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...

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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...

Farming in Protected Landscapes

Farming in Protected Landscapes is a grant programme for farmers and land managers in...

Higher Level Stewardship

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

Ground nesting birds

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

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

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

About the Partnership Plan

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

Partnership Plan 2021-2026

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

Partnership Plan 2015-2020

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

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

New Forest Dogs Forum

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

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

Managing Recreation

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

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....

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...

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...

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

Landscape partnership projects

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

Scheme management

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

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

News and updates

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

Volunteer with us

The New Forest National Park Authority is responsible for conserving and enhancing the New...

Volunteer with local organisations

Find New Forest organisations looking for volunteers.

We will not be running our volunteer fair in 2021 but plan to return...

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...

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...

About the National Park

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

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

About the animals

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

Your home and garden

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

Sustainable Communities Fund

Our grants are aimed at helping to protect the New Forest’s precious landscape: Improving...

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...

‘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 campaign

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

How 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 Forest

The CLA and New Forest National Park Authority Awards recognise the best of the...

Connect to nature from your home

It’s comforting to know that, during these uncertain times, nature is still doing its...

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,...

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...

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...

Direction and Notice

The Authority has recently issued an Article 4 Direction relating to a small area...

Fawley Waterside planning application

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

Material considerations

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

Neighbourhood planning

New Milton Neighbourhood Plan - 'made' July 2021 The draft New Milton Neighbourhood Plan...

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...

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 2021

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2021 BUILDING DESIGN AWARDS ARE NOW CLOSED. We...

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

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

Supplementary planning documents

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

Planning Policy Overview

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

Calendar of upcoming events in the New Forest National Park.

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...

New Forest Walking Festival

The New Forest Walking Festival features family-friendly guided walks in beautiful locations around the...

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

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

Historic routes

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

Accessible walks (miles without stiles)

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

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

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

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...

New Forest Reptile Centre

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

New Forest Walking Festival

The New Forest Walking Festival features family-friendly guided walks in beautiful locations around the...

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...

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

Historic stories and songs

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

Historic routes

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

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

There are lots of ways to find out information if you're visiting the New...

Visitor facilities in the New Forest National Park are provided by a number of...

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 is 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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

Arts and crafts

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

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...

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...

close x

Planning policy

Planning policy is a key statutory function and plays a central role in the achievement of the two National Park...

Planning policy

The Government has made National Park Authorities the sole planning authorities for their areas, including plan-making, enforcement, development control and minerals and waste planning responsibilities. As well as preparing the statutory ‘development plan’ for the whole of the National Park, the Authority has responsibility for preparing supplementary planning documents, annual monitoring and, under the Localism Act 2011, working with local communities on Neighbourhood Plans.

Local planThe planning system is a vital tool in...

Design guide

The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary...

Supplementary planning documents

National policy confirms planning authorities may prepare Supplementary...

Planning Policy Overview

National Planning Policy In February 2019, the Government updated its National...

Development standards

The Development Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was...

More on planning policy

Planning policy is a key statutory function and plays a central role in the achievement of the two National Park purposes and the related socio-economic duty.

Brownfield sites registerWhat is a brownfield site / previously developed land? The...

Community involvementAll local planning authorities are required to prepare a Statement...

Design guideThe New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document...

Development Impacts on Protected AreasRecreational Impacts from new development on internationally designated nature conservation...

Development standardsThe Development Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by...

Infrastructure Funding StatementsWhat is an Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS)? From December 2020,...

Landscape policy documentsThis section contains documents relating to the landscape of the...

Local planThe planning system is a vital tool in helping to...

Minerals and wasteThe New Forest National Park Authority is the minerals and...

MonitoringThe Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires local planning...

Neighbourhood planningNew Milton Neighbourhood Plan - 'made' July 2021 The draft...

Planning Policy OverviewNational Planning Policy In February 2019, the Government updated its National Planning Policy...

Self and custom build registerAll relevant authorities are required by the Self-build and Custom...

Supplementary planning documentsNational policy confirms planning authorities may prepare Supplementary Planning Documents...

Keep up to date on the latest from the National Park

Are you tick aware?

The number of ticks present in the UK is on the rise partly because of climate change. Global warming means...

New Forest NPA prosecutes landowner for destroying trees

The New Forest National Park Authority has prosecuted a landowner for illegally cutting down several protected trees. In early December...