Forestry England (FE) is introducing car parking charges to its 129 car parks in the New Forest National Park this April (2026).
The National Park Authority does not own or operate any car parks in the New Forest.
The National Park Authority has no remit in approving or refusing the FE scheme as any changes are classed as permitted development and don’t require planning permission. It is also not in line to receive any of the income generated by the car parking scheme.
Find out the latest information on the FE car park charging scheme on the Forestry England website.
While we understand the need for Forestry England to raise income, we have asked for:
- All income raised in the Forest to be reinvested in the Forest
- Robust measures to counteract displacement parking
- A local concession scheme
- Minimal infrastructure that would impact the character of the Forest.
We have held numerous discussions with Forestry England in meetings with parishes; received a large amount of correspondence, public enquiries and comments in a residents survey; social media comments, media enquiries and met with the New Forest Association and other stakeholders and will continue to press these points above.
Forestry England can be contacted at southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk.
Find out more about car parks owned by other organisations.