GREEN spaces have been enhanced at popular beauty spots in the New Forest.

New Forest District Council (NFDC) has made improvements in Ringwood and Milford on Sea, with new footpaths and boardwalks through meadows, improved drainage, and walking route signs.

The council has enhanced the green spaces as part of its Green Way recreational mitigation strategy.

The Green Way strategy provides improved areas for the public, funded by the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’ – a charge on new residential developments used to alleviate any infrastructure pressures arising from that development.Poulner Lakes in Ringwood has now been improved with footpaths with additional drainage works to ensure the paths remain usable all year.

Footbridges have been replaced at Milford on Sea Pleasure Grounds and a boardwalk has been built to provide greater access. Signage will be added to promote the circular walking routes and to help with navigating through the grounds.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, member for environment and sustainability, said: “This project has been a great opportunity to provide residents with high-quality walking routes and improved access to green and natural spaces.

“We are looking into future Green Way schemes and hope residents will enjoy these enhanced spaces all year around.”