The New Forest boasts an impressive array of uncommon and special butterfly species. Being...

Five species of deer found in the wild in the UK call the New...

Heathland birds

With some of the largest areas of heath in Europe, the New Forest is...

Wading birds

The New Forest is very important for wading birds during their breeding season. For...

Coastline

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

Farmland

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

Heathland

The New Forest has the most extensive area of heathland remaining in Europe (over 10,000ha)....

Ancient trees

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

Interactive timeline

Explore the Forest's past through this interactive timeline of videos and photos charting thousands...

Famous Forest folk

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

Historical Sites

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

Built Heritage

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

Fungi

The New Forest is a special and nationally-important area for fungi. This is probably...

Heathland plants

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

Woodland flowers

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

Bog flowers

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

The animals

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

Community and Heritage

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

Commoning and the Forest

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

Commoning and you

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

Wetland

The New Forest is one of the most intact networks of wetland habitat in...

Mires

The National Park has 75% of the valley mires in north-western Europe (90 out...

Rivers and Steams

The New Forest contains many small rivers and streams which begin in boggy heathland...

Local Produce

The New Forest is a hotbed of high quality food, drink and craft producers....

Land Advice Service

An independent service for the land managing community in and around the New Forest...

Ground nesting birds

The New Forest is a great place for all sorts of birds, many of...

Higher Level Stewardship

The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme is England’s largest environmental scheme and...

Rivers and streams

The New Forest contains many small rivers and streams which begin in boggy heathland...

How you can help

We can all help to protect the planet. Taking a few steps, no matter...

Reducing our carbon footprint

Sustainability is at the heart of the National Park Authority. We aren’t perfect and...

Community engagement

Working with our communities has been crucial in tackling climate and nature recovery issues....

Climate and nature emergency and the New Forest National Park

Since the New Forest National Park was established in 2005, we’ve recognised that the...

Future Forest

Welcome … to an important debate about recreation in the New Forest National Park...

Access

The New Forest National Park is freely accessible for you to enjoy the open...

New Forest Dogs Forum

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

Cycle events

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

Funded projects

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

Sustainable transport

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

Tree graffiti

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

Explore laser map

In its most basic form, 3D Lidar data allows us to create a detailed...

Archaeology in the planning process

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

Wartime heritage

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

Animal accidents

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

Stopping petting of animals

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

Support and advice

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

Housing for commoners

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

Landscape partnership projects

The Our Past, Our Future scheme is made up of 21 projects across four...

News and updates

The scheme is now in its fourth year of the delivery phase of the...

Volunteering

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

About the partnership

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

Green Halo themes

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

Our natural resources

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

Join us

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

Local produce

We support the local produce economy in and around the New Forest. One of...

Partnering with us

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

Broadband

The UK Government has signalled its desire to bring superfast broadband to rural communities...

Find your parish council

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

Useful information

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

Useful contacts

Alison Barnes Tel: 01590 646633 Chief Executive Steve Avery Tel: 01590 646659 Executive...

Your home and garden

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

Who does what

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

About the National Park

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

About the animals

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

Sustainable Communities Fund

Introduction The aim of the fund is to strengthen the well-being and sustainability of...

National Grid landscape enhancement grants

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

Rural communities fund

This fund will help improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest...

Volunteer opportunities

New Forest National Park opportunities Our Past, Our Future Our Past, Our Future is...

Green Action in the New Forest

In 2019 there were events and activities across the New Forest aiming to help...

New Forest Spring Clean – Cancelled

New Forest Spring Clean 20 March - 13 April 2020 The New Forest...

Schools and Groups

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

New Forest Curriculum

Explore this section of the website to find resources that will support learning across...

Planning your visit

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

Youth schemes

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

Frequently asked questions

Please use this section for answers to common questions about: Planning Types of alterations...

Guide to types of alterations

Please note the information below is correct unless permitted development rights have been withdrawn...

Permitted development rights

You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to...

Pre-application advice

Getting advice from a planning officer before making your application is very worthwhile. It...

Guidance on applying

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

The application process

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

Fees

All planning application fees should be paid at the time the application is submitted. To...

Pre-application advice

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

Fawley Waterside planning application

Fawley Waterside Ltd has submitted its outline planning applications to redevelop the former Fawley...

Material considerations

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

Guide to viewing

Use these links for guidance on how to view planning applications on the website:...

Guide to commenting

Online: Go to view planning applications and complete at least one of the search criteria. This will...

Submit tree work application

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

Tree preservation orders

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

Hedgerows

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

What is a breach of planning control?

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

Frequently asked questions

How enforcement works

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

Report a breach

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

Conservation areas

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

Conservation information

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

Design guidance

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

Building design awards

From traditional thatched cottages to eco homes and historic houses to beach huts, the...

Local plan

The planning system is a vital tool in helping to deliver the two National...

Design guide

The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a key...

Supplementary planning documents

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

Planning Policy Overview

National Planning Policy In February 2019, the Government updated its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF...

Events

Calendar of upcoming events in the New Forest National Park.

Submit event

Use this form to submit an event held within the New Forest National Park...

New Forest Tour

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

Dog walking

Dog walking is very popular in the New Forest National Park. It’s a great...

Free walking routes app

The best way to follow our New Forest National Park walking routes is by...

Accessible walks (miles without stiles)

We’re working hard to remove the barriers, both mental and physical which can prevent...

Dog Walking Code

To help keep the New Forest special, local people have agreed this code of...

New Forest cycling routes

For some of the best New Forest cycling routes try our cycle routes finder....

Cycle hire

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

Cycling code

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

PEDALL – New Forest Inclusive Cycling

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

Lyndhurst to Lepe

Explore the colourful military history of the New Forest. This full day plan is...

Seaside fun and ice cream

Pack your bucket and spade and let’s head to the coast. This full day...

Uncover Lyndhurst on foot

Discover Lyndhurst’s rich heritage, amazing natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere as you stroll through...

Walk on the wild side

Take the family on a wildlife adventure in the heart of the New Forest...

Best places to spot wildlife

The New Forest is a wildlife-rich landscape covering over 200 square miles. Wherever you...

Date with Nature

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

Horse riding

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

New Forest Tour

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

Wild play

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

Date with Nature

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

Historic routes

Help us uncover colourful tales of the Forest for five new historic trails Here’s...

Houses and gardens

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

Museums and art galleries

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

Where to get information

It can sometimes be tricky knowing where to find the right information. But don’t...

Facilities

This section contains information on visitor facilities in the New Forest National Park.

Access for all

The New Forest is a lowland national park which means no large mountains just...

Accessible travel

The New Forest is easily accessible by a number of transport options and is...

Campsites and holiday parks

Do you love camping? There are a wide range of campsites within the New...

Self-catering cottages

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

Hotels

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

Bed and breakfasts

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

Train

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

Public buses

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

Travel advice from concierge

You don’t need a car to see the beauty of the National Park and...

Driving

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

Restaurants and tea rooms

These New Forest Marque member restaurants and tea rooms support local producers by serving...

Where to buy

Nestled among the ancient woodlands and smallholdings of the New Forest in the south...

Hotels and inns

These New Forest Marque member hotels and inns support local producers by serving high...

Bed and breakfasts

These New Forest Marque member Bed and Breakfasts support local producers by serving high...

Avoid disturbing rare birds

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

Keep your distance from animals

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

Littering

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

No wildfires please

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

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Animal accidents

The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs roam free is one of the distinctive features of the New Forest National Park. This is one of the few areas in England, especially in the busy and developed south, where drivers often come face-to-face with animals on the road, both in daylight and at night.

The animals are owned by people called commoners, and it’s the animals’ free grazing activity across the forest that helps shape the landscape we know and love today.

With other organisations, we regularly check accident data for trends that will help us focus efforts. You can see how the total number of animals killed and injured each year has changed since 1990 by downloading the latest animal accident analysis. The same download includes recent data on different kinds of animals, and the effect of time of year and time of day. The various maps of animal accidents show very clearly that some routes (usually those with most traffic) have many more incidents than elsewhere.

Every animal killed is a great loss to the Forest, and to its owner. However, the overall trend since 1991 is clearly downwards and most years since 2007 have had fewer than 100 animals killed and injured. In 2018, 63 animals were killed and a further 26 were injured.

The number of animals grazing on the Forest has risen significantly in recent years, which increases the likelihood of accidents. However, the number killed was at its lowest ever (55) in 2015 and the percentage killed fell to an all-time low (0.43%, one out of every 233 animals) in 2017. Cattle and pigs spend only part of the year on the Forest, so the figures for ponies alone are probably more pertinent, but even these show a clear downward trend in the percentage killed, falling to a new low of 0.66% in 2018.

The challenge is, of course, to reduce the number of accidents every year, so the commoners, other local people and a wide range of organisations are always looking for new ideas. In recent years the Highway Authority has improved road warning signage on all of the high risk routes and more warnings painted on the roads are planned. The Shared Forest project, managed by the Commoners Defence Association, is working with local employers to increase their employees’ awareness of the animals on the unfenced roads and encouraging them to drive more carefully. Each winter, when most accidents happen, there is a special publicity campaign to raise awareness of the risks among local drivers who regularly travel across the Forest – everyone can play their part in this, especially though word of mouth and social media.