David Bence
David is Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority.
Born in Somerset and now living in Hampshire, David has been visiting the New Forest since childhood with his family connection to the area going back to WW2.
David joined the Authority after a full and varied 30-year career in the Royal Navy where he commanded at all levels and operated across the full spectrum of maritime and joint operations. Having worked in the defence industry and as a strategic consultant he now works as a freelance unexploded ordnance mitigation specialist with an interest in evolving that activity to minimise impacts on the environment.
He has a love of the outdoors and nature and is passionate about conserving our natural flora and fauna and the rural way of life.
A ‘lockdown’ sourdough baker he has recently taken up bee keeping and home-made charcuterie.
National Park Authority Committee and Panels
Resources, Audit and Performance Committee (Deputy Chair)
Represents the Authority on the following external organisations
Forest Farming Group
National Parks UK and National Parks England
Partnership for South Hants
Solent Leaders Forum
