Shaping your forest
The New Forest National Park is undeniably a beautiful place and is enjoyed by millions of people each year.
But what many people may not know is that the closely-cropped lawns, expansive heathland and rare wildlife and plant life are shaped by commoners’ animals.
Without free-roaming animals, the Forest would cease to be the unique place that is so special to many people. Commoners turn out animals onto the Open Forest to follow in their ancestors’ footsteps and to benefit the New Forest, so when you visit please do your bit to help them by:
- Driving carefully and looking out for animals on the road
- Not feeding or petting animals
- Taking your litter home with you
- Steering clear of drifts and other ‘working Forest’ activities.
