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
Heathland is rarer than rainforest. The New Forest has the most extensive area of...
Ancient treesAncient trees
Around 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest National Park. This...
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...
History PeriodsHistory Periods
Human impact through the ages Evidence of past human activity from over 750,000 years...
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...
Re:New NatureRe:New Nature
Nature is in crisis and only by urgently combining our expertise and resources can...
Farming in Protected LandscapesFarming in Protected Landscapes
Farming in Protected Landscapes is a grant programme for farmers and land managers in...
Higher Level StewardshipHigher Level Stewardship
The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme is England’s largest environmental scheme and...
Land Advice ServiceLand Advice Service
An independent service for the land managing community in and around the New Forest...
About the Partnership PlanAbout the Partnership Plan
The role of the Partnership Plan All national parks are required by statute to...
Re:New Forest – Partnership Plan 2022-2027Re:New Forest – Partnership Plan 2022-2027
Re:New Forest The New Forest is an exceptional landscape, shaped over thousands of years...
1. Introduction1. Introduction
Re:New Forest - Partnership Plan The New Forest has long been recognised as an...
2. Major issues for the National Park2. 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 ForestA 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 ChallengePrivate: 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 ForestNature’s role in climate change in the New Forest
How nature helps us tackle climate change Ecosystems on the land and in the...
New Forest Green Groups – Working with communitiesNew Forest Green Groups – Working with communities
Working with our communities is crucial in tackling climate and nature recovery. Together we:...
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...
Heritage mappingHeritage mapping
The New Forest has a rich and varied history of human interaction extending back...
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 land...
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...
Green and blue horizons scheme successesGreen 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 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...
What our volunteers achieved last winterWhat 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 CityHow we brought the New Forest into the City
The New Forest National Park Authority and partners took to the city to meet...
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...
Volunteer with usVolunteer with us
Volunteers are hugely important in helping us achieve National Park purposes. Register with us...
Volunteer with local organisationsVolunteer with local organisations
Find New Forest organisations looking for volunteers.
New Forest Volunteer FairNew Forest Volunteer Fair
The 2025 New Forest Volunteer Fair was a huge success that connected hundreds of...
Volunteering opportunities for young adultsVolunteering opportunities for young adults
Are you aged 18-30, passionate about nature, living in or around the New Forest...
Meet our New Forest AmbassadorsMeet 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 ForestPrivate: 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 surveyNew 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 heroJoin 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 usPartnering with us
We are actively seeking new opportunities to work with businesses. The New Forest is...
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),...
New Forest Awakening FestivalNew Forest Awakening Festival
Join us in tackling the nature and climate emergencies The New Forest Awakening Festival...
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...
Local council quadrantsLocal council quadrants
The New Forest National Park Authority and the local parish or town councils that...
Find your local councilFind your local 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
Steve Avery, Executive Director (Strategy and Planning). Tel: 01590 646659 Paul Walton, Head of...
Sustainable Communities FundSustainable Communities Fund
For helpful and friendly advice, contact our grants officer on 01590 646634 or email...
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 helps improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest National...
‘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...
Schools and GroupsSchools and Groups
The New Forest National Park offers outstanding learning opportunities for schools and groups, self-led...
Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) schemeYouth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme
The New Forest National Park Authority has secured £1.4 million for a climate action...
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...
Meet the New Forest Artists in ResidenceMeet 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£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 ProgrammeNew 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 FestivalNew Forest Arts Festival
Lead Partner New Forest National Park Authority What has been achieved? The unique landscape,...
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...
Pre-application advicePre-application advice
Before applying to carry out tree work it is worth getting advice from a...
Material planning considerationsMaterial planning considerations
What are material planning considerations? When reviewing your comments on an application the following...
Neighbourhood planningNeighbourhood planning
Submission draft Lymington & Pennington Neighbourhood Plan – consultation Lymington & Pennington Town Council...
Guide to viewingGuide to viewing
Using the Citizen Portal About the Citizen Portal planning system The Citizen Portal planning...
Guide to commentingGuide to commenting
Online: Go to view planning applications and search for the application you wish to comment on...
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...
Heritage conservationHeritage conservation
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
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open! From traditional thatched cottages to eco...
Design guideDesign guide
The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was formally adopted...
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 December 2023, the Government updated its National Planning Policy Framework...
Submit eventSubmit event
Use this form to submit an event held within the New Forest National Park...
Walking routesWalking routes
Walking is a wonderful way to experience the tranquillity of the New Forest National...
England Coast PathEngland Coast Path
The England Coast Path is the UK’s newest National Trail. It stretches for 2780...
Accessible TrailsAccessible Trails
We have a series of accessible trails all from a car park with accessible...
New Forest Walking FestivalNew Forest Walking Festival
The 2024 New Forest Walking Festival has drawn to a close - we can't...
Cycling routesCycling routes
Cycling is a great way to get around the Forest, see wildlife and discover...
Cycling guideCycling guide
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...
Best places to spot wildlifeBest places to spot wildlife
The New Forest is globally important for wildlife across a landscape covering over 200...
New Forest Reptile CentreNew Forest Reptile Centre
Come and experience 'A Date With Nature' at the New Forest Reptile Centre. Did...
New Forest Walking FestivalNew Forest Walking Festival
The 2024 New Forest Walking Festival has drawn to a close - we can't...
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 each...
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
The historic walking routes can now be found on our walking page. These routes...
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
There are lots of ways to find out information if you're visiting the New...
FacilitiesFacilities
Visitor facilities in the New Forest National Park are provided by a number of...
Accessible VisitsAccessible Visits
Many places in the New Forest are accessible to visitors with additional needs. The...
Campsites and holiday parksCampsites and holiday parks
Do you love camping? There is a wide range of campsites in 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...
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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