Deputy Chairman Vicky Myers
What’s your best childhood memory of the New Forest?
Picking blackberries at Hatchet Pond with my grandparents.
Why is the New Forest so special for you?
Having grown up playing in the Forest, it reminds me of my childhood and is where I feel at home. I work with people from all walks of life who volunteer their time to help conserve this special place and the holiday-makers’ enthusiasm reminds me just how lucky I am to work here.
Where is your favourite place in the New Forest National Park?
All of the Forest is fantastic; however I have a particular soft spot for Fritham. I enjoy visiting the local pub, eating their delicious local food and watching the ponies graze and pigs forage there in autumn.
How did you become a member?
I’ve always been passionate about the New Forest and I wanted to give something back - I care about its future management. I saw the Secretary of State posts being advertised and I applied. I went through a stringent interview process before being appointed and I am now one of six members who represent a national interest in the New Forest.
What skills do you bring to the role?
Over the last ten years I have worked as a ranger for the Forestry Commission so I know the Forest, its communities and stakeholders. My background is in conservation, having studied white rhino ecology and behaviour in Namibia for three years. I have also worked on eco-tourism projects.
What do you hope to achieve as Deputy Chair?
As Deputy Chairman, it is my role to support the Chairman and make sure we deliver National Park purposes. I am particularly interested in ensuring that we adapt to the challenges of a changing climate and growing population while maintaining and enhancing the character of the Forest. We need to ensure that the Forest is a place where people can live sustainably, local businesses thrive and young people are an integral part of the community.
What's your favourite part of the job?
Chairing the Sustainable Development Fund panel, which dedicates around £200,000 annually to encourage sustainable living and working in the National Park, projects include: wood-fuelled heating systems, straw bail classrooms, school farms, potential osprey nest sites and composting toilets.
