Author: HMakin
Honouring rural heroes: 2026 New Forest National Park Awards now open
By HMakin
The New Forest National Park Authority and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) have launched their annual awards for 2026. The awards celebrate the outstanding individuals and organisations making a true difference day in, day out across the Forest. The New Forest National Park Awards are in their 13th year and recognise incredible contributions to the environment, rural economy and local communities in and around the National Park. The winners … Continued
New Forest nature project uncovers 1,100 species including pine martens, sand lizards and rare fungi
By HMakin
More than 1,100 species of animal, plant and fungus have been recorded in the New Forest during a two-year nature recovery project. The species ranged from pine martens and sand lizards to water shrews and adders, alongside rare sightings like the Candelabra Coral fungus. Almost 100 different types of bird and more than 300 plants … Continued
UK National Parks partner with AJ Bell Futures Foundation
By HMakin
Press release from National Parks Partnerships: AJ Bell Futures Foundation commits £240,000 over two years to support young people’s access to UK National Parks New AJ Bell Travel Fund will enable up to 3,700 young people annually to visit National Parks, removing cost barriers Partnership supports ambition to engage 150,000 young people each year with … Continued
Local Government Reorganisation
By HMakin
Local Government Reorganisation Government has announced its decision on local government reorganisation for Hampshire: Our National Park boundary will not change. However instead of working with Test Valley Borough Council and New Forest District Council in Hampshire we will be working with two new authorities which will begin delivering services in April 2028: Most … Continued
Education and youth officer
By HMakin
Meet education and youth officer Amy Moore How did you get into your role? I have always had an interest in nature but didn’t realise this until I recognised teaching in a school wasn’t for me. At this point, I adapted my university course and started volunteering for my local wildlife trust which … Continued
Wriggling back to life: New eel pass reconnects vital habitat in New Forest
By HMakin
A new eel pass has been created in the New Forest to help one of the UK’s most enigmatic and endangered species. The work, led by Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT), has transformed what was previously an impassable ditch into a vital migration route for eels and other aquatic life. The eel pass, which is on an … Continued
Nature enthusiasts and volunteers helping New Forest freshwater species and habitats survive
By HMakin
Budding conservationists and volunteers are helping shape the future New Forest freshwater landscape. From clearing invasive rhododendron to helping dig test pits for creating ponds, local nature enthusiasts have had a hands-on role in shaping habitats for a wide variety of rare and threatened species. The Forest is one of the UK’s most precious freshwater landscapes, but habitats are … Continued
Senior tree officer
By HMakin
Hear from our Senior Tree Officer Nik Gruber: ‘The New Forest is recognised as one of the most important sites in north-west Europe for ancient and veteran trees. These along with a host of other fauna and flora provide a rare and important habitat. ‘Older mature trees, particularly of oak and beech, are a particular … Continued
People and wildlife ranger
By HMakin
Meet people and wildlife ranger Jim Day Why do we need a people and wildlife ranger? The New Forest National Park is a very special place. It is internationally important for nature, with 56% of it protected through designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) or Special Area of … Continued