RAPC 605/26 – Half Year Progress Report 2026/27 – Annex 1

Summary

AI generated summary

Sets out the New Forest National Park Authority’s 2026/27 second-quarter work priorities and progress ratings across climate, nature, people, place, partnerships and organisational performance. Key aims include moving toward net zero by 2050, improving emissions data and climate adaptation planning, expanding sustainable transport, and building natural capital investment. Nature recovery priorities focus on increasing wildlife-rich habitat, improving SSSI condition, supporting farmers through funded schemes, strengthening mitigation and biodiversity net gain approaches, and managing risks such as wildfire and biosecurity. Inclusion work covers volunteering, accessible routes including the England Coast Path, youth engagement, inclusive cycling (PEDALL), health links, and education for young people. Place and economy actions include the Green Halo partnership, support for commoning and land advice, land-use oversight, and progressing the Local Plan. Organisational actions cover capital grant delivery, finances and facilities, communications, member roles, workforce planning, and equality and diversity.

Download PDF Download PDF Contact us for other formats Contact us for other formats

Document Viewer

Annual Work Programme 2026/27 – Second Quarter (1 July to 30 September 2026)

Re:New Climate - Net Zero with Nature

RAPC 605/26

Annex 1,

We understand the impacts of climate change on the special qualities of the New Forest National Park; we take the action needed to adapt to build resilience of the special features and we strive to drive down emissions to be a net-zero landscape by 2050.

Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework targets for the Landscape (PLTOF):

Net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
20 hectares of peat restoration by 2050
550 hectares of new woodland and tree cover by 2050.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Establishing baseline data & evidence (Paul Walton)

Share and embed outputs from Climate Change Risk & Adaptation Opportunities Assessment across the themes of Lead, Learn, Enable, Restore, Maintain and Protect into NPA work.
Engage with Landscape Observatory, integrate outputs from AI mapping into development of spatial approach and Partnership Plan renewal process.
Review annual emissions data from Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)and Small World Consulting to inform action on emissions reduction.
Report landscape emissions as actions as part of our commitment to Race to Zero.

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Landscape Observatory has increased it's capacity

The Assessment to form the basis of the Climate Adaptation plan to be included in the new P'ship Plan

Encouragement that the Landscape observatory has the resources to include the NNFNP in this years work

New emissions data show long term decline

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Increase sustainable transport (Jim Mitchell)

Develop at least two active travel schemes on the Lymington to Lyndhurst corridor (route 120) to the point of being ready to bid for capital funds.
Pilot approaches on the New Forest on road leisure cycle network.
Work with the bus operator and drivers to manage and promote the three New Forest Tour routes. maintaining satisfaction ratings of at least 4.5 out of 5 and overall financial viability.
Seek investment in the New Forest Tour for the long term.

Previously green

Motivating climate action (Paul Walton)

Develop a New Forest climate literacy training scheme in partnership with Countryside Education Trust.
Work with partners such as through land advisors’ network and Catchment Partnership to target actions for emissions reduction across farms and rural businesses.

Previously green

Climate literacy training developed through the YouCAN work

FiPL project helping to support this work

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Organisational net zero (Nigel Stone)

Review and update the NPA’s Carbon Reduction Plan, incorporating capital investment decisions.
Implement Carbon Reduction Plan to show progress towards net zero by 2030.

Previously green

CRP is being updates by staff and a progress report will come to Committee early next year

Increasing natural capital (Paul Walton)

Build upon work undertaken to understand motivations of local business to invest in local nature projects.
Establish approach to connect carbon investment opportunities through National Parks Partnership to specific opportunities within the National Park.

Previously green

Find extra resource for this work

Tied to Green Halo work below

Re: New Nature - Nature Recovery

Nature is restored, enhanced and connected to boost biodiversity and improve ecosystem health

PLTOF targets for the landscape:

Increase wildlife-rich habitat by 4000 hectares by 2042 from 2025
80% of SSSIs in favourable condition by 2042
60% of SSSIs have ‘actions on track’ by 2042
More priority habitats supported by agri-environment schemes
65% of land managers adopting nature-friendly farming.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Making space for nature: Increase the amount of land managed for nature contributing to the 250ha annual target and identified improvements to the New Forest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (Paul Walton)

Manage funded delivery programmes (Habitats enhancement grant, Landscape Enhancement Initiative) to enable the restoration and management of a range of National Park habitats.
Encourage farmers and landowners/managers to develop Farming in Protected Landscape (FiPL). applications to restore / manage National Park habitats.
Support three key partnerships to deliver expansion of wildlife habitats; the New Forest Catchment Partnership, with Freshwater Habitats Trust, the Verderers HLS programme and Natural England’s Protected Sites Strategy for the New Forest and report on progress.

Previously green

Delivery of the PSS. LEI, FiPL and Wildlife Rich Habitats Fund programme a key part of our current programme

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note+

Better understanding of the level of financial investment in nature in the National Park (Paul Walton)

Help develop financial support for Commoning and nature recovery following the end of the Verderers Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.
Identify the current level of financial investment in nature in the National Park from public and green finance sources to help define the coherent National Park-wide offer and approach to attract and direct voluntary green finance for optimum impact.
Consolidate investment from compliance markets such as through:
- Adopt a strategic mitigation scheme to address the in-combination recreation impacts arising from planned new development within the defined 13.8km ‘zone of influence’.
- Biodiversity Net Gain.

Previously red

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Working with partners to highlight New Forest requirements

Commoning remains fragile in the light of wider socio – economic pressures

More local authorities contributing to the mitigation of recreation impacts.

Joint owrk with NYMNP to identify opportunities for BNG

Enabling nature recovery in the National Park (Paul Walton)

Explore the feasibility of introducing Local Development Orders (LDO) to enable nature restoration and recovery projects through the planning system.
Through convening the ReNew Nature Partnership, provide the strategic leadership for nature recovery in the landscape:
- Ensuring strategies align and are complementary to NP priorities
- Ensuring subject/geographic-specific groups collaborate and optimise opportunities at landscape scale.

Previously green

Previously Green

Members’ workshop held at the start of October on the potential use of LDO's.

The ReNew Nature Partnership has supported the Landscape Connections bid

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Engaging people in nature (Hilary Makin)

Celebrate nature through multiple communications channels to build connect, ownership and encourage proactive support
Illustrate the clear links between long-term nature recovery opportunities and immediate individual/community action.
Signpost opportunities for activities such as walks, talks, volunteering & citizen science projects.
Engage members of the public through ranger presence in key locations to influence appropriate behaviours and share the New Forest Code.

Previously green

Strong Code use over the Summer period by Comms / Rangers.

Walking Festival currently underway.

Protecting nature (Paul Walton)

Define and implement our approach to mitigating the increasing risks such as for wildfire, biosecurity
Provide effective support to planning control, ensuring ecological and landscape impacts of applications are fully considered.
Use the planning system to protect nature through the Local Plan, specific policies and supporting guidance such as for:
- Campsite Article 4 to ensure campsite provision is appropriately managed to protect nature and enable people to enjoy the National Park
- Protecting dark skies.

Previously green

Staff developing Authority approach to biosecurity risk management

Re:New People - An Inclusive National Park

The benefits provided by the New Forest National Park are accessible to all who wish to enjoy them

PLTOF targets for the landscape:

Increased accessible paths, toilets, rest stops, parking spaces, routes, gates and gaps by 2042
Increased visits & volunteer days facilitated by new equipment by 2042
Increased number of schools and volunteers engaged by 2042

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Inclusive volunteering helps deliver National Park purposes (Jim Mitchell)

Deliver 20+ volunteering days directly to restore habitats and enhance nature, and 20+ volunteer days to improve access to and understanding of the special qualities, involving a minimum of 100 volunteers.
Deliver a minimum of 12 corporate volunteering events.
Adults with additional needs are supported to attend at least one volunteer session a month.
Run the 2027 volunteer fair (attended by 40+ volunteering organisations and 500+ prospective volunteers), the annual Volunteer Collective event and signpost local opportunities online.

Previously green

Volunteer Fair is 31 January 2027, Brockenhurst Village Hall

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Accessible routes are delivered (Jim Mitchell)

Deliver access improvements through the Landscape Enhancement Initiative (Breamore Railway line, New Forest Woods & Heaths, Franchises Lodge) and the DEFRA Access For All grant (Breamore access routes, supporting Pedall, accessible trail surface improvements).
Establish and maintain sections 2 and 5 of the Highcliffe to Calshot stretch of England Coast Path and maintain section 1 of the Calshot to Gosport stretch.

Previously green

Coast path contracts being set up to establish sections 2 and 5 (Hurst Spit to Lymington Bridge and Lower Exbury House to Calshot).

Enable more people to engage with the National Park and to have a say in its future (Jim Mitchell)

Complete our elements of the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) project.
Deliver community engagement through ranger presence – local events, literature distribution and supporting campaigns and conservation tasks
Facilitate the New Forest Youth Board to become an established voice for young people in decision making via six meetings per year and presence at a range of other events and forums.
Support cultural initiatives which engage audiences and enhance understanding of the New Forest (Culture in Common programme, Nightjar Project, Artist in Residence programme).

Previously green

YouCAN project successfully completed

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

PEDALL inclusive cycling and other health opportunities are delivered (Jim Mitchell)

Deliver 500 guided rides and 5,500 riding slots for people with additional needs/barriers to accessing the National Park'.
Expand PEDALL client network by minimum of 5 new organisations per year.
Continue expansion of funding partners/streams to ensure sustainability of PEDALL.
Deliver a Health Fellowship in partnership with the NHS.

Previously green

Green Health Hub website relaunched and network established

Pass the PEDALL event successfully delivered, raising awareness and over 15k.

Develop and deliver high-quality, bespoke curriculum linked education for schools and colleges (Jim Mitchell)

Lead activities to support children and young people, growing understanding of the National Park and the climate and nature emergencies so that they are equipped to take positive action in response.
Teach over 40 sessions for over 1,500 young people, in and about the National Park, in schools and colleges and through youth activities, providing meaningful connection to nature, meeting curriculum aims where appropriate and addressing social and mental wellbeing needs.

Previously green

Re:New Place - Thriving Forest

The interdependence between economic growth and the unique natural beauty and cultural heritage of the landscape underpins a sustainable future for the New Forest National Park

PLTOF targets:

Decreases in numbers of scheduled monuments and listed buildings ‘At Risk’ by 2042

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Ensure economic and social objectives for our area informed by and contributing to the natural capital of the National Park working through the Green Halo Partnership, the Greenprint Framework and relationships with key partners (Paul Walton)

Maintain and expand the Green Halo Partnership and Greenprint partners as focal point for our work beyond the boundary of the National Park.
Work with New Forest Produce Ltd to reinforce the value of the New Forest Marque to primary producers, including commoners.

Previously amber

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Working with partners to identify resources for Green Halo work

Support sustainable land management and securing the future of Commoning (Paul Walton)

Support the Forest Farming Group (FFG) in co-creating:
- a bespoke environmental scheme that sustains commoning and the viability of open forest grazing
- a means of supporting commoners to maintain viable grazing herds during the transition period to a new scheme.
Evolve the New Forest Land Advice Service into a National Park-wide land advisors convening function.

Previously amber

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Joint approach to potential Landscape Recovery scheme.

Working with Foundation for Common Land on support for commoning

There has been no national announcement regarding Landscape Recovery to date.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Improve data and oversight of land use change in the National Park to inform land use decisions (Paul Walton)

Develop and implement a spatial approach to decision making.
Deliver archaeological services via Planning, advice and guidance to further the sustainable management, protection, public understanding, access to, and enjoyment of the cultural heritage of the National Park.
Continue to deliver heritage advice and services for the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Previously amber

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Resources available for delivery through the Partnership Plan review

The New Forest National Park continues to be covered by an up-to-date planning policy framework (David Illsley)

Adopt the updated Hampshire Minerals & Waste Plan in July 2026
Consult on the Regulation 19 Submission draft New Forest National Park Local Plan between August – early October 2026.
Submit the draft Local Plan and supporting evidence base to the Secretary of State for independent examination in December 2026.

Previously green

Regulation 19 consultation on the draft Local Plan held between 17 August and 30 September 2026. Draft Plan due to be submitted for examination in December 2026.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Grow awareness of and opportunities to develop green skills and careers amongst the New Forest workforce (Jim Mitchell)

Seek funding and partnership opportunities to continue to employ staff in paid entry level roles (apprentices, interns etc).
Support a total of five weeks of high-quality work experience opportunities for 14 years+.
Promote green careers awareness via multiagency presence at local school and college careers events (6+ events) and by promoting green skills training events.
Develop Green Skills approaches in the New Forest (working in partnership with NFDC and University of Southampton and others).

Previously green

Re:New Partnership - Team New Forest

Everyone involved in advancing the Purposes of the National Park works together with trust, respect, inclusion and innovation.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Consultation draft of New Forest National Park Partnership Plan review complete (Strategic Leadership Team)

Partnership Plan is delivered as per the timetable set out at the Authority meeting in January 2026, led by the Leaders Panel and revised Defra guidance
The high-level vision and objectives are complete by end of Q2, detailed objectives and actions drafted in Q3 and a formal public consultation in Q4
The Plan is engaging, challenging but deliverable for the key constituent bodies; fully developed with the Forest and all its communities / stakeholders.

Previously green

Members and stakeholders have been regularly updated on the process.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Community feedback (Hilary Makin)

Fully review, looking to maintain and expand opportunities for two-way feedback and information sharing between Forest communities and Partnership Plan bodies, including our Authority
Maintain and enhance existing forums such as our meetings/committees, the Consultative Panel and Quadrant meetings with town and parish councils.

Previously green

Good turnout for September Consultative Panel and recent Quadrant meetings.

Shared experiences through Team New Forest (Nigel Stone)

Enhance opportunities for shared learning, training and development across Team New Forest e.g. Green Leadership
Ensure continued Authority support, often through use of officer time and/or fundraising support, for smaller stakeholders across the area, making us greater than the sum of our parts.
Landscape Connections grant submission co-designed and supported by a range of partners

Previously green

Re:New Organisation - Achieving Excellence

We lead by example; we strive to improve; we are dedicated to maximising value from public funding; we have a strong dedication to customer service; we are an engaged, motivated, safe and inclusive workforce

PLTOF targets for the landscape:

Policies in place to ensure positive action to widen the diversity of staff, board and volunteers

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Capital grants programme delivered (Nigel Stone)

Successfully deliver, on time and on budget, all our 2026/27 capital programmes – core Defra capital grant, Access for All and Farming in Protected Landscapes
Review and update the Authority’s Capital Investment Strategy.

Previously green

Update provided to Authority meeting in October.

Sustainable finances and facilities (Nigel Stone)

Improve the sustainability of the Authority’s medium-term financial position, including development of a full Income Generation Strategy
Negotiate an affordable short-term main office space following the end of the current Town Hall lease
Develop the hub approach, small operational bases across the National Park, starting with the Lyndhurst site at Foxlease
Confirm a long-term plan for a future main office space, preferably owned and run by the Authority itself.

Previously green

Previously amber

Previously green

Previously amber

Additional Defra revenue funding for 2026/27.

Town Hall Lease extension to March 2030 agreed.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

Provide effective and creative communications to drive behaviour change and create greater awareness, ensuring they are accessible and inclusive (Hilary Makin)

Ensure our external communications, including the new website, provide core information that is easily available and open to all.
Communicate the outputs of the Climate Change Risk and Adaptation Opportunities Assessment to be accessible to the full range of audiences.
Ensure widespread adoption of the New Forest Code and promote individual campaigns around protecting ground-nesting birds; reducing feeding/petting of livestock; wildfires and encouraging responsible dog behaviour
Deliver the 2027 Awakening Festival showcasing local climate and nature action
Refresh our internal communications

Previously green

Develop & Support Members role (Chair & Nigel Stone)

Work with the Chair and Deputy Chair to review and develop the role of Members within the Authority
Monitor upcoming direct and indirect impacts of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation on the Authority, its functions and governance.

Previously green

Discussions have taken place about role of Members.

Good links with new Strategic Authority, LGR currently paused.

Outcomes

Actions / Priorities

Quarterly RAG Status

Achieved by March 2027

Action to regain (if amber or red)

Particular points to note

People Plan Reviewed and Enacted (Nigel Stone)

Review the results of the March 2026 Staff Survey and update our People Plan accordingly
Renew our HR Function, investing resource to refresh and update our suite of policies and procedures
Ensure detailed succession planning is considered across the organisation and identify key areas / roles to prioritise.

Previously amber

Previously green

Staff Survey to be launched in November.

Additional HR resource recruited.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is embedded across the organisation (Jim Mitchell)

Maintain our New Forest Voices workstream, ensuring a sense of ownership and belonging within and around our organisation
Review our Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy.

Previously green

Search

RAPC 605/26 – Half Year Progress Report 2026/27 – Annex 1

Summary

Document Viewer

Annual Work Programme 2026/27 – Second Quarter (1 July to 30 September 2026)

Re: New Nature - Nature Recovery

Re:New People - An Inclusive National Park

Re:New Place - Thriving Forest

Re:New Partnership - Team New Forest

Re:New Organisation - Achieving Excellence

Protecting together,
shaping tomorrow

RAPC 605/26 – Half Year Progress Report 2026/27 – Annex 1

Summary

Document Viewer

Re: New Nature - Nature Recovery

Re:New People - An Inclusive National Park

Re:New Place - Thriving Forest

Re:New Partnership - Team New Forest

Re:New Organisation - Achieving Excellence

Related Documents

RAPC 608/26 – Update on Funding Application to Landscape Connections

RAPC 607/26 – New Forest Tour Funding Arrangements

RAPC 606/26 – Half Year Budgetary Control Report 2026/27

RAPC 605/26 – Half Year Progress Report 2026/27

RAPC 604/26 – Internal Audit Progress Report 2026/27 (October 2026) – Annex 1

RAPC 604/26 – Internal Audit Progress Report 2026/27 (October 2026)