A DECISION to introduce parking charges at a beauty spot near Truro has caused consternation among those who use it.

Forestry England has announced that parking meters are to be installed at Idless Woods, which is popular with familes and dog walkers.

In correspondence with shared with Truro resident Stephen Horscroft by Green Party councillor Cllr Karen La Borde, a Forestry England spokesperson confirmed visitors would see equipment being installed “in the coming weeks” with charging “likely to take effect later this summer”. Charges will start at £2 for two hours.

“Each year, it costs several thousand pounds to maintain the car park, manage vegetation, and clear litter and fly tips,” said the spokesperson. “While we have provided free parking at Idless Woods for many years, this is sadly no longer sustainable.”

The spokesperson added that the forest itself would remain free to visit, and parking charges would be “reinvested to care for Idless Woods, helping to keep the forest accessible and enjoyable”.

Mr Horscroft said: “Truro doesn’t have that much access to biodiverse green spaces of that size. It’s a free couple of hours out for a family in the fresh air, and when we have a cost-of-living crisis, to impose another charge on people is bad.”

Forestry England came under fire two years ago when it removed all dog waste bins from the site. “At Forestry England’s Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin, there are bins, toilets and a play area. We have none of those things,” Mr Horscroft added.

Cllr La Borde, who sits on Cornwall Council for Gloweth, Malabar and Shortlanesend and also on Truro City and Kenwyn Parish Councils, supported Forestry England’s actions.

“I think it’s very reasonable that it should want to maintain its car park for visitors,” she said. “The charges seem affordable and it keeps the car park open for everyone.

“However, my biggest concern is that people might start parking on the road in Idless to avoid the charges, making it unsafe. I will therefore be monitoring the situation closely.”

Forestry England were contacted for comment.