Volunteers in the New Forest are a beating heart in the National Park and a vital part of Team New Forest helping care for the Forest’s special landscapes, wildlife, and communities.
More than 200 NPA volunteers contributed a combined nearly 850 volunteer days throughout 2025, totaling 3,500 hours.
Their support helped the NPA work alongside partners including Hampshire County Council, RSPB, the Countryside Education Trust, Freshwater Habitats Trust, the New Forest Youth Board, and many more.
From working closely with Flourish in Nature CIC volunteers offering opportunities for adults with additional needs to supporting archaeologists excavating a slipway at Buckler’s Hard, 2025 saw work to protect internationally important landscapes, support for people and communities, and improvements for green skills and personal physical and mental wellbeing.
New Forest NPA Volunteer and Accessibility Co-ordinator James Masser said:
‘Looking after the National Park is a real team effort and we couldn’t do it without all the fantastic volunteers helping so many different organisations.
‘Volunteering can open so many doors in so many ways, such as for people starting out on a green career journey or for those looking for a new challenge at other points in life.
‘It’s a wonderful way to make a difference, build confidence, and feel truly connected to the landscapes and people of the New Forest. The National Park offers something for all ages and abilities.’
2025 NPA volunteer highlights include:
- Uncovering more than a dozen railway culverts during ongoing works to support wildlife and accessibility on a two mile stretch of the former Breamore Railway Line in preparation for surfacing and footpath works
- Joining Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust and the University of Southampton to support archaeologists excavating a historic slipway where ships for Lord Nelson’s fleet were built and launched
- Supporting clearance and conservation work at NHS sites in partnership with Green Health Hub Fellows
- Recovering nearly a hectare of lost heathland habitat at Copythorne Common in partnership with site owners RSPB
- Planting hundreds of native trees – including disease resistant elms – and removed invasive rhododendron
- Supporting rangers and NPA staff at events such as the New Forest Walking Festival
Find out more about volunteering in the New Forest or visit the New Forest Volunteer Fair on 25 January 2026.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. New Routes to Nature is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we have been able to support volunteering in the New Forest.
