The New Forest boasts an impressive array of uncommon and special butterfly species. Being...
ButterfliesButterflies
Heathland birdsHeathland birds
With some of the largest areas of heath in Europe, the New Forest is...
Wading birdsWading birds
The New Forest is very important for wading birds during their breeding season. For...
CoastlineCoastline
The National Park boasts 26 miles of lesser-known but very important coastline. The New...
FarmlandFarmland
Land management by farmers and landowners is crucial for the New Forest. Since the...
HeathlandHeathland
The New Forest has the most extensive area of heathland remaining in Europe (over 10,000ha)....
Ancient treesAncient trees
Around 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest National Park. This...
Interactive timelineInteractive timeline
Explore the Forest's past through this interactive timeline of videos and photos charting thousands...
Famous Forest folkFamous Forest folk
As well as being world-renowned for its habitats and wildlife, the New Forest is...
Historical SitesHistorical Sites
History Hits videos on some of the New Forest's best historical sites. The New...
Built HeritageBuilt Heritage
The New Forest is well known for its free roaming animals, wide open heathland...
Heathland plantsHeathland plants
Heathland is probably the most iconic scenery of the New Forest National Park, with...
Woodland flowersWoodland flowers
Woodlands within the New Forest vary from the coniferous plantations, through recently established birch...
Bog flowersBog flowers
In terms of national scarcity, the bogs and valley mires are the most important...
Community and HeritageCommunity and Heritage
The New Forest commoning community is a diverse and broad community of people who...
Commoning and the ForestCommoning and the Forest
Commoning makes a positive contribution to the remarkable biodiversity of the New Forest. The...
Commoning and youCommoning and you
In this section you can find out more about how the work of commoners...
Rivers and SteamsRivers and Steams
The New Forest contains many small rivers and streams which begin in boggy heathland...
Local ProduceLocal Produce
The New Forest is a hotbed of high quality food, drink and craft producers....
Land Advice ServiceLand Advice Service
An independent service for the land managing community in and around the New Forest...
Ground nesting birdsGround nesting birds
The New Forest is a great place for all sorts of birds, many of...
Higher Level StewardshipHigher Level Stewardship
The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme is England’s largest environmental scheme and...
Protecting vergesProtecting verges
New Forest verges are among the most important in Europe, and are protected habitats...
How you can helpHow you can help
We can all help to protect the planet. Taking a few steps, no matter...
Reducing our carbon footprintReducing our carbon footprint
Sustainability is at the heart of the National Park Authority. We aren’t perfect and...
Community engagementCommunity engagement
Working with our communities has been crucial in tackling climate and nature recovery issues....
Climate and nature emergency and the New Forest National ParkClimate 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 ForestFuture Forest
Welcome … to an important debate about recreation in the New Forest National Park...
New Forest Dogs ForumNew Forest Dogs Forum
The National Park Authority recognises the many benefits of dog walking, especially to the...
Cycle eventsCycle events
We support cycling in the National Park, whether for work or pleasure, to enjoy...
Funded projectsFunded projects
Since 2006 we have funded sustainability projects within the National Park to help groups...
Sustainable transportSustainable transport
More than 95% of visitors to the New Forest National Park arrive by car....
Tree graffitiTree graffiti
Tell us your sightings The New Forest has the densest population of ancient and...
Explore laser mapExplore laser map
In its most basic form, 3D Lidar data allows us to create a detailed...
Archaeology in the planning processArchaeology in the planning process
One of the main tools we have to protect archaeology within the National Park...
Wartime heritageWartime heritage
Few people realise the important role that the New Forest played in both World...
Animal accidentsAnimal accidents
The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs...
Stopping petting of animalsStopping petting of animals
Feeding ponies causes serious issues in the New Forest and is against byelaws. Some...
Support and adviceSupport and advice
Through the New Forest Land Advice Service (NFLAS), we help to support commoners with...
Housing for commonersHousing for commoners
Providing affordable housing for commoners has long been recognised as essential for the future...
Landscape partnership projectsLandscape partnership projects
The Our Past, Our Future scheme is made up of 21 projects across four...
News and updatesNews and updates
The scheme is now in its fourth year of the delivery phase of the...
VolunteeringVolunteering
We are always looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to join the Our Past,...
About the partnershipAbout the partnership
Our vision is to be a global exemplar of how our most precious landscapes...
Green Halo themesGreen Halo themes
'To do good you actually have to do something.' (Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner,...
Our natural resourcesOur natural resources
The term 'natural capital' is used to describe the environmental assets which have a...
Local produceLocal produce
We support the local produce economy in and around the New Forest. One of...
Partnering with usPartnering with us
We are actively seeking new opportunities to work with businesses. The New Forest is...
Find your parish councilFind your parish council
There are 37 parishes and towns wholly or partly within the National Park and...
Useful informationUseful information
A map of the National Park boundary (2 MB) Consultation responses - details of...
Useful contactsUseful contacts
Alison Barnes Tel: 01590 646633 Chief Executive Steve Avery Tel: 01590 646659 Executive...
Your home and gardenYour home and garden
If your home is next to the Open Forest (where the commoners’ animals graze),...
Who does whatWho does what
In the main the landowners are responsible for managing the land. So, for example,...
About the National ParkAbout the National Park
The New Forest became a National Park in 2005 - it's one of 15...
About the animalsAbout the animals
The New Forest has a long and proud history of commoning: the system whereby...
Sustainable Communities FundSustainable Communities Fund
Introduction The aim of the fund is to strengthen the well-being and sustainability of...
National Grid landscape enhancement grantsNational Grid landscape enhancement grants
You can apply for up to £200,000 from National Grid to help reduce the...
Rural communities fundRural communities fund
This fund will help improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest...
‘Secret forest’ saved for the nation‘Secret forest’ saved for the nation
A 'secret forest' becomes one of the RSPB’s most significant purchases in its 129...
BBQ-free New Forest campaignBBQ-free New Forest campaign
The New Forest National Park Authority is calling on retailers across the Forest to...
How to be Forest friendlyHow to be Forest friendly
The New Forest is a great place for walking, dog walking, cycling and horse...
Awards recognise the best of the New ForestAwards recognise the best of the New Forest
The CLA and New Forest National Park Authority Awards recognise the best of the...
Connect to nature from your homeConnect to nature from your home
It’s comforting to know that, during these uncertain times, nature is still doing its...
Schools and GroupsSchools and Groups
The New Forest National Park offers outstanding learning opportunities for schools and groups, self-led...
New Forest CurriculumNew Forest Curriculum
Explore this section of the website to find resources that will support learning across...
Planning your visitPlanning your visit
The New Forest National Park is the ultimate outdoor classroom offering opportunities to discover,...
Youth schemesYouth schemes
From winding rivers to expansive heathland, ancient woodland to stunning coastline - the New...
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Please use this section for answers to common questions about: Planning Types of alterations...
Guide to types of alterationsGuide to types of alterations
Please note the information below is correct unless permitted development rights have been withdrawn...
Permitted development rightsPermitted development rights
You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to...
Pre-application advicePre-application advice
Getting advice from a planning officer before making your application is very worthwhile. It...
Guidance on applyingGuidance on applying
About half the planning applications we receive are invalid when submitted. Here are some...
The application processThe application process
This section explains the planning application process - from being validated by our planning...
FeesFees
All planning application fees should be paid at the time the application is submitted. To...
Pre-application advicePre-application advice
Before applying to carry out tree work it is worth getting advice from a...
Fawley Waterside planning applicationFawley Waterside planning application
Update: An Extraordinary Planning Committee discussing the Fawley Waterside planning application will take place...
Material considerationsMaterial considerations
What are material considerations? When reviewing your comments on an application the following can...
Neighbourhood planningNeighbourhood planning
Hythe & Dibden Neighbourhood Plan - 'made' December 2019 In July 2019 the independent...
Guide to viewingGuide to viewing
Use these links for guidance on how to view planning applications on the website:...
Submit tree work applicationSubmit tree work application
To carry out work on trees protected by a tree preservation order (TPO) or...
Tree preservation ordersTree preservation orders
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were introduced in the late 1940s to enable Local Planning...
What is a breach of planning control?What is a breach of planning control?
Lack of planning permission for building works or changes in the use of land...
How enforcement worksHow enforcement works
After you contact us we will investigate whether a breach of planning control has...
Report a breachReport a breach
Suspected breaches of planning control should be reported in our web form. It is...
Conservation areasConservation areas
There are 20 conservation areas in the New Forest National Park, of which three...
Conservation informationConservation information
We advise on all aspects of the historic built environment. As well as control...
Design guidanceDesign guidance
Policies referring to building design are contained in the adopted New Forest National Park...
Building design awardsBuilding design awards
From traditional thatched cottages to eco homes and historic houses to beach huts, the...
Design guideDesign guide
The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a key...
Supplementary planning documentsSupplementary planning documents
National policy confirms planning authorities may prepare Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to provide greater...
Planning Policy OverviewPlanning Policy Overview
National Planning Policy In February 2019, the Government updated its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF...
Submit eventSubmit event
Use this form to submit an event held within the New Forest National Park...
New Forest TourNew Forest Tour
Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park from the open top New Forest Tour...
Free walking routes appFree walking routes app
The best way to follow our New Forest National Park walking routes is by...
Accessible walks (miles without stiles)Accessible walks (miles without stiles)
We’re working hard to remove the barriers, both mental and physical which can prevent...
Dog Walking CodeDog Walking Code
To help keep the New Forest special, local people have agreed this code of...
New Forest cycling routesNew Forest cycling routes
For some of the best New Forest cycling routes try our cycle routes finder....
Cycling codeCycling code
The New Forest is a beautiful place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike....
PEDALL – New Forest Inclusive CyclingPEDALL – New Forest Inclusive Cycling
PEDALL provides inclusive cycling sessions for people who need support so that they can enjoy...
Lyndhurst to LepeLyndhurst to Lepe
Explore the colourful military history of the New Forest. This full day plan is...
Seaside fun and ice creamSeaside fun and ice cream
Pack your bucket and spade and let’s head to the coast. This full day...
Uncover Lyndhurst on footUncover Lyndhurst on foot
Discover Lyndhurst’s rich heritage, amazing natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere as you stroll through...
Walk on the wild sideWalk on the wild side
Take the family on a wildlife adventure in the heart of the New Forest...
Best places to spot wildlifeBest places to spot wildlife
The New Forest is a wildlife-rich landscape covering over 200 square miles. Wherever you...
Date with NatureDate with Nature
Come and experience ‘A Date With Nature’ at the New Forest Reptile Centre. Did...
Horse ridingHorse riding
Horses and ponies are central to the cultural heritage of the New Forest. There...
New Forest TourNew Forest Tour
Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park from the open top New Forest Tour...
Wild playWild play
Grow up wild in the New Forest! Playing outdoors in a natural environment, building...
Date with NatureDate with Nature
Come and experience ‘A Date With Nature’ at the New Forest Reptile Centre. Did...
Historic routesHistoric routes
Help us uncover colourful tales of the Forest for five new historic trails Here’s...
Houses and gardensHouses and gardens
Houses and Gardens Visit the countryside museum and Elizabethan manor at Breamore House near Fordingbridge Hop...
Museums and art galleriesMuseums and art galleries
Museums and galleries Spend an action-packed day at Beaulieu featuring the National Motor Museum, Palace House...
Where to get informationWhere to get information
It can sometimes be tricky knowing where to find the right information. But don’t...
FacilitiesFacilities
Visitor facilities in the New Forest National Park are provided by a number of...
Access for allAccess for all
The New Forest is a lowland national park which means no large mountains just...
Accessible travelAccessible travel
The New Forest is easily accessible by a number of transport options and is...
Campsites and holiday parksCampsites and holiday parks
Do you love camping? There is a wide range of campsites within the New...
Self-catering cottagesSelf-catering cottages
From holiday cottages ideal for walking and cycling, to houses located close to a...
Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts
From family homes to lovely old farmhouses or cosy thatched cottages, there is a...
Public busesPublic buses
The New Forest National Park is well-served by a public bus network. There are...
Travel advice from conciergeTravel advice from concierge
You don’t need a car to see the beauty of the National Park and...
Restaurants and tea roomsRestaurants and tea rooms
These New Forest Marque member restaurants and tea rooms support local producers by serving...
Where to buyWhere to buy
Nestled among the ancient woodlands and smallholdings of the New Forest in the south...
Hotels and innsHotels and inns
These New Forest Marque member hotels and inns support local producers by serving high...
Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts
These New Forest Marque member Bed and Breakfasts support local producers by serving high...
Avoid disturbing rare birdsAvoid disturbing rare birds
Please help ground nesting birds If you’re out and about in the New Forest...
Keep your distance from animalsKeep your distance from animals
The New Forest is well-known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in...
LitteringLittering
The New Forest's unspoilt natural beauty is one of the things that people value...
No wildfires pleaseNo wildfires please
During periods of hot, dry weather, especially in the open areas of heathland, please...
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From traditional thatched cottages to eco homes and historic houses to beach huts, the New Forest National Park is renowned for the character of its buildings.