Objective 1
Objective 1: Convey the things that make the New Forest National Park special to both visitors and local people in more consistent and effective ways, so that they enjoy it, come to value it, want to care for it and do not inadvertently damage it.
For many people this objective is core to their beliefs and values and there is a strong ‘Team New Forest’ approach among local statutory organisations, charities, local businesses, community groups, commoners, camp site operators, accommodation providers, Facebook groups etc.
Forestry England, the National Park Authority and New Forest District Council have increased the number of permanent and seasonal staff who are out on the ground talking with local people and visitors. This has been especially important as Covid-19 restrictions have eased and more people have been enjoying time in the National Park. Alongside this, there has been a big increase in social media work and extensive regional, national and specialist media news and features about the National Park’s special qualities.
The Our Past Our Future landscape partnership project was completed: 11,000 people took part in OPOF arts events about the special qualities and 270,000 learnt about commoning through the scheme.
Covid-19 restrictions has meant that some educational work has had to be done online, including engagement with schools – but it has still been possible to reach large audiences. The 2021 virtual spring ‘Awakening Festival’ highlighted the nature and climate emergencies, had input from multiple local organisations and reached over 800,000 people.
In contrast, Government subsidies enabled the New Forest Tour, complete with informative commentary, to operate for an extended season in 2021.
