New Forest National Park Authority Chair David Bence says the New Forest stands at a crossroads with serious challenges ahead over the next 20 years.
He called for organisations and communities to come together as guardians of the Forest to ensure it thrives into the next 20 years.
Challenges
As the National Park looks to the future, he said the challenges ahead include:
- Climate change continues to threaten our delicate ecosystems.
- The future of commoning which sustains the landscape.
- Increasing visitor numbers challenge our wildlife, habitats, and historic landscapes.
- Housing and development pressures which test the balance between conservation and community need.
- Ensuring that access to the Forest remains inclusive and sustainable for all.
- Reducing resources.
Mr Bence said: ‘It is a privilege to be in this remarkable landscape – a place of ancient woodlands and heathlands, remarkable flora and fauna, where commoners exercise their right to turn out livestock, vibrant communities, and deep cultural heritage.
‘20 years ago we were entrusted with a responsibility: to protect, preserve, and enhance this special place for generations to come. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, commoners, local communities, and partner organisations, we’ve made great strides in fulfilling that promise.
‘Now we stand at a crossroads: with devolution, local government reorganisation, climate transition, and agricultural reform all converging at once.
‘These bring serious challenges, but also rare opportunities: to reinforce protections for the Forest, formally recognise its unique culture, support a vibrant green economy, and shape a resilient future for both nature and people.
‘At the heart of this future must be the protection of the Forest’s integrity…. its landscapes, ecosystems, communities, and traditions. This must be the guiding test for any new proposals that arise from policy change.’
Future of commoning
Mr Bence said a critical part of the Forest’s integrity is the practice of commoning, which has sustained the Forest for generations. Yet current post-Brexit farming schemes are not well-suited to the New Forest’s unique grazing system and there has already been a worrying decline in cattle numbers due to reduced support payments and rising costs.
He said: ‘Without urgent action, we risk losing the conservation benefits commoning provides not just for the Forest, but for the nation.’
Resources
Greater support was called for to resource the National Park Authority’s work and that of its partners.
He said: ‘We are ambitious for the New Forest and determined to be an exemplar of how a world-class environment can support a thriving, sustainable economy. But to lead, we must be equipped.
‘We ask that these needs be recognised in the ongoing spending review and devolved settlements, so that we can deliver not just for the Forest, but for everyone who values it.
‘These are not small challenges. But if the past 20 years have shown us anything, it’s that collaboration and care make this place stronger.’
Partnership successes
Two current projects led by the National Park Authority were highlighted as good examples of collaboration:
- The £1.3m Species Survival Fund project which is having a tangible benefit to rarer species through creating new, and expansion of existing, habitats. Working with five partners and landowners enhancing 250 hectares of land. Meadows, ponds and creating new and restoring existing hedgerows.
- The £1.4m Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) project. Aimed at 11-25 year olds and with seven partners the project stretches from Bournemouth to Southampton and encourages community action for nature and climate as well as supporting a learning programme and green skills and jobs.
Call to action
‘I issue a call to action,’ he said. ‘To continue working together, as guardians of the Forest, with respect for its past and responsibility for its future.
‘I’d like to thank all our communities, businesses and organisations for your support, your stewardship, and your love for the New Forest.’
Photo caption (left to right): New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) CEO Alison Barnes; former NFNPA Chair and former Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre; NFNP Young Environmental Champion Gemma Hobbs; NFNPA Youth Board member Toby Pearse; NFNPA Chair David Bence, Sir Julian Lewis New Forest East MP marking the 20th anniversary of the NFNP at the New Forest Show 2025.