VISITORS to Forest beauty spots could pay less for parking from next month.

The Forestry Commission is introducing a new ’tiered’ structure for parking which means visitors who only stay a short time will pay less than current £3.50 flat fee for the high season between March and October.

The charges apply at the visitor sites where there

is more infrastructure: Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat, Mallards Pike, Cannop Cycle Centre and Wenchford, while parking is free elsewhere.

Chris Hayes, the commission’s recreation business manager in West England said: “After listening to feedback from our visitors and tenants it was clear that people wanted more options when they paid for parking on site.”

The new tiers are up to two hours, between two and four hours or all day.

He added: “The income we receive from visitors plays a vital role in ensuring we are able to continue to offer a quality experience and well maintained sites. 

Recent improvements to our sites have included major building works to the café at Beechenhurst, upgrades to the family cycle trail, installation of improved trail signage and hosting activity trails such as Gruffalo and Stickman.

“This income also helps us with the upkeep of footpaths and trails, toilets, maintaining natural environments as well as much unseen work like managing the woodland, plant health and biodiversity. 

“Without the help of

our regular visitors, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do and our parking charges are a vital part of this.”

Off-peak charges – weekdays outside school holidays are – Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat, and Mallards Pike £2 for up to two hours, between two and four hours, £3 or £4 all day. At Cannop, the charges will be £3, £4 or £5.

At peak times – weekends, Bank Holidays and school holidays – the charges will be: Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat, and Mallards Pike £3 for up to two hours, between two and four hours, £4 or £5 all day. At Cannop, the charges will be £4, £5 or £7 while at Wenchford they will be: £2, £3 or £4.

The Forestry Commission says it is the first increase in five years and prices will remain unchanged until 2019 when the Commission will review the pricing structure of the charges.