Eco & Environment, Food & Drink, New Forest | Posted on October 16th, 2025 | return to news

New Forest pumpkin campaign offers a tasty idea

The New Forest National Park Authority is urging people to dispose of their pumpkins sensibly and not dump them in the New Forest, as they are not good food for animals.

With Halloween looming, people will be going all out to make jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations out of pumpkins. However, what they do with them after 31 October is causing consternation in the New Forest.

Each year, pumpkins left on the Forest floor pose a real threat to the free-roaming animals.

While it might seem like a harmless seasonal offering, pumpkins can cause serious digestive issues in ponies. Discarded pumpkins also attract animals to roadsides, increasing the risk of accidents.

James Masser from the New Forest National Park Authority said: “Every year, we find pumpkins left all over the New Forest, often by well-meaning people who are unaware that they can be harmful to wildlife and livestock. They can cause stomach issues such as colic and choke in ponies, which can be potentially fatal if not spotted and treated.”

The animals seen grazing freely in the New Forest aren’t wild, they are owned and cared for by local Commoners, whose families have lived and worked in the Forest for generations. If their animals fall ill from eating dumped food waste, it can have devastating effects on their health and the livelihoods of their owners.

To raise awareness and offer a positive alternative, the New Forest Marque local produce scheme has partnered with local chef Sutti Se-Upara, owner of Anissa’s Thai Kitchen and Deli in Lyndhurst, to demonstrate just how easy it is to cook with leftover pumpkin.

In a short video filmed at his restaurant, Sutti prepares a fragrant Thai-style Pumpkin and King Prawn Stir Fry using a pumpkin locally sourced from Dan Tanner’s Sopley Farm, another New Forest Marque member known for its pick-your-own produce.

Sutti said: “Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes and are often used in Thai cooking as they are naturally sweet and versatile. This stir fry is quick, simple and a great way to use up leftovers.”

Those unable to cook with their leftover pumpkin are encouraged to compost it or cut it up and add it to their food waste bin. Anyone who sees pumpkins dumped in the Forest is asked to collect them if it is safe to do so. If that’s not possible, the location should be reported to Forestry England on 0300 067 4600, ideally using a ‘what3words’ location reference if available.

The pumpkin and king prawn recipe is available on the New Forest Marque website. A short-form video of the collaboration will be published at the end of October on the @newforestmarque and @newforestnpa social media channels.