Keep your distance from the animals and don't feed or pet them - you may be fined.

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PROTECTING TOGETHER, SHAPING TOMORROW

New Forest
National Park

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Welcome

The New Forest National Park is a world capital for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals – one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. Covering 220 square miles, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. We’re working here to create a national beacon for a sustainable future, where both nature and people flourish.

Learn more about the NPA Learn more about the NPA

20,000

different species are found here.

5,000

New Forest ponies, owned by Commoners, grazing the landscape and creating rare habitats.

600+

listed buildings.

34,000

residents living within the National Park boundary.

News & updates

See all news & updates See all news & updates

Our focus

The New Forest National Park Authority has a wide range of responsibilities, from conservation and planning to supporting local communities and helping people explore the Forest responsibly. Here are some areas you might be looking for:

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Two horses grazing in a sunlit meadow framed by large tree trunks and branches in the foreground
Brown horse grazing in a fern-covered field beneath a large tree with sprawling branches

Our wildlife

The New Forest is an ark for nature in the busy south of England and for some species it's their last refuge.

Brown horse grazing in a snowy field beneath a large tree with snow-covered branches

Our habitats

Rather than just forest as its name would suggest, the New Forest is a patchwork of ancient and ornamental woodland, open heathland, rivers and valley mires and a coastline of mudflats and saltmarshes.

The story of the New Forest

Explore the rich history of the New Forest, from Royal roots to a living landscape shaped by the commoning tradition and the communities who have called it home for generations.

Our Story Our Story
Brown horse grazing in a fern-covered field beneath a large tree with sprawling branches

Our wildlife

The New Forest is an ark for nature in the busy south of England and for some species it's their last refuge.

Brown horse grazing in a snowy field beneath a large tree with snow-covered branches

Our habitats

Rather than just forest as its name would suggest, the New Forest is a patchwork of ancient and ornamental woodland, open heathland, rivers and valley mires and a coastline of mudflats and saltmarshes.

Two horses grazing in a sunlit meadow framed by large tree trunks and branches in the foreground

The story of the New Forest

Explore the rich history of the New Forest, from Royal roots to a living landscape shaped by the commoning tradition and the communities who have called it home for generations.

Our Story Our Story

Our wildlife

The New Forest is an ark for nature in the busy south of England and for some species it's their last refuge.

Our habitats

Rather than just forest as its name would suggest, the New Forest is a patchwork of ancient and ornamental woodland, open heathland, rivers and valley mires and a coastline of mudflats and saltmarshes.

The story of the New Forest

Explore the rich history of the New Forest, from Royal roots to a living landscape shaped by the commoning tradition and the communities who have called it home for generations.

Our Story Our Story

Planning

Planning can be a tricky process to navigate, especially in a protected landscape like the New Forest. Whether you’re just getting started or know exactly what you need, here are some useful starting points to help guide you through.
Visit planning Visit planning
scaffolding and a ladder on a red brick building with white frontage

View or comment on a planning application

View or comment on application forms and drawings submitted by people applying for planning permission.

Learn more Learn more
white thatched cottage surrounded by trees

Reporting unauthorised development

Report unauthorised development or land use to help us protect the landscape and uphold planning rules in the National Park.

Raise a concern Raise a concern

Protecting the New Forest

The New Forest is a rare blend of ancient woodlands, rich wildlife, and living traditions. Shaped by nature and people over centuries, it remains one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

• Protecting the New Forest

Our work

We lead and support projects that protect the New Forest and help it thrive. Explore our projects, progress updates and how we’re working with others to shape a sustainable future.

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