Forestry England Parking Charges Coming to Kent Woodland From October

Kent Woodland Visitors Warned as Forestry England Parking Charges Begin

Forestry England Parking Charges Coming to Kent Woodland From October Visitors to a popular Kent woodland have been reacting to plans for new parking charges, with some saying the cost could make them think twice about visiting. Forestry England is due to introduce parking charges at King's Wood near Ashford from 1 October, with charges also expected to follow at Clowes Wood near Whitstable. Drivers raise concerns over woodland parking charges The changes have prompted mixed reactions from people visiting King's Wood, with some accepting the need to pay while others are concerned about the impact on regular visitors. Kathy Carr, from Faversham, told the BBC that she did not object to paying if the fee was reasonable, but raised concerns about having to use a mobile phone where the signal can be weak. Another visitor, Raju Limbu from Ashford, said he visits King's Wood several times a month and that the introduction of parking charges could make him reconsider how often he comes. Patricia De Pasquale, from Charing, also expressed concerns that charges could reduce visitor numbers or encourage some motorists to park on nearby roads. Forestry England says the money raised from the charges will be reinvested in the forests rather than creating a profit for the organisation. Dan Whyment, Forestry England's East District director, said the organisation faces rising costs associated with maintaining its sites. He told BBC Radio Kent that resurfacing a car park can cost between £4,000 and £5,000 each time, while fly-tipping also creates additional cleaning costs. ANPR cameras will enforce parking Signage at King's Wood tells motorists to pay for parking by phone and warns that number plate recognition cameras will be used to enforce the charges. That means drivers visiting the woodland will need to make sure they complete the parking payment process correctly and provide the required vehicle details. The introduction of ANPR also means motorists should pay close attention to the parking signs when arriving, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the new arrangements. Forestry England already operates parking charges at some woodland sites in Kent, while other locations continue to offer free parking. For people who regularly visit Forestry England sites, the organisation's annual membership is another option. The current £96 annual membership allows motorists to park for free at all Forestry England sites. The new charges could therefore affect occasional visitors differently from people who regularly use Forestry England car parks across the country. For drivers planning woodland trips, checking the parking arrangements before setting off can help avoid unexpected charges or problems with mobile payment. EveryonesParking can also help drivers plan parking before visiting popular destinations, making it easier to find suitable parking arrangements before arriving.