TEN New Forest campsites are set to be run by the organisation that stages the area's biggest summer show.
Forestry England (FE) is about to regain full control of facilities previously run by the Camping and Caravan Club through its Camping in the Forest operation.
FE bosses are in the process of deciding who should manage the campsites for the next ten years.
Now the organisation's most senior officer in the district, deputy surveyor Craig Harrison, has announced that the New Forest Agricultural Show Society is the preferred choice.
Speaking at the Court of Verderers, Mr Harrison said several companies had bids for the licence to run Hollands Wood and other major facilities in the area.
The Society stages the three-day New Forest and Hampshire County Show, which attracts at least 90,000 spectators every year.
It also runs a 100-pitch campsite at New Park, Brockenhurst, where the show is held.
Mr Harrison confirmed that the charity, through its trading company Camping in the New Forest Ltd, was through to the next round of negotiations.
He added: "We hope to be in a position to formally appoint them in October.
"Once the appointment of the new operator is confirmed, the immediate priorities will be to prepare for the 2023 season and the implementation of the existing management plans to care for the sites.”
Mr Harrison said FE wanted to achieve a more sustainable future for the facilities.
“Our aim remains to find a long-term solution for people to enjoy staying in the Forest, to better understand and value its special qualities, and at the same time make sure its special qualities are protected from inappropriate activity," he said.
The Official Verderer, Lord Manners, welcomed the prospect of the Society running the campsites.
"We believe it will bring with it much greater possibility of co-operation and local accountability," he said.
As reported in the Daily Echo, Friends of the New Forest says three sites - Hollands Wood Longbeech and Denny Wood - are disturbing wildlife and should be closed.
The Commoners' Defence Association, which represents the owners of the ponies and cattle that roam the district, has also raised concerns.
Chairman Charlotte Lines said: "An increased urbanisation of these campsites is changing the very fabric of the Forest."
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