BEACHES along the New ForestThe Environment Agency awarded the highest water quality rating to these areas.
Inspectors awarded Calshot Beach, Calshot Bay, and Christchurch Bay (which includes Milford on Sea & Barton on Sea) three stars.
Cllr Steve Davies is the New Forest District Council’s environment/coastal portfolio holder.
He stated, “This is great news, both for our residents, who can have complete trust in the water quality of our beaches, and for visitors to our region who might want to take some sips.”
This rating is based on a laboratory analysis of water samples. It means that the beaches in New Forest are rated excellent.
The council’s duties on the coast include maintaining the area clean and tidy, licensing and managing beach-huts.
A spokesperson for the council stated that the NFDC works to reduce the environmental impact by managing the dynamic and constantly changing coastline.
“The New Forest boasts approximately 40 miles of coastline that ranges from sandy beaches to saltmarshes or cliffs.
“Around 90% has a nature conservation designation that aims to protect ecologically significant species and habitats.”
The Environment Agency monitors water quality at designated bathing-water sites along the English coast.
Weekly assessments are conducted from May to September to assess the current water quality. Annual ratings are based on measurements over a period of four years.
