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CoastlineCoastline

The National Park boasts 26 miles of lesser-known but very important coastline. The New...

FarmlandFarmland

Land management by farmers and landowners is crucial for the New Forest. Since the...

HeathlandHeathland

Heathland is rarer than rainforest. The New Forest has the most extensive area of...

Ancient treesAncient trees

Around 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest National Park. This...

Famous Forest folkFamous Forest folk

As well as being world-renowned for its habitats and wildlife, the New Forest is...

Historical SitesHistorical Sites

History Hits videos on some of the New Forest's best historical sites. The New...

Built HeritageBuilt Heritage

The New Forest is well known for its free roaming animals, wide open heathland...

History PeriodsHistory Periods

Human impact through the ages Evidence of past human activity from over 750,000 years...

FungiFungi

The New Forest is a special and nationally-important area for fungi. With an estimated...

Heathland plantsHeathland plants

Heathland is probably the most iconic scenery of the New Forest National Park, with...

Woodland flowersWoodland flowers

Woodlands within the New Forest vary from the coniferous plantations, through recently established birch...

Bog flowersBog flowers

In terms of national scarcity, the bogs and valley mires are the most important...

The animalsThe animals

Probably the most well-known fact about the New Forest is that it is home...

Community and HeritageCommunity and Heritage

The New Forest commoning community is a diverse and broad community of people who...

Commoning and the ForestCommoning and the Forest

Commoning makes a positive contribution to the remarkable biodiversity of the New Forest. The...

Commoning and youCommoning and you

In this section you can find out more about how the work of commoners...

About the Partnership PlanAbout the Partnership Plan

The role of the Partnership Plan All national parks are required by statute to...

Re:New Forest – Partnership Plan 2022-2027Re:New Forest – Partnership Plan 2022-2027

Re:New Forest The New Forest is an exceptional landscape, shaped over thousands of years...

1. Introduction1. Introduction

Re:New Forest - Partnership Plan The New Forest has long been recognised as an...

2. Major issues for the National Park2. Major issues for the National Park

Re:New Forest - Partnership Plan The New Forest faces a period of significant change...

A climate and nature emergency for the New ForestA climate and nature emergency for the New Forest

The climate crisis is the most significant long-term threat to the extraordinary New Forest...

Private: New Forest Climate and Nature ChallengePrivate: New Forest Climate and Nature Challenge

Will you join us in the New Forest Climate and Nature Challenge? We can...

Nature’s role in climate change in the New ForestNature’s role in climate change in the New Forest

How nature helps us tackle climate change Ecosystems on the land and in the...

New Forest Green Groups – Working with communitiesNew Forest Green Groups – Working with communities

Working with our communities is crucial in tackling climate and nature recovery. Together we:...

Public accessPublic access

The New Forest National Park has over 30,000ha of open access countryside and 325km...

New Forest Dogs ForumNew Forest Dogs Forum

The National Park Authority recognises the many benefits of dog walking, especially to the...

Cycle eventsCycle events

We support cycling in the National Park, whether for work or pleasure, to enjoy...

Managing RecreationManaging Recreation

The New Forest is a lovely place to enjoy a walk, follow one of...

Sustainable communities projectsSustainable communities projects

Since 2006 we have funded sustainability projects within the National Park to help groups...

Sustainable transportSustainable transport

More than 95% of visitors to the New Forest National Park arrive by car....

Tree graffitiTree graffiti

Tell us your sightings The New Forest has the densest population of ancient and...

Heritage mappingHeritage mapping

The New Forest has a rich and varied history of human interaction extending back...

Archaeology in the planning processArchaeology in the planning process

One of the main tools we have to protect archaeology within the National Park...

Wartime heritageWartime heritage

Few people realise the important role that the New Forest played in both World...

Animal accidentsAnimal accidents

The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs...

Stopping petting of animalsStopping petting of animals

Feeding ponies causes serious issues in the New Forest and is against byelaws. Some...

Support and adviceSupport and advice

Through the New Forest Land Advice Service (NFLAS) we help to support commoners with land...

Housing for commonersHousing for commoners

Providing affordable housing for commoners has long been recognised as essential for the future...

About the partnershipAbout the partnership

Our vision is to be a global exemplar of how our most precious landscapes...

Green Halo themesGreen Halo themes

'To do good you actually have to do something.' (Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner,...

Our natural resourcesOur natural resources

The term 'natural capital' is used to describe the environmental assets which have a...

Join usJoin us

With greater understanding about natural capital and the benefits it provides – to health...

Green and blue horizons scheme successesGreen and blue horizons scheme successes

The Green and blue horizons from city to Forest scheme, led by the NPA,...

New Forest National Park Authority receives grant of £539,200 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge FundNew Forest National Park Authority receives grant of £539,200 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund

The project will kickstart action to confront the twin climate and nature emergencies with...

What our volunteers achieved last winterWhat our volunteers achieved last winter

Now summer is almost here and the New Forest is starting to brighten with...

How we brought the New Forest into the CityHow we brought the New Forest into the City

The New Forest National Park Authority and partners took to the city to meet...

Landscape partnership projectsLandscape partnership projects

Our Past, Our Future ended in March 2021. Here you can read about the...

Scheme managementScheme management

Supported by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, Our Past, Our Future undertook a...

VolunteeringVolunteering

We are always looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to join the Our Past,...

News and updatesNews and updates

A multimillion-pound scheme for the New Forest has drawn to a close, leaving a...

Meet our New Forest AmbassadorsMeet our New Forest Ambassadors

The New Forest is a wonderfully unique area that needs protecting. We need people’s...

Private: Ambassador scheme launched to help protect the New ForestPrivate: Ambassador scheme launched to help protect the New Forest

The New Forest National Park Authority is inviting people to become New Forest Ambassadors...

New Forest Ambassador scheme surveyNew Forest Ambassador scheme survey

We would like to say a massive thank you for being a part of...

Join the New Forest Spring Clean and become a local litter heroJoin the New Forest Spring Clean and become a local litter hero

New Forest organisations and local community litter heroes are encouraging everyone to support the...

Partnering with usPartnering with us

We are actively seeking new opportunities to work with businesses. The New Forest is...

About the National ParkAbout the National Park

The New Forest became a National Park in 2005 - it's one of 15...

Who does whatWho does what

In the main the landowners are responsible for managing the land. So, for example,...

About the animalsAbout the animals

The New Forest has a long and proud history of commoning: the system whereby...

Your home and gardenYour home and garden

If your home is next to the Open Forest (where the commoners’ animals graze),...

New Forest Awakening FestivalNew Forest Awakening Festival

Join us in tackling the nature and climate emergencies The New Forest Awakening Festival...

BBQ-free New Forest campaignBBQ-free New Forest campaign

The New Forest has now been declared a complete no BBQ and fire zone....

How to be Forest friendlyHow to be Forest friendly

The New Forest is a great place for walking, dog walking, cycling and horse...

Local council quadrantsLocal council quadrants

The New Forest National Park Authority and the local parish or town councils that...

Find your local councilFind your local council

There are 37 parishes and towns wholly or partly within the National Park and...

Useful informationUseful information

A map of the National Park boundary (2 MB) Consultation responses - details of...

Useful contactsUseful contacts

Steve Avery, Executive Director (Strategy and Planning). Tel: 01590 646659 Paul Walton, Head of...

Sustainable Communities FundSustainable Communities Fund

For helpful and friendly advice, contact our grants officer on 01590 646634 or email...

National Grid landscape enhancement grantsNational Grid landscape enhancement grants

You can apply for up to £200,000 from National Grid to help reduce the...

Rural communities fundRural communities fund

This fund helps improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest National...

‘Secret forest’ saved for the nation‘Secret forest’ saved for the nation

A 'secret forest' becomes one of the RSPB’s most significant purchases in its 129...

Schools and GroupsSchools and Groups

The New Forest National Park offers outstanding learning opportunities for schools and groups, self-led...

Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) schemeYouth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme

The New Forest National Park Authority has secured £1.4 million for a climate action...

Planning your visitPlanning your visit

The New Forest National Park is the ultimate outdoor classroom offering opportunities to discover,...

Youth schemesYouth schemes

From winding rivers to expansive heathland, ancient woodland to stunning coastline - the New...

Meet the New Forest Artists in ResidenceMeet the New Forest Artists in Residence

Click on the pictures below to find out about our current and previous New...

£1m investment secured for New Forest collaboration£1m investment secured for New Forest collaboration

News release from Energise Me A New Forest consortium, led by Energise Me, has...

New Forest National Park Artist in Residence ProgrammeNew Forest National Park Artist in Residence Programme

The New Forest National Park Authority and SPUD are working together in partnership to deliver a...

New Forest Arts FestivalNew Forest Arts Festival

Lead Partner New Forest National Park Authority What has been achieved? The unique landscape,...

Guidance on applyingGuidance on applying

About half the planning applications we receive are invalid when submitted. Here are some...

The application processThe application process

This section explains the planning application process - from being validated by our planning...

FeesFees

Planning application fees All planning application fees should be paid at the time the...

Pre-application advicePre-application advice

Before applying to carry out tree work it is worth getting advice from a...

Material planning considerationsMaterial planning considerations

What are material planning considerations? When reviewing your comments on an application the following...

Neighbourhood planningNeighbourhood planning

Submission draft Lymington & Pennington Neighbourhood Plan – consultation Lymington & Pennington Town Council...

Guide to viewingGuide to viewing

Using the Citizen Portal About the Citizen Portal planning system The Citizen Portal planning...

Guide to commentingGuide to commenting

Online: Go to view planning applications and search for the application you wish to comment on...

Submit tree work applicationSubmit tree work application

To carry out work on trees protected by a tree preservation order (TPO) or...

Tree preservation ordersTree preservation orders

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were introduced in the late 1940s to enable Local Planning...

HedgerowsHedgerows

If you wish to remove a hedgerow in the New Forest then it is...

What is a breach of planning control?What is a breach of planning control?

Lack of planning permission for building works or changes in the use of land...

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

How enforcement worksHow enforcement works

After you contact us we will investigate whether a breach of planning control has...

Report a breachReport a breach

Suspected breaches of planning control should be reported in our web form. It is...

Conservation areasConservation areas

There are 20 conservation areas in the New Forest National Park, of which three...

Heritage conservationHeritage conservation

We advise on all aspects of the historic built environment. As well as control...

Design guidanceDesign guidance

Policies referring to building design are contained in the adopted New Forest National Park...

Building Design AwardsBuilding Design Awards

Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open!  From traditional thatched cottages to eco...

Local planLocal plan

February 2025: Local Plan Review Work has now begun on the review of the...

Design guideDesign guide

The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was formally adopted...

Supplementary planning documentsSupplementary planning documents

National policy confirms planning authorities may prepare Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to provide greater...

Planning Policy OverviewPlanning Policy Overview

National Planning Policy In December 2023, the Government updated its National Planning Policy Framework...

Walking routesWalking routes

Walking is a wonderful way to experience the tranquillity of the New Forest National...

England Coast PathEngland Coast Path

The England Coast Path is the UK’s newest National Trail. It stretches for 2780...

Accessible TrailsAccessible Trails

We have a series of accessible trails all from a car park with accessible...

New Forest Walking FestivalNew Forest Walking Festival

The 2024 New Forest Walking Festival has drawn to a close - we can't...

Cycling routesCycling routes

Cycling is a great way to get around the Forest, see wildlife and discover...

Cycle hireCycle hire

If you’re looking for cycle hire in the New Forest you really are spoilt...

Cycling guideCycling guide

The New Forest is a beautiful place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike....

PEDALL – New Forest Inclusive CyclingPEDALL – New Forest Inclusive Cycling

PEDALL provides inclusive cycling sessions for people who need support so that they can enjoy...

Best places to spot wildlifeBest places to spot wildlife

The New Forest is globally important for wildlife across a landscape covering over 200...

New Forest Reptile CentreNew Forest Reptile Centre

Come and experience 'A Date With Nature' at the New Forest Reptile Centre. Did...

New Forest Walking FestivalNew Forest Walking Festival

The 2024 New Forest Walking Festival has drawn to a close - we can't...

Horse ridingHorse riding

Horses and ponies are central to the cultural heritage of the New Forest. There...

New Forest TourNew Forest Tour

Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park from the open-top New Forest Tour each...

Wild playWild play

Grow up wild in the New Forest! Playing outdoors in a natural environment, building...

Historic stories and songsHistoric stories and songs

Sharing stories of past events, exploring myths, legends and folklore are all part of our rich...

Historic routesHistoric routes

The historic walking routes can now be found on our walking page. These routes...

Houses and gardensHouses and gardens

Houses and Gardens Visit the countryside museum and Elizabethan manor at Breamore House near Fordingbridge Hop...

Museums and art galleriesMuseums and art galleries

Museums and galleries Spend an action-packed day at Beaulieu featuring the National Motor Museum, Palace House...

Campsites and holiday parksCampsites and holiday parks

Do you love camping? There is a wide range of campsites in the New...

Self-catering cottagesSelf-catering cottages

From holiday cottages ideal for walking and cycling, to houses located close to a...

HotelsHotels

Hotel stays are very popular with visitors to the New Forest National Park. Many...

Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts

From family homes to lovely old farmhouses or cosy thatched cottages, there is a...

TrainTrain

Let the train take the strain and enjoy unforgettable views as you travel to...

Public busesPublic buses

The New Forest National Park is well served by a public bus network. There...

DrivingDriving

The New Forest is a beautiful place, full of great views and intriguing sights....

FerriesFerries

Ferries are a fun way to see the Forest from a different perspective.  ...

HospitalityHospitality

From quaint tearooms and coffee shops, to pubs, bars and restaurants, there are a...

Food and drinkFood and drink

New Forest Marque food and drink producers range from traditional commoning operations and small...

Arts and craftsArts and crafts

New Forest Marque crafters and artists are inspired by their surroundings. For a hand-crafted...

Avoid disturbing rare birdsAvoid disturbing rare birds

Please help ground nesting birds If you’re out and about in the New Forest...

Keep your distance from animalsKeep your distance from animals

The New Forest is well-known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in...

LitteringLittering

The New Forest's unspoilt natural beauty is one of the things that people value...

No wildfires pleaseNo wildfires please

During periods of hot, dry weather, especially in the open areas of heathland, please...

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Volunteer with local organisations

Volunteer with local organisations

Search for volunteer opportunities



Filter by interest



Find New Forest organisations looking for volunteers.

  • The British Horse Society
    The British Horse Society

    The British Horse Society works to improve life for horses and the people who care for them. Our four charitable objectives are welfare, safety, access and participation. Our...

    • Date: Various

    • Location: Hampshire

    • Organisation: The British Horse Society

  • St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
    St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

    St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery is a dynamic arts hub focusing on world-class temporary exhibitions and the living history of the New Forest Coast. Based in Lymington,...

    • Date: Various

    • Location: Lymington

    • Organisation: St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

  • New Forest Transition CIC
    New Forest Transition CIC

    We run small, local events encouraging people to use less energy, create less waste, support local food and share skills to build community resilience. For example, In Lymington,...

    • Date: Various

    • Location: Lymington

    • Organisation: New Forest Transition CIC

  • New Forest Sailability
    New Forest Sailability

    We are known as New Forest Sailability (NFS) and are based at Spinnaker Sailing Club, Ringwood. Our aim is to enable people with disabilities to enjoy the exciting...

    • Date: Various

    • Location: Ringwood

    • Organisation: New Forest Sailability

  • New Forest Agricultural Show Society
    New Forest Agricultural Show Society

    The New Forest Agricultural Show Society was founded in 1920 as a small one-day local event. Nowadays, the New Forest & Hampshire County Show is an annual three-day...

    • Date: Various

    • Location: New Forest

    • Organisation: New Forest Agricultural Show Society

  • Minstead Study Centre
    Minstead Study Centre

    The Centre hosts school day and residential visits in our seven-acre site, with groups taking part in a wide array of outdoor learning activities in and around our...

    • Date: Various

    • Location: Minstead

    • Organisation: Minstead Study Centre


Keep up to date on the latest from the National Park

How ponds are helping rare species thrive in New Forest freshwater

How ponds are helping rare species thrive in New Forest freshwater

New ponds are being created and old ponds restored to improve the quality of freshwater habitats in and around the...

View Blog
Vodafone and UK National Parks partnership

Vodafone and UK National Parks partnership

Partnership uses AI technology to help connect people with nature and protect it for the future. Cutting-edge technology will be...

View News
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