TEN campsites in the New Forest have been taken over by the organisation that stages the area's biggest summer event.
Camping New Forest is vowing to adopt a "back to nature" approach following claims that the popular facilities are having a harmful impact on the local environment.
Last year Friends of the New Forest said three campsites - Hollands Wood, Longbeech and Denny Wood - were disturbing wildlife and should be closed.
Members of the Commoners' Defence Association, which represents the owners of the area's free-roaming ponies and cattle, said the sites were "changing the very fabric of the Forest".
The Forestry England-owned facilities were previously run by the Camping and Caravanning Club through its Camping in the Forest operation.
The new operator has been named as the New Forest Agricultural Show Society, which stages the New Forest Show.
In a statement, the Society said Camping New Forest would put "education, environment and community" at the heart of its mission for the campsites.
READ MORE: Friends of the New Forest group calls for three campsites to be shut
It announced the creation of a new advisory group comprising representatives from key organisations, including the Verderers, Friends of the New Forest and Natural England.
"Together they will work to improve the interaction between visitors and the local environment, giving them a greater understanding of the New Forest traditions and habitats.
"Unique courses will educate visitors and locals on why the New Forest is an environmentally special place and why the rules are so important."
Denis Dooley, the Society's chief executive, added: "We’re delighted that Forestry England has trusted us with the operation of these unique sites.
"Our vision is to create high-quality, authentic campsites that the New Forest community can be proud of."
Forestry England's top officer in the area is the Deputy Surveyor of the New Forest, Craig Harrison.
He said: "We are pleased to have chosen Camping New Forest to run our sites. They really know and understand the special nature of the New Forest and are part of its community.
"Working with them and other key local groups we will be able to shape the future of these incredible locations."
READ MORE: Call to move campsites to protect New Forest animals
Martin Stewart, chairman of the Society, added: "It is our wish to run good quality campsites that educate our visitors to respect the workings of the Forest."
The sites involved are Aldridge Hill, Ashurst, Denny Wood, Hollands Wood, Holmsley, Long Beech, Matley Wood, Ocknell, Roundhill and Setthorns.
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