Working with others
How will people have their say and participate in the future of the National Park?
The National Park Authority will build on the excellent work of the New Forest Committee in involving people in its work and decisions. It has already involved people by inviting comments on the corporate identity and mission statement at its inaugural meeting and on its priorities for its first two years of work at a special event in December 2005.
People can make their views known to the National Park Authority through contact with the Authority members and the staff team. Contact details are given on the National Park website.
Other opportunities include:
- stakeholder events run by the Authority
- public questions to the National Park Authority at its monthly meetings (see the National Park website for details)
- helping to implement the Strategy for the New Forest, which the National Park Authority adopted as the interim National Park Management Plan
- involvement in the forthcoming review of the Management Plan and production of the Local Development Framework (planning policy documents)
- views expressed through fora such as the New Forest Consultative Panel and the New Forest Access Forum.
How does the Authority work with other organisations in the Forest?
- Public bodies, local authorities, statutory undertakers and those holding public office have a new statutory duty to take account of the purposes of National Park designation when making any decision which affects the Park (known as the Section 62 duty - Environment Act 1995)
- The Authority has developed good working relationships with existing statutory bodies and, in particular, with the Forestry Commission, the Verderers and the Lymington Harbour Commissioners. It will work closely with commoners, the Verderers and local people to ensure that the National Park and its communities benefit from the creation of the National Park
- The creation of the National Park does not affect the powers of the Forestry Commission in managing the Crown Lands, nor those of the Verderers under the New Forest Acts of 1877 and 1970
- The Authority will establish working links with Local Strategic Partnerships (producing community strategies) and highways authorities (producing local transport plans)
- The Authority is working closely with the many stakeholder organisations interested in the National Park. The New Forest Consultative Panel provides the ‘grass-roots’ views of more than 80 local organisations and communities, the Solent Forum includes many of those involved with coastal issues, and other local groups and individuals will be invited to help in reviewing the National Park Management Plan.
back to frequently asked questions
