Objective 5
Objective 5: Increase the level of funding available for recreation management so that it is sufficient to address both existing and future needs.
Forestry England has invested in additional staffing to manage permissions, progress other recreation management strategy actions, and employ additional seasonal rangers.
Other local organisations have found core or new funding to help with the joint response to Covid-19 and the increased number of people visiting the New Forest following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Newly announced Farming in Protected Landscapes funding should help sustain commoning and create improved access away from sensitive areas.
We hope that additional Government funds will become available to progress recommendations in Landscapes Review (e.g. more rangers).
Local organisations and fundraising have helped fund projects, including volunteering, the 2021 Walking Festival and the New Forest Tour.
Footprint Ecology research recommended that local planning authorities should develop a coordinated strategic approach to mitigating the impacts of planned development. There are ongoing discussions about this between local Planning Authorities and over the identification of a ‘zone of influence’ within which contributions should be sought.
