The National Park's special qualities

Strong and distinctive local communities

with a real pride in and sense of identity with their local area

The New Forest communities have a strong cultural identity, with a wealth of local traditions and a thriving commoning community. Many local people have a strong sense of New Forest history and are deeply committed to the protection of the area.

Local dialect, unique place names, rural skills and traditional events still continue, while there is a rich social history and folklore associated with, for instance, smuggling traditions and the life of the New Forest gypsies.