Policies, responsibilities, and their impact
What is the status of the Strategy for the New Forest ?
At its second meeting in May 2005, the National Park Authority adopted the Strategy as the interim New Forest National Park Management Plan. Members recognised that this was an excellent document, prepared by the New Forest Committee in conjunction with a wide range of other organisations.
Will a National Park increase the number of tourists in the New Forest?
Tourism generates more than £150 million annually and provides about 30 per cent of all jobs in the Forest, and so is vital to the area’s economy and local communities. The New Forest is already very well visited and it is unlikely that National Park status will bring a big change. The National Park Authority is not in the business of promoting tourism as such but, in order to achieve its two purposes of conservation and of understanding and enjoyment of the area, will seek to give those who visit a higher quality experience.
The Authority has an important role in ensuring all visitors appreciate and enjoy the special qualities of the New Forest, while at the same time carefully managing recreation to minimise damage and disturbance, particularly to the most sensitive sites.
How will the National Park affect business?
As part of the designation process, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs conducted a Regulatory Impact Assessment into the creation of a National Park. This assessment concluded that there would be a minimal impact on businesses and that any impacts would more likely be positive than negative.
Will the National Park Authority deal with affordable houses for local people?
Most English National Park Authorities have developed policies for affordable housing, and the need to address this has already been identified in the Strategy for the New Forest. It requires action by the National Park Authority (as the local planning authority) in conjunction with the housing authorities (district and borough councils) and a range of other partners. The National Park Authority may pursue this now it is the local planning authority, if members decide that action is needed.
Is the National Park Authority responsible for roads and grass verges?
No. Roads and verges are looked after by the highways authorities (the county councils), or the Highways Agency on major trunk roads.
How will the National Park Authority tackle the issue of traffic on Forest roads?
Road transport remains the responsibility of the highways authorities and the Highways Agency (see above). However the National Park Authority will be working closely with these organisations, and supports initiatives which will help to reduce the environmental impacts of traffic, including restrictions on the number of HGVs using minor roads.
Is the National Park Authority responsible for camping and caravan sites?
No. Camping and caravan sites in the New Forest have been, and will continue to be, managed by the Forestry Commission, other organisations and private owners. The Commission will have to take National Park purposes into account when considering any changes to their sites. The Authority intends to develop a recreation strategy for the National Park, one component of which would be to consider all aspects of current and future provision for camping in the New Forest.
How does the creation of a National Park affect land ownership?
It does not. Land will continue to be owned as it was before the National Park was created.
Who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Forest?
The various public bodies and private landowners already involved in managing land in the Forest. About half of the National Park is managed by the Forestry Commission, which will still be responsible for car parks, picnic areas, camp sites and forestry operations in most of the open forest. Other major land managers are the National Trust, Hampshire County Council, English Nature, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the large private estates.
However, one of the key roles of the National Park Authority will be to set the direction for the care of land in the long term and to consider what support and advice those managing the land may require.
In particular the Authority will work closely with the Forestry Commission and the Verderers in reviewing the National Park Management Plan, in order to ensure that the management of the open forest helps to achieve National Park purposes.
Can I go anywhere in the National Park?
No. There is open access to much land managed by the Forestry Commission and other organisations, and to privately-owned land to which there is a right of access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. You can explore other parts of the National Park by using the existing rights of way network. Please respect the rights of those living and working in the New Forest, and observe the Countryside Code (www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk) at all times. Helpful codes of conduct for the open forest are also available from information centres or direct from the Forestry Commission (www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest).
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