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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...

FungiFungi

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

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...

The animalsThe animals

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

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...

WetlandWetland

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

MiresMires

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

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....

Climate and nature emergencyClimate and nature emergency

The climate crisis is the most significant long-term threat to the extraordinary New Forest...

New Forest Climate and Nature ChallengeNew Forest Climate and Nature Challenge

Will you join us in the New Forest Climate and Nature Challenge? We can...

The New Forest’s role in climate changeThe New Forest’s role in climate change

How nature helps us tackle climate change Ecosystems on the land and in the...

Working with communitiesWorking with communities

Working with our communities is crucial in tackling climate and nature recovery. Sustainable communities ...

About the Partnership PlanAbout the Partnership Plan

The role of the Partnership Plan All national parks are required by statute to...

Partnership Plan 2021-2026Partnership Plan 2021-2026

Your Future New Forest - Draft Partnership Plan Work has begun to progress the...

Partnership Plan 2015-2020Partnership Plan 2015-2020

The first Management Plan for the New Forest was published in 2010 and updated...

Public accessPublic access

The New Forest National Park has over 30,000ha of open access countryside and 325km...

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...

Managing RecreationManaging Recreation

The New Forest is a lovely place to enjoy a walk, follow one of...

Sustainable communities projectsSustainable communities 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...

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...

Join usJoin us

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

Landscape partnership projectsLandscape partnership projects

Our Past, Our Future ended in March 2021. Here you can read about the...

Scheme managementScheme management

Supported by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, Our Past, Our Future undertook a...

VolunteeringVolunteering

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

News and updatesNews and updates

A multimillion-pound scheme for the New Forest has drawn to a close, leaving a...

Green and blue horizons from city to Forest schemeGreen and blue horizons from city to Forest scheme

The Green and blue horizons from city to Forest scheme is a multi-partner scheme which brings...

New Forest National Park Authority receives grant of £539,200 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge FundNew Forest National Park Authority receives grant of £539,200 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund

The project will kickstart action to confront the twin climate and nature emergencies with...

NPA leads call to address climate and nature emergenciesNPA leads call to address climate and nature emergencies

The New Forest National Park Authority has agreed a new plan of action in...

Green Halo conference explores challenges and opportunities for nature recovery in the New ForestGreen Halo conference explores challenges and opportunities for nature recovery in the New Forest

The fifth anniversary of the Green Halo Partnership was marked with a virtual conference: Towards...

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...

BroadbandBroadband

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

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...

About the National ParkAbout the National Park

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

Who does whatWho does what

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

About the animalsAbout the animals

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

Your home and gardenYour home and garden

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

Sustainable Communities FundSustainable Communities Fund

Since 2006 we have awarded £2.4m in grants to over 300 projects that help...

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 has now been declared a complete no BBQ and fire zone....

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...

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...

Pop-up campsites consultationPop-up campsites consultation

Views sought on new planning rules for pop-up campsites to help protect the New...

Petlake Farm Direction and NoticePetlake Farm Direction and Notice

The Authority issued an Article 4 Direction in November 2020 relating to a small...

Fawley Waterside planning applicationFawley Waterside planning application

The New Forest National Park Authority has resolved to approve a redevelopment proposal on the...

Material considerationsMaterial considerations

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

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...

HedgerowsHedgerows

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

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...

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

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 awards 2022Building design awards 2022

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

Local planLocal plan

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

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...

Dog walkingDog walking

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

Walking routesWalking routes

Walking is a wonderful way to experience the tranquillity of the New Forest National...

Historic routesHistoric routes

These walking routes have an abundance of historic features and are well connected to...

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...

Cycling routesCycling routes

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

Cycle hireCycle hire

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

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...

New Forest Reptile CentreNew Forest Reptile Centre

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

New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival 2021New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival 2021

The New Forest Walking Festival is back for autumn 2021! This successful festival, now...

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...

Historic stories and songsHistoric stories and songs

Sharing stories of past events, exploring myths, legends and folklore are all part of our rich...

Historic routesHistoric routes

These walking routes have an abundance of historic features and are well connected to...

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...

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...

HotelsHotels

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

Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts

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

TrainTrain

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

Public busesPublic buses

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

DrivingDriving

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

HospitalityHospitality

From quaint tearooms and coffee shops, to pubs, bars and restaurants, there are a...

Food and drinkFood and drink

New Forest Marque food and drink producers range from traditional commoning operations and small...

Arts and craftsArts and crafts

New Forest Marque crafters and artists are inspired by their surroundings. For a hand-crafted...

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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Do I need permission?

Advice on whether you need to apply for planning permission.

Planning permission

In this section you will find general advice on planning permission as well as answers to some common questions. In particular it is worth looking at our pre-application advice service, as we positively encourage pre-application discussions with prospective applicants. Search the My Property Map to see if you live within the National Park boundary.
Pre-application adviceGetting advice from a planning officer before making...
Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Please use this section for answers to common...

Most common questions

Most common questions

I’m a householder - do I need planning...

Guide to types of alterations

Guide to types of alterations

Please note the information below is correct unless...

Permitted development rights

Permitted development rights

You can make certain types of minor changes...

More on seeking permission

Advice on whether you need to apply for planning permission.

Frequently asked questionsPlease use this section for answers to common questions about:...
Permitted development rightsYou can make certain types of minor changes to your...
Pre-application adviceGetting advice from a planning officer before making your application...

Keep up to date on the latest from the National Park

Q&A with our Net Zero with Nature Programme Manager

Q&A with our Net Zero with Nature Programme Manager

Olivia McGregor is the New Forest National Park Authority's Net Zero with Nature Programme Manager. Here she answers your questions...

View Blog
Nominations now open for New Forest Building Design Awards

Nominations now open for New Forest Building Design Awards

Nominations now open for New Forest Building Design Awards The New Forest National Park Authority is inviting nominations for its...

View News
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