Leadership Team

Alison Barnes, Chief Executive

Alison joined the Authority from Natural England, the Government’s countryside adviser, where she was Regional Director for London. Alison knows the New Forest well, having grown up in Wimborne. Earlier in her career Alison worked for English Nature and advised Government on engaging with local and regional partnerships. She has also worked for Dumfries and Galloway Council and the RSPB in Scotland. In her spare time, she enjoys sailing and walking, especially around the Solent and along the south coast.  She plays the flute and joined Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in the first ‘Hampshire Rusties’ project.

Paula Freeland, Interim Director of Conservation, Recreation and Sustainable Development

Paula joined New Forest National Park Authority as Head of Environmental Services in 2006, and has been responsible for the team providing specialist advice in respect of ecology, archaeology, landscape, building conservation and building design.  Paula has worked in the New Forest for over 20 years in the field of building conservation and building design.   Previously she worked as Conservation and Urban Design team Leader at New Forest District Council.  Paula enjoys seeing the National Park from different perspectives and particularly kayaking along the coastline.

Martin O'Neill, Director of Information and Visitor Services

Martin has worked in communications, marketing and journalism for more than 20 years. Before joining the New Forest National Park Authority he was Head of Communications for the charity Samaritans. Previously he was Marketing & Communications Manager for the National Trust in two regions of the south-east. Earlier he worked in press and public relations for West Sussex County Council and as a journalist on local newspapers in Nottingham. Martin's interests include books, photography, walking and Derby County Football Club.

Steve Avery, Director of Strategy and Planning

Steve joined the New Forest National Park Authority as Head of Development Control in 2006. Previously he worked as the Principal Planning Officer in the Development Control Section at New Forest District Council. He has also worked for other local planning authorities in Essex and Cornwall.

Rob Ainslie, Head of Development Control

Rob has worked in Development Control within Local Government for over 20 years. Before joining the New Forest National Park Authority he was a Team Leader at Havant Borough Council. Previous to this he worked for Winchester City Council as a Principal Planning Officer. He already has experience within the New Forest Area having worked for New Forest District Council from 1989 - 2004.