Higher Level Stewardship

The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme is England’s largest environmental scheme and restores and enhances the internationally-important habitats of the New Forest.

It began in 2010 and so far it has:

• Restored over 20 miles of internationally-important habitats for wildlife
• Supported the historic practice of commoning, which maintains the unique New Forest landscape
• Worked to identify and protect historic sites across an area the size of 17,000 football pitches
• Inspired over 16,500 children to cherish the area’s unique environment.

The scheme is a partnership between the Verderers of the New Forest, New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry England and Natural England.

Get full details on the HLS website.

To prepare for a new scheme to support New Forest nature conservation action following the end of the HLS, the Forest Farming Group has been created to investigate the most appropriate scheme and lead the process for application.