Who runs the National Park?
Here at the New Forest National Park Authority, we are often asked what the National Park is, why it was set up and who runs it. This page gives the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions
Who runs the National Park?
In the main the landowners are responsible for managing the land. So, for example, the Forestry Commission is responsible for looking after nearly 50% of the New Forest National Park area.
In the New Forest, the Court of Verderers manages the traditional activity of commoning - the rights under which some property owners are entitled to let their ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs or sheep roam free.
Various public authorities are responsible for setting polices and providing public services in the National Park area. These include
- Planning: New Forest National Park Authority
- Roads: Hampshire County Council in Hampshire, Wiltshire Council in Wiltshire and the Highways Agency for 'trunk' roads and motorways i.e. the A31, A36 and M27
- Public rights of way: Hampshire County Council in Hampshire and Wiltshire Council in Wiltshire
- Public car parking: New Forest District Council, the Forestry Commission, Hampshire County Council
- Tourism, business and economic development: New Forest District Council supported by New Forest National Park Authority
- Collecting litter: Mostly New Forest District Council, although landowners such as the Forestry Commission also pay for collections in some areas
- Disposing of/recycling waste: Hampshire County Council in Hampshire, Wiltshire Council in Wiltshire
- Managing the land: The Forestry Commission manages the Crown lands in the New forest National Park - nearly half of the total area. Others who manage land include the National Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Hampshire County Council and private landowners/estates
- Commoning and common rights: The Verderers
- Animal accidents: The police, the Verderers and the Forestry Commission (see emergency hotlines card) with awareness campaigns supported by New Forest National Park Authority
