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...

Wading birds

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

Coastline

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

Farmland

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

Heathland

Heathland is rarer than rainforest. The New Forest has the most extensive area of...

Ancient trees

Around 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest National Park. This...

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...

Built Heritage

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

History Periods

Human impact through the ages Evidence of past human activity from over 750,000 years...

Fungi

The New Forest is a special and nationally-important area for fungi. With an estimated...

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...

Bog flowers

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

The animals

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...

Re:New Nature

Nature is in crisis and only by urgently combining our expertise and resources can...

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...

Land Advice Service

An independent service for the land managing community in and around the New Forest...

About the Partnership Plan

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

Re:New Forest – Partnership Plan 2022-2027

Re:New Forest The New Forest is an exceptional landscape, shaped over thousands of years...

1. Introduction

Re:New Forest - Partnership Plan The New Forest has long been recognised as an...

2. Major issues for the National Park

Re:New Forest - Partnership Plan The New Forest faces a period of significant change...

A climate and nature emergency for the New Forest

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

Private: New Forest Climate and Nature Challenge

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

Nature’s role in climate change in the New Forest

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

Working with communities

Working with our communities is crucial in tackling climate and nature recovery. Together we:...

Public access

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...

Cycle events

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...

Sustainable communities 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....

Tree graffiti

Tell us your sightings The New Forest has the densest population of ancient and...

Heritage mapping

The New Forest has a rich and varied history of human interaction extending back...

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 land...

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...

Join us

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

Green and blue horizons scheme successes

The Green and blue horizons from city to Forest scheme, led by the NPA,...

New 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...

What our volunteers achieved last winter

Now summer is almost here and the New Forest is starting to brighten with...

How we brought the New Forest into the City

The New Forest National Park Authority and partners took to the city to meet...

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...

Volunteering

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

Volunteers are hugely important in helping us achieve National Park purposes. Register with us...

Volunteer with local organisations

Find New Forest organisations looking for volunteers.

New Forest Volunteer Fair

The 2025 New Forest Volunteer Fair was a huge success that connected hundreds of...

Volunteering opportunities for 18-30 year olds

Are you aged 18-30, passionate about nature, living in or around the New Forest...

Meet our New Forest Ambassadors

The New Forest is a wonderfully unique area that needs protecting. We need people’s...

Private: Ambassador scheme launched to help protect the New Forest

The New Forest National Park Authority is inviting people to become New Forest Ambassadors...

New Forest Ambassador scheme survey

We would like to say a massive thank you for being a part of...

Join the New Forest Spring Clean and become a local litter hero

New Forest organisations and local community litter heroes are encouraging everyone to support the...

Partnering with us

We are actively seeking new opportunities to work with businesses. The New Forest is...

About the National Park

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

Who does what

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),...

New Forest Awakening Festival

Join us in tackling the nature and climate emergencies The New Forest Awakening Festival...

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...

Local council quadrants

The New Forest National Park Authority and the local parish or town councils that...

Find your local 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

Steve Avery, Executive Director (Strategy and Planning). Tel: 01590 646659 Paul Walton, Head of...

Sustainable Communities Fund

For helpful and friendly advice, contact our grants officer on 01590 646634 or email...

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 helps improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest National...

‘Secret forest’ saved for the nation

A 'secret forest' becomes one of the RSPB’s most significant purchases in its 129...

Schools and Groups

The New Forest National Park offers outstanding learning opportunities for schools and groups, self-led...

Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme

The New Forest National Park Authority has secured £1.4 million for a climate action...

Planning your visit

The New Forest National Park is the ultimate outdoor classroom offering opportunities to discover,...

Youth schemes

From winding rivers to expansive heathland, ancient woodland to stunning coastline - the New...

Meet the New Forest Artists in Residence

Click on the pictures below to find out about our current and previous New...

£1m investment secured for New Forest collaboration

News release from Energise Me A New Forest consortium, led by Energise Me, has...

New Forest National Park Artist in Residence Programme

The New Forest National Park Authority and SPUD are working together in partnership to deliver a...

New Forest Arts Festival

Lead Partner New Forest National Park Authority What has been achieved? The unique landscape,...

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...

Fees

Planning application fees All planning application fees should be paid at the time the...

Pre-application advice

Before applying to carry out tree work it is worth getting advice from a...

Material planning considerations

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

Neighbourhood planning

Wellow Neighbourhood Plan – 'made July 2024' The draft Wellow Neighbourhood Plan was subject...

Guide to viewing

Using the Citizen Portal About the Citizen Portal planning system The Citizen Portal planning...

Guide to commenting

Online: Go to view planning applications and search for the application you wish to comment on...

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...

Hedgerows

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...

Heritage conservation

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

Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open! From traditional thatched cottages to eco...

Local plan

February 2025: Local Plan Review Work has now begun on the review of the...

Design guide

The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was formally adopted...

Supplementary planning documents

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

Planning Policy Overview

National Planning Policy In December 2023, the Government updated its National Planning Policy Framework...

Events

Calendar of upcoming events in the New Forest National Park.

Submit event

Use this form to submit an event held within the New Forest National Park...

Walking routes

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

England Coast Path

The England Coast Path is the UK’s newest National Trail. It stretches for 2780...

Accessible Trails

We have a series of accessible trails all from a car park with accessible...

New Forest Walking Festival

The 2024 New Forest Walking Festival has drawn to a close - we can't...

Cycling routes

Cycling is a great way to get around the Forest, see wildlife and discover...

Cycle hire

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

Cycling guide

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...

Best places to spot wildlife

The New Forest is globally important for wildlife across a landscape covering over 200...

New Forest Reptile Centre

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

New Forest Walking Festival

The 2024 New Forest Walking Festival has drawn to a close - we can't...

Horse riding

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 each...

Wild play

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

The historic walking routes can now be found on our walking page. These routes...

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...

Facilities

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

Accessible Visits

Many places in the New Forest are accessible to visitors with additional needs. The...

Campsites and holiday parks

Do you love camping? There is a wide range of campsites in the New...

Self-catering cottages

From holiday cottages ideal for walking and cycling, to houses located close to a...

Hotels

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...

Train

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

Public buses

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

Driving

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

Ferries

Ferries are a fun way to see the Forest from a different perspective. ...

Hospitality

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

Food and drink

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...

Littering

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...

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Spotting wildlife

Some of the best places to spot wildlife in the New Forest.

Spotting wildlife

The New Forest is full of fascinating wildlife of all shapes and sizes. There are lots of places where you stand a chance of spotting some of the area's varied species. Please take great care not to disturb the wildlife and stick to main tracks where possible.