New Members for New Forest National Park Authority

New Members for New Forest National Park Authority

The New Forest National Park Authority has welcomed two new appointees to its board: Zoë Clewer and Michael Thierry.

Zoë Clewer joins as the representative of Wiltshire Council, replacing Leo Randall. She is the Councillor for Redlynch and Landford and lives in Whiteparish.

Leo, who is retiring after being a councillor for 21 years, also served as chair of the New Forest National Park Planning Committee – a position now filled by Gordon Bailey, with Steve Trow as deputy.

Michael Thierry replaces Edward Heron as a Hampshire County Council representative for the NPA. Michael is a member of Ringwood Town Council, New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council. He has also served as the Town Mayor of Ringwood four times.

Edward stood down from the National Park Authority to dedicate more time to his roles at Hampshire County and New Forest District Councils.

Prof. Gavin Parker, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘On behalf of all the staff and fellow board members I warmly welcome both Zoë and Michael onto the National Park board and look forward to working with them on the diverse and important challenges we face in the New Forest.’

The two new appointees form part of a board of 22 members with overall responsibility for making decisions. There are 12 members appointed by the county, district and borough councils with land within the National Park. Six are appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Four are elected from parish councils within the National Park.

Authority members set policies and priorities, ensure efficient and effective use of resources, and make sure that money is well spent. It’s their job to represent the interests of the National Park and to balance out any conflicting pressures.

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About the New Forest National Park Authority

Protect – Enjoy – Prosper

The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
-Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park – Protect.
-Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.