The New Forest boasts an impressive array of uncommon and special butterfly species. Being...

Five species of deer found in the wild in the UK call the New...

Heathland birds

With some of the largest areas of heath in Europe, the New Forest is...

The New Forest is very important for wading birds during their breeding season. For...

The National Park boasts 26 miles of lesser-known but very important coastline. The New...

Land management by farmers and landowners is crucial for the New Forest. Since the...

The New Forest has the most extensive area of heathland remaining in Europe (over 10,000ha)....

Around 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest National Park. This...

The New Forest is a special and nationally-important are for fungi. This is probably...

Heathland plants

Heathland is probably the most iconic scenery of the New Forest National Park, with...

Woodland flowers

Woodlands within the New Forest vary from the coniferous plantations, through recently established birch...

In terms of national scarcity, the bogs and valley mires are the most important...

Interactive timeline

Explore the Forest's past through this interactive timeline of videos and photos charting thousands...

Famous Forest folk

As well as being world-renowned for its habitats and wildlife, the New Forest is...

Historical Sites

History Hits videos on some of the New Forest's best historical sites. The New...

The New Forest is well known for its free roaming animals, wide open heathland...

Probably the most well-known fact about the New Forest is that it is home...

Community and Heritage

The New Forest commoning community is a diverse and broad community of people who...

Commoning and the Forest

Commoning makes a positive contribution to the remarkable biodiversity of the New Forest. The...

Commoning and you

In this section you can find out more about how the work of commoners...

The New Forest is one of the most intact networks of wetland habitat in...

The National Park has 75% of the valley mires in north-western Europe (90 out...

Rivers and Steams

The New Forest contains many small rivers and streams which begin in boggy heathland...

The New Forest is a hotbed of high quality food, drink and craft producers....

Land Advice Service

An independent service for the land managing community in and around the New Forest...

Ground nesting birds

The New Forest is a great place for all sorts of birds, many of...

Higher Level Stewardship

The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme is England’s largest environmental scheme and...

Rivers and streams

The New Forest contains many small rivers and streams which begin in boggy heathland...

Welcome ... to the start of an important debate about recreation in the New...

The New Forest National Park is freely accessible for you to enjoy the open...

The National Park Authority recognises the many benefits of dog walking, especially to the...

We support cycling in the National Park, whether for work or pleasure, to enjoy...

Funded projects

Since 2006 we have funded sustainability projects within the National Park to help groups...

Sustainable transport

More than 95% of visitors to the New Forest National Park arrive by car....

Heritage mapping

The New Forest has a rich and varied history of human interaction extending back...

Explore laser map

In its most basic form, 3D Lidar data allows us to create a detailed...

Archaeology in the planning process

One of the main tools we have to protect archaeology within the National Park...

Wartime heritage

Few people realise the important role that the New Forest played in both World...

Animal accidents

The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs...

Stopping petting of animals

Feeding ponies causes serious issues in the New Forest and is against byelaws. Some...

Support and advice

Through the New Forest Land Advice Service (NFLAS), we help to support commoners with...

Housing for commoners

Providing affordable housing for commoners has long been recognised as essential for the future...

Landscape partnership projects

Our Past, Our Future will deliver 21 projects across four themes of work, which...

News and updates

The Our Past, Our Future landscape partnership scheme is now two years into the...

Landowners and managers are crucial in maintaining the character of the New Forest, but...

We are always looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to join the Our Past,...

About the partnership

Our vision is to be a global exemplar of how our most precious landscapes...

Green Halo themes

'To do good you actually have to do something' (Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner,...

Our natural resources

The term 'natural capital' is used to describe the environmental assets which have a...

With greater understanding about natural capital and the benefits it provides – to health...

New Forest Land Advice Service Contractors

We support the local produce economy in and around the New Forest. One of...

Partnering with us

We are actively seeking new opportunities to work with businesses. The New Forest is...

The UK Government has signalled its desire to bring superfast broadband to rural communities...

Find your parish council

There are 37 parishes and towns wholly or partly within the National Park and...

Useful information

A map of the National Park boundary (2 MB) Consultation responses - details of...

Useful contacts

Alison Barnes Tel: 01590 646633 Chief Executive Steve Avery Tel: 01590 646659 Executive...

Your home and garden

If your home is next to the Open Forest (where the commoners’ animals graze),...

In the main the landowners are responsible for managing the land. So, for example,...

About the National Park

The New Forest became a National Park in 2005 - it's one of 15...

About the animals

The New Forest has a long and proud history of commoning: the system whereby...

Sustainable Communities Fund

Introduction The aim of the fund is to strengthen the well-being and sustainability of...

National Grid landscape enhancement grants

You can apply for up to £200,000 from National Grid to help reduce the...

Rural communities fund

This fund will help improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest...

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and help keep...

Volunteer Opportunities

Project Key activities NCS youth engagement volunteering As part of this year’s National Citizenship...

Art and photography

Stunning scenery, changing seasons and historic culture make the New Forest National Park a...

Report a problem

If you see a problem which you think should be reported, please get in...

Schools and Groups

The New Forest National Park offers outstanding learning opportunities for schools and groups, self-led...

New Forest Curriculum

Explore this section of the website to find resources that will support learning across...

Planning your visit

The New Forest National Park is the ultimate outdoor classroom offering opportunities to discover,...

From winding rivers to expansive heathland, ancient woodland to stunning coastline - the New...

Frequently asked questions

Please use the this section for answers to common questions about: Planning Types of...

Guide to types of alterations

Please note the information below is correct unless permitted development rights have been withdrawn...

Permitted development rights

You can make certain types of minor changes to your house without needing to...

Pre-application advice

Getting advice from a planning officer before making your application is very worthwhile. It...

Guidance on applying

About half the planning applications we receive are invalid when submitted. Here are some...

The application process

This section explains the planning application process - from being validated by our planning...

All planning application fees should be paid at the time the application is submitted. To...

Pre-application advice

Before applying to carry out tree work it is worth getting advice from a...

Material considerations

What are material considerations? When reviewing your comments on an application the following can...

Guide to viewing

Use these links for guidance on how to view planning applications on the website:...

Guide to commenting

Online: Go to view planning applications and complete at least one of the search criteria. This will...

Submit tree work application

To carry out work on trees protected by a tree preservation order (TPO) or...

View tree work applications

It appears that your browser does support iFrames, which are required to display the...

Tree preservation orders

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were introduced in the late 1940s to enable Local Planning...

If you wish to remove a hedgerow in the New Forest then it is...

What is a breach of planning control?

Lack of planning permission for building works or changes in the use of land...

Frequently asked questions

How enforcement works

After you contact us we will investigate whether a breach of planning control has...

Report a breach

Suspected breaches of planning control should be reported in our web form. It is...

Conservation areas

There are 20 conservation areas in the New Forest National Park, of which three...

Conservation information

We advise on all aspects of the historic built environment. As well as control...

Design guidance

Policies referring to building design are contained in the adopted Core Strategy and Development...

Building design awards

From traditional thatched cottages to historic houses and more contemporary designs, the New Forest...

The planning system is a vital tool in helping to deliver the two National...

The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document is a key part...

Development standards

The Development Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by the Authority on 27...

Policies in detail

National Planning Policy In March 2012, the Government published its National Planning Policy Framework...

Calendar of upcoming events in the New Forest National Park.

Use this form to submit an event held within the New Forest National Park...

Browse the New Forest's best walking routes in our walking route finder. Walking is a...

Accessible walks

We've created a number of routes around the New Forest for people with disabilities...

Dog walking is very popular in the New Forest National Park. It’s a great...

Walking Festival

The 2018 New Forest Walking Festival will run from 13 to 28 October. The...

For some of the best cycling routes in the New Forest try our cycle...

If you’re looking for cycle hire in the New Forest you really are spoilt...

The New Forest is a beautiful place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike....

PEDALL – New Forest Inclusive Cycling

PEDALL provides inclusive cycling sessions for people who need support so that they can enjoy...

Lyndhurst to Lepe

Explore the colourful military history of the New Forest. This full day plan is...

Seaside fun and ice cream

Pack your bucket and spade and let’s head to the coast. This full day...

Uncover Lyndhurst on foot

Discover Lyndhurst’s rich heritage, amazing natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere as you stroll through...

Walk on the wild side

Take the family on a wildlife adventure in the heart of the New Forest...

Best places to spot wildlife

The New Forest is a wildlife-rich landscape covering over 200 square miles. Wherever you...

Date with nature

A Date With Nature in the New Forest will open again in Easter 2018....

Horses and ponies are central to the cultural heritage of the New Forest. There...

New Forest Tour

Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park from the open top New Forest Tour....

Swap screen time for wild time in the great outdoors. Wild play in the...

Houses and gardens

Houses and Gardens Visit the countryside museum and Elizabethan manor at Breamore House near Fordingbridge Hop...

Museums and art galleries

Museums and galleries Spend an action-packed day at Beaulieu featuring the National Motor Museum, Palace House...

Where to get information

It can sometimes be tricky knowing where to find the right information. But don’t...

This section contains information on visitor facilities in the New Forest National Park.

Accessible visits

There are loads of different ways to explore and get active in the Forest...

Accessible travel

The New Forest is easily accessible by a number of transport options and is...

Campsites and holiday parks

There are a wide range of campsites within the New Forest, including 10 managed...

Self-catering cottages

From holiday cottages ideal for walking and cycling, to houses located close to a...

Hotel stays are very popular with visitors to the New Forest National Park. Many...

Bed and breakfasts

From family homes to lovely old farmhouses or cosy thatched cottages, there is a...

Let the train take the strain and enjoy unforgettable views as you travel to...

The New Forest National Park is well-served by a public bus network. There are...

Travel advice from concierge

You don’t need a car to see the beauty of the National Park and...

The New Forest is a beautiful place, full of great views and intriguing sights....

Restaurants and tea rooms

These New Forest Marque member restaurants and tea rooms support local producers by serving...

Nestled among the ancient woodlands and smallholdings of the New Forest in the south...

Hotels and inns

These New Forest Marque member hotels and inns support local producers by serving high...

Bed and breakfasts

These New Forest Marque member Bed and Breakfasts support local producers by serving high...

Avoid disturbing rare birds

Please help ground nesting birds If you’re out and about in the New Forest...

Don’t feed or touch the animals

The New Forest is well-known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in...

The New Forest's unspoilt natural beauty is one of the things that people value...

How to be Forest friendly

The New Forest is a great place for walking, dog walking, cycling and horse...

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Planning policy

Planning policy is a key statutory function and plays a central role in the achievement of the two National Park...

Planning policy

The Government has made National Park Authorities the sole planning authorities for their areas, including plan-making, enforcement, development control and minerals and waste planning responsibilities. As well as preparing the statutory ‘development plan’ for the whole of the National Park, the Authority has responsibility for preparing supplementary planning documents, annual monitoring and, under the Localism Act 2011, working with local communities on Neighbourhood Plans.

Accessible walksWe've created a number of routes around the...

Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst

Tantalise your taste buds and sample the culinary...

Burley to Ringwood

Spend the day in the wild northern heaths...

Development Impacts on Protected Areas

Recreational Impacts from new development on internationally designated...

Supplementary planning documents

National planning policy confirms that authorities may prepare...

More on planning policy

Planning policy is a key statutory function and plays a central role in the achievement of the two National Park purposes and the related socio-economic duty.

Brownfield sites registerWhat is a brownfield site / previously developed land? The...

Community involvementAll local planning authorities are required to prepare a Statement...

Design guideThe New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document...

Development Impacts on Protected AreasRecreational Impacts from new development on internationally designated nature conservation...

Development standardsThe Development Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by...

Local planThe planning system is a vital tool in helping to...

Minerals and wasteThe New Forest National Park Authority is the minerals and...

MonitoringThe Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires local planning...

Neighbourhood planningA Neighbourhood Plan is a new type of plan introduced...

Policies in detailNational Planning Policy In March 2012, the Government published its...

Self and custom build registerAll relevant authorities are required by the Self-build and Custom...

Supplementary planning documentsNational planning policy confirms that authorities may prepare Supplementary Planning...

Keep up to date on the latest from the National Park

75th Anniversary of VE Day in the New Forest

This Friday we’ll be stringing up our Union Jack bunting and celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day from our...

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