a teacher talking to a group of children outdoors

What we do

Scroll

The primary public body responsible for the National Park

The National Park Authority’s work has a wide remit including planning and development, conservation, archaeology, education and helping people enjoy the outdoors. The Authority is the primary public body responsible for the National Park and has statutory functions to be fulfilled.

A lone tree in purple heather at sunrise

National park purposes

The New Forest National Park Authority has these statutory purposes and socio-economic responsibilities as specified in the Environment Act of 1995:

To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area

To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.

Working in partnership with other organisations it is also the Authority’s duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the local communities within the National Park.

National Park purposes National Park purposes

Our guiding principles and plans

National Park Partnership Plan

The Partnership Plan guides and coordinates the work of all those with an interest and influence in the National Park in delivering the National Park purposes and duty. It is a Plan for the National Park, not the National Park Authority.

Partnership Plan Partnership Plan

Business Plan

The Business Plan shows how the Authority will deliver its part of the National Park Partnership Plan.

Business plan Business plan

Why the New Forest is special

The special qualities of the New Forest are those qualities that define it, make it unique and immediately recognisable and, when taken together, distinguish it from all other parts of the country.

Why the Forest is special Why the Forest is special

State of the Park report

The State of the Park Report contains a wealth of information about the National Park and helps us to measure changes in the condition of the Forest over time.

State of the Park report State of the Park report

1 - 4

Challenges and progress

fly tipped waste on a gravel car park in the countryside

Major challenges

The New Forest is under major pressure including from the climate and nature emergencies, development, increasing visitor numbers, a lack of affordable housing and an uncertain future for commoning which sustains the landscape.

Major challenges Major challenges

Partnerships

Communities, businesses and organisations work together as a team to protect and enhance the National Park, sharing knowledge, ideas and resources to deliver the best for the Forest.

Partnerships Partnerships

two people looking at public exhibition boards

Consultations

We are keen to involve people in our work and plans. for the New Forest. Through consultation there is the opportunity for everyone who has an interest in the National Park to help plan its future.

Consultations Consultations

Our progress

Find out how we're working together to deliver the Partnership Plan to help protect and enhance the New Forest and increase people's understanding and enjoyment of the National Park.

Our progress Our progress

Publications

We publish a range of publications to help residents and visitors learn more about the New Forest, our work and how we can all help care for this special place.

Publications Publications

a person wearing protective gloves holding a branch

Get involved

We can all play a part in caring for the Forest and helping people get outside and learn about and enjoy the National Park. Get involved today!

Get involved Get involved

Search