Who does what

In the main the landowners are responsible for managing the land. So, for example, the Forestry Commission is responsible for looking after nearly half the New Forest National Park area.

In the New Forest, the Court of Verderers manages the traditional activity of commoning – the rights under which some property owners are entitled to let their ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs or sheep roam free.

Various public authorities are responsible for setting polices and providing public services in the National Park area. These include:

Planning: New Forest National Park Authority (if you’re outside the national park boundary you may need to contact New Forest District Council, Wiltshire Council or Test Valley Borough Council)
Roads: Hampshire County Council in Hampshire, Wiltshire Council in Wiltshire and the Highways Agency for ‘trunk’ roads and motorways i.e. the A31, A36 and M27
Public rights of way: Hampshire County Council in Hampshire, and Wiltshire Council in Wiltshire
Public car parking: New Forest District Council, the Forestry Commission, Hampshire County Council
Tourism, business and economic development: New Forest District Council supported by New Forest National Park Authority
Collecting litter: Mostly New Forest District Council, although landowners such as the Forestry Commission also pay for collections in some areas
Disposing of/recycling waste: Hampshire County Council in Hampshire, Wiltshire Council in Wiltshire
Managing the land: The Forestry Commission manages the Crown lands in the New Forest National Park – nearly half of the total area. Others who manage land include the National Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Hampshire County Council and private landowners/estates
Commoning and common rights: The Verderers
Animal accidents: The police, the Verderers and the Forestry Commission (see emergency hotlines card) with awareness campaigns supported by New Forest National Park Authority.