Residents and councillors express frustration at the lack of consultation as new £2–£6 Cann Wood Parking fees spark fears of cost-of-living impact.
New parking charges at Cann Wood, on the outskirts of Plympton, have caused outrage among local residents and councillors who say the move risks pricing families out of enjoying woodland walks.
Local councillors hit out at Forestry England
Plympton St Mary councillor Patrick Nicholson criticised the lack of consultation, saying:
“I haven’t been consulted and as many local residents use this facility from both Plymouth and South Hams consultation should have taken place.”
Plympton Erle councillor Terri Beer was equally critical about the lack of consultation and expressed concern that these charges may be the thin edge of the wedge:
“I only found out by a resident in my ward who regularly walks his dog at Cann Wood. Is this the start of charging to walk in woodland? The prices start small then suddenly rise making taking a simple walk out of reach of hard-pressed families and residents.”
Chaddlewood Green Party councillor Ian Poyser confirmed he had received similar feedback and would be raising the issue with Forestry England.
What are the new parking charges?
- Charges will range between £2 and £6 per day, depending on vehicle type and length of stay.
- Visitors can avoid daily charges by becoming a Forestry England member at £94 per year.
Residents: “This will stop families from visiting”
Many locals say the decision is unfair, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
One dog walker said:
“Having adopted a husky from the fantastic Woodside Animal Welfare Trust I used to walk her 2-3 times per week. It was always a treasured moment. Since the adoption I am signed off looking for work so with now being on benefits for the first time in my life I do not have any spare money so no more visits to Cann Wood which is very sad as we both enjoyed our walks.”
Another resident added:
“Will there be anything that a family can do that is free? We are in a cost of living crisis. Next we will be charged to breathe.”
Calls for site improvements
Some residents said they might accept charges if the money was used to improve facilities.
- “If they start charging, they’ll need to add toilets, benches, fix trail posts.”
- “The car park is in a terrible state, the poo bins are always full. I don’t mind paying if it’s maintained properly.”
Road safety fears
Critics also warned the charges could push drivers to park on nearby verges and lanes, creating hazards:
“People will just park on the grass verges and cause chaos” and another remarked: “All it will do is cause blockages as people park in lanes opposite. I hope the local councillors can have some influence in overturning this decision.”
Forestry England response
Forestry England, which manages Cann Wood, is under pressure to raise revenue. It currently receives less than 20% of its funding from government, with the rest generated through activities such as timber sales, campsites, and car park charges.
In its latest annual report, the agency admitted:
“Car parking revenue increased 6.9% year on year, a great achievement in the midst of the cost of living crisis, showing the financial benefit of the continued expansion of car parking charging and enforcement.”
Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast
