Free parking in some parts of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty could end next year as plans for charges are being made.

Forestry England say that the car parks have become increasingly expensive to maintain in the last few years.

It says it only gets 20% of its core funding from government and needs to use car parks to help generate much needed income.

The New Forest is popular with dog walkers and some argue they should be offered discounts.

Totton South Councillor, David Harrison, says that the Forestry England needs to raise between £1.5m and £2m a year.

“They are under-resourced by government – they are being pressed to generate income and car parking is one of the obvious ways of doing that.”

Even though he is against the proposals, he says that it had been in the works for some time.

“There is no such thing as a free car park, we know that.

“Forestry England have managed to generate smaller amounts of income by franchising things like ice cream vans and coffee vans in the New Forest car parks.

“Their plan is to introduce parking charges by the Autumn of next year, 2026.”

It is not clear what the money will be spent on but Mr Harrison believes that it will pay for fixing issues like pot holes.

The New Forest is popular with dog walkers who use the Deerleap, Whitefield Moor and Longslade Bottom car parks.

Mr Harrison believes there is an argument that local dog walkers should get a discount card.

In a statement Forestry England said; “With less than 20% of our core funding coming from government Forestry England needs to raise the majority of funds for car parks, trails and all of the work we do, ourselves.

“A sustainable approach to funding is needed if we are to going to be able to continue to do this vital work and provide these facilities.”