New Forest Thrive festival sees hundreds celebrate nature and community connection in Ringwood
PUBLISHED ON: 11 JULY 2025More than 500 people attended the first New Forest Thrive festival in Ringwood to celebrate people, wildlife, and the future.
New Forest Thrive took place at Carvers Recreation Ground on Sunday 6 July, led by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) in partnership with Ringwood Town Council as part of the Authority’s Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme.
New Forest Youth Board members attended to speak to people of all ages and lead a mobile ‘video booth’ to capture experiences across the event’s four zones – Creative, Discovery, Chill Out, and Sustainable Transport.
YouCAN partners The Parks Foundation offered the chance to help build a new minibeast hotel while Freshwater Habitats Trust provided model making and educational activities on the day and Theatre for Life entertained crowds with performances from soon-to-debut show, Bringing the Outside In.
Drumming sessions from African Activities, a skatepark show from Ringwood’s Youth Riders, an adapted cycling track from PedAll New Forest Inclusive Cycling, and Wild Play sessions with the NPA Junior Rangers proved hugely popular among visitors.
Local organisations at New Forest Thrive also included environmental groups Greening Ringwood and Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE), Flourish in Nature, CODA Music and Arts Trust, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
Bike security marking was available with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and food and drinks were provided by New Forest Marque members, Coffee Wagen and Brock Ice, as well as Idelica and Carvers Clubhouse.
New Forest NPA Youth Development Officer, Claire Pearce, said:
‘We were thrilled by the incredible turnout at New Forest Thrive, with more than 500 people joining us to celebrate, nature and the future in the National Park’s 20th anniversary year.
‘The event truly captured the vibrant spirit of the New Forest, bringing together diverse communities in a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.
‘We’re deeply grateful to all the community groups and partner organisations who made the day so special, and to the National Lottery Community Fund for their generous support in making Thrive possible through the YouCAN scheme.’
Ringwood Town Council’s Councillor Mary DeBoos said:
‘I had a wonderful day at New Forest Thrive. It was great to see so many families enjoying the information and activities on offer at the event and it was a real opportunity to connect with nature and learn more about the conservation and green groups in the area.’
Credit: New Forest National Park Authority
Credit: New Forest National Park Authority
About New Forest Thrive:
New Forest Thrive is supported as part of the YouCAN (Youth for Climate and Nature) scheme through a Climate Action Fund grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The YouCAN scheme is made possible thanks to National Lottery players and is aimed at 11- to 30-year-olds to encourage more community-led action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
Find out more about the YouCAN scheme here: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/YouCAN.
