New Forest District Council has recently improved Ballard Lake in New Milton as part of a programme to enhance local greenspaces in the New Forest.
The local beauty spot benefits from accessible seating, improved footpaths and a new picnic bench which visitors can enjoy views of the lake.
The improvements are part of New Forest District Council’s Green Way recreational mitigation programme, which aims to enhance existing recreational spaces across the district, reduce pressure on nearby protected sites, and support local wildlife.
An official opening event was held on Tuesday 9 September 2025 to mark the completion of the improvements and was attended by New Forest District Council councillors and staff, New Milton Town Council staff, and New Milton residents.
The event included a guided tour of the new features with welcome and speeches from Cllr Blunden and Cllr Cleary. Cllr Cleary cut the ribbon and announced the site to be open.
At the event, Cllr Blunden portfolio holder for environment and sustainability said, “This project is a culmination of a lot of hard work by New Forest District Council and New Milton Town Council to improve the site for general recreation and enhance the natural environment. Ballard Lake is an important greenspace, and the improvements are a great boost to New Milton that can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.”
More information about the recreational mitigation programme is available on the council’s website at https://newforest.gov.uk/article/3261/Recreational-Mitigation-Programme
