Forestry England makes partial U-turn on parking charges at cemetery
Changes have been announced allowing relatives to apply for exemptions to park for free
Last updated 9th Jun 2026
Forestry England has made a partial U-turn on parking charges at a New Forest cemetery car park after complaints from mourners.
Visitors to Lyndhurst Cemetery had been forced to pay to park following the removal of free parking across the district, prompting anger from those who said visiting graves was an “emotional necessity”.
Now, more than a month after the parking charges were imposed across 129 car parks in the national park, changes have been announced allowing relatives to apply for exemptions to park for free.
Lyndhurst parish council reviewed the issue and worked with Forestry England to introduce the parking charge exemptions after concerns were raised.
In a statement, Forestry England said that this “is intended to support those visiting the cemetery while ensuring spaces remain available.”
They added: “Plot holders and their relatives can apply for an exemption via the parish council’s website.”
Lyndhurst resident Caroline Sanchez previously spoke out against the introduction of parking charges at the cemetery car park.
She said visiting the cemetery was “very personal” and felt that connection had been taken away.
Following the decision to introduce a parking exemption, Ms Sanchez said: “I am really pleased that cemetery visitors can apply for an exemption to visit graves of loved ones without being charged to park.
“Thank you, Lyndhurst Parish Council, for listening to us.”
According to Forestry England, the parish council had raised concerns that keeping the car park free could lead to it being used by visitors looking to avoid paying elsewhere.
A spokesperson said: “It was felt that there was considerable risk that those visiting the cemetery would not be able to find a place to park.
“To mitigate the above risk it was agreed by both organisations that charges should also apply to this car park, with the exception of when funerals and other religious events are taking place.”
Those looking to apply for an exemption to the parking charges at Lyndhurst Cemetery car park can do so by visiting the parish council website.