Forest Friendly Farming

Forest Friendly Farming was set up in 2001 by the New Forest Committee to develop practical ways of supporting farming, commoning and woodland management in the New Forest. The project ended in September 2008.

The project was delivered through a partnership of government agencies, local authorities, non-statutory bodies and community groups and individuals. Some organisations contributed free staff time, some provided office resources, some were able to help with cash matchfunding.

Most of the Forest Friendly Farming projects were match funded through a European Union initiative called LEADER+ which was designed to help finance small scale community led rural development projects. Other project such as the New Forest Countryside Stewardship Scheme were funded from the England Rural Development Programme 2000 - 2006.

Forest Friendly Farming was supported by local volunteers and a small staff team, who were employed by the New Forest Committee, New Forest District Council and Hampshire Wildlife Trust. It’s co-ordination was transferred to the New Forest National Park Authority in April 2007. Funding for Forest Friendly Farming came to an end in September 2008, but some successful projects have been able to continue through funding and/or hosting by a range of Forest organisations. These include:

New Forest Land Advice Service - the newest project to be launched to follow on from Forest Friendly Farming is the New Forest Land Advice Service which began in February 2010 and is currently active in and around the New Forest and Avon Valley.  The project is hosted by the New Forest National Park Authority and also funded by Natural England and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight  Wildlife Trust.

New Forest LEADER Programme 2008-13  -  managed by New Forest District Council with support from the New Forest National Park Authority

New Forest Marque Manager - hosted by the New Forest National Park Authority supported by New Forest District Council.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme - managed by the Verderers of the New Forest

New Forest Farmers and Producers Markets  - run by the producers themselves