Partnerships
A Team New Forest for the National Park and beyond
The National Park Authority works closely with organisations, businesses, landowners and communities to secure a sustainable future for the National Park.
Engaging and consulting with organisations and communities across the New Forest and beyond is vital to the work of the Authority. The UK’s 15 National Parks also work together to collaborate on projects and influence Government policy decisions, as well as collaborations with national commercial partners through National Parks Partnerships to help fund our collective work.
Working within our boundaries
Here are some of the forums and groups we convene or are key members of.
Beyond our boundaries
Behind the Scenes
As part of the 75th anniversary of National Parks, the New Forest National Park Authority and partners launched a campaign taking people behind the scenes and revealing some of the secrets of the New Forest.
The New Forest is one of the best places for wildlife in Europe and it’s a living, working landscape with a wide range of people helping to take care of it.
‘Behind the Scenes’ took a deep dive into the mysteries of the rare habitats and wildlife that live in the New Forest and the experts and volunteers working in the background to ensure it survives for future generations.
Each person was photographed by internationally-renowned portrait photographer Steve Poole, some of which were part of his ‘Uncommoners’ book.
Browse the gallery below to see from them first hand why the Forest is special to them and the extraordinary lengths they go to when looking after it.
‘Behind the Scenes’ kicked off at the New Forest Show 2024 with a ‘Team New Forest’ reception for people working for nature in the National Park, as well as an exhibition of Steve Poole’s photos and the words of those behind the scenes in the Forest.
The campaign was commissioned by the leaders of the New Forest National Park Partnership Plan organisations – Hampshire County Council, Wiltshire Council, Forestry England, New Forest District Council, Test Valley Borough Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Verderers of the New Forest.
Voices of the New Forest
Charlotte Belcher - Forestry England Ranger
‘The New Forest is such a special place because of the rich mix of habitats that we have here, from the ancient woodlands to the beautiful heathland that’s home to many rare species of wildlife.
‘It’s got so much history and heritage behind it as well. And culturally, it has such a significance to many people who live and work in the area.
‘The role of the rangers is really at the forefront of trying to achieve that harmony between people and nature, helping people to connect with the outdoors and enjoy it in a responsible way.
‘If people don’t experience and appreciate the wildlife that’s here, then they’re never going to want to protect it.
‘If everybody really wants to help protect this special place, then the most simple thing they could do is to follow the New Forest code.’
