Forestry England has revealed plans to introduce parking charges at Stainburn Forest near Norwood.
The new system planned for the forest will be cashless and use automated number plate recognition.
The proposed charges will be £1.50 for an hour, £3 for half a day and £5 for a full day or £94 a year to join Forestry England to get an annual parking pass.
A spokesperson for Forestry England, which manages the site, said:
“While we understand the fact that introducing a new parking system is never popular or convenient for everyone, the money generated helps us to care for the nation’s forests for the benefit and enjoyment of all. It costs millions of pounds to manage the nations forests and most of our income is self-generated through trading activities.
“Access to Stainburn forest remains free for those who chose alternative transportation methods, ensuring that local residents can still enjoy the forest without charge.”
Stainburn Forest is a popular walking route near Beckwithshaw covering 215.4 hectares. The forest is north-west of Harrogate on the boundary of Nidderdale and has three mountain biking trails.
The new parking charges to be enforced at Stainburn Forest. Image: Katharine Thompson
Katharine Thompson, who lives near Beckwithshaw, saw signs for the new charges.
She said:
“I feel a public forest should be available free of charge. People will park on the road, which is dangerous. I suppose it just feels like nothing in life is free anymore, not even a walk in the woods.”
The forest is just a few miles from Swinsty Reservoir which also saw parking charges introduced last month.
Forestry England has yet to reveal when parking charges will be put in place at Stainburn Forest.
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