New Forest National Park climate change risk assessment report

Assesses how climate change will affect the New Forest National Park and identifies ways to adapt. Local projections indicate hotter, drier summers, milder, wetter winters, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather, increasing drought, flood, and wildfire risks. A mapped habitat assessment finds 37% of the Park at high or very high risk. Freshwater, coastal and estuarine habitats, and old growth pasture woodlands are at very high risk; peat bogs, valley mires and heathland are high risk. Key responses include restoring natural hydrology, reducing pollution, increasing shade and habitat connectivity, planning for sea-level rise, and managing heathlands to reduce wildfire risk. The report also reviews impacts on species, pests and diseases, natural capital, heritage, landscape, and commoning. It sets out 13 opportunities across governance, research and monitoring, public engagement, land management support, finance for nature, reducing non-climate pressures, and habitat restoration and creation.