The Rt. Hon. Sir Julian Lewis MP visited the New Forest National Park to learn about key projects supporting heritage conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable farming.
The MP for New Forest East met New Forest National Park Authority’s Chief Executive Alison Barnes, Access and Learning Manager Jim Mitchell, and Volunteer and Accessibility Co-ordinator James Masser at Buckler’s Hard, site of a recent archaeological dig.
He also met Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Montagu Scott of the Beaulieu Estate who has been leading efforts to survey and excavate the historic shipyard’s main slipway, where large wooden warships were built for Nelson’s navy.
Sir Julian was shown finds recently unearthed at this significant site and learnt how the NPA supported the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust excavation with archaeological input and volunteer coordination, including partnering with local charity Flourish in Nature to support people with additional needs to take part.
Later, Sir Julian visited the Countryside Education Trust (CET) in Beaulieu, meeting the NPA’s Head of Environment and Rural Economy Paul Walton, CET’s Chief Executive Jane Cooper, Resident Agent Rachel Pearson, Trustee Stuart Newey and Senior Ranger Lewis Morgan.
The MP heard how the NPA’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grants have provided funding to farmers and landowners to promote sustainable land management and habitat restoration.
Situated on the wider Beaulieu Estate, which is committed to reducing carbon emissions and minimising waste, CET’s Home Farm has used FiPL funding to adopt nature-friendly farming practices that benefit soil health, water quality and wildlife. These projects also include educational initiatives which connect local communities, especially young people, with the New Forest’s unique landscape and ecology.
Gemma Stride from the Freshwater Habitats Trust spoke about the importance of investing in projects that enhance water quality, highlighting that the New Forest is home to some of the country’s most pristine freshwater habitats.
Sir Julian Lewis said: ‘This was a fine opportunity to learn in detail about the historic excavation work at Buckler’s Hard and its discoveries. There followed a comprehensive session at the Countryside Education Trust on major projects involving the NPA, other specialist bodies and the Beaulieu Estate. Pioneering work on new remedies to cleanse freshwater supplies from sewage contamination and an explanation of need to educate Government about commoners and commoning were of particular significance. I greatly appreciated the thought and thoroughness which went into organising the visit.’
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