaving no trace when visiting, and recycling where possible.  

These small changes can make a big difference in protecting the New Forest's wildlife, landscapes, and communities, while reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future.  

Free Forest Guardian packs are available for residents, schools, businesses, and community groups. The packs include information on local litter-picking groups and volunteering opportunities, as well as posters and stickers to help supporters share the message and encourage others to take action. 

Councillor Geoffrey Blunden, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: "The New Forest is one of the most special landscapes in the country, and we're fortunate that so many people already take pride in helping to look after it. 

What we sometimes don't see is the wider impact of litter. Before a bottle, can or food wrapper is discarded, resources have been extracted, products have been manufactured and transported, and energy has been used every step of the way. When an item is recycled, those materials can be used again. When it is littered, that value is wasted.   

Litter also comes at a significant cost. Each year, New Forest District Council spends around £1.5 million on street cleansing, litter picking, bin emptying and fly-tip collection. Reducing litter means less money spent dealing with avoidable waste and more resources available to support the services and places that people value. 

At this time of year, it's also important to remember that warm, dry conditions can increase the risk of wildfires. Discarded cigarette ends and glass bottles can contribute to fires starting in dry vegetation, creating risks for wildlife, habitats and surrounding communities.

Visitors should also be aware that a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) prohibits fires and barbecues in defined areas of the New Forest, and the government's temporary disposal barbecue ban remains in place. Packing a picnic instead is a simple way to enjoy the outdoors responsibly while helping to reduce the risk of wildfires. 

Through our Forest Guardians initiative, we're inviting people to be part of that effort and help create a culture where leaving no trace becomes second nature. By setting a positive example and encouraging others to do the same, we can help ensure the New Forest remains a special place for future generations."