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CoastlineCoastline

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

FarmlandFarmland

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

HeathlandHeathland

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

Ancient treesAncient trees

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

FungiFungi

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

Heathland plantsHeathland plants

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

Woodland flowersWoodland flowers

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

Bog flowersBog flowers

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

Interactive timelineInteractive timeline

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

Famous Forest folkFamous Forest folk

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

Historical SitesHistorical Sites

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

Built HeritageBuilt Heritage

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

The animalsThe animals

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

Community and HeritageCommunity and Heritage

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

Commoning and the ForestCommoning and the Forest

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

Commoning and youCommoning and you

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

WetlandWetland

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

MiresMires

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

Rivers and SteamsRivers and Steams

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

Local ProduceLocal Produce

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

Future ForestFuture Forest

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

AccessAccess

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

Dog walkingDog walking

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

Cycle eventsCycle events

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

Funded projectsFunded projects

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

Sustainable transportSustainable transport

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

Heritage mappingHeritage mapping

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

Explore laser mapExplore laser map

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

Archaeology in the planning processArchaeology in the planning process

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

Wartime heritageWartime heritage

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

Animal accidentsAnimal accidents

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

Stopping petting of animalsStopping petting of animals

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

Support and adviceSupport and advice

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

Housing for commonersHousing for commoners

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

Landscape partnership projectsLandscape partnership projects

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

News and updatesNews and updates

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

TrainingTraining

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

VolunteeringVolunteering

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

About the partnershipAbout the partnership

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

Green Halo themesGreen Halo themes

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

Our natural resourcesOur natural resources

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

Join usJoin us

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

Find your parish councilFind your parish council

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

Useful informationUseful information

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

Useful contactsUseful contacts

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

Your home and gardenYour home and garden

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

Who does whatWho does what

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

About the National ParkAbout the National Park

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

About the animalsAbout the animals

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

Sustainable Communities FundSustainable Communities Fund

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

National Grid landscape enhancement grantsNational Grid landscape enhancement grants

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

Rural communities fundRural communities fund

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

VolunteeringVolunteering

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

Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer Opportunities

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

Art and photographyArt and photography

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

Report a problemReport a problem

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

Schools and GroupsSchools and Groups

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

New Forest CurriculumNew Forest Curriculum

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

Planning your visitPlanning your visit

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

Youth schemesYouth schemes

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

Guidance on applyingGuidance on applying

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

The application processThe application process

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

FeesFees

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

Pre-application advicePre-application advice

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

Material considerationsMaterial considerations

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

Guide to viewingGuide to viewing

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

Guide to commentingGuide to commenting

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

Submit tree work applicationSubmit tree work application

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

View tree work applicationsView tree work applications

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Tree preservation ordersTree preservation orders

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

HedgerowsHedgerows

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

What is a breach of planning control?What is a breach of planning control?

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

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

How enforcement worksHow enforcement works

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

Report a breachReport a breach

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

Conservation areasConservation areas

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

Conservation informationConservation information

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

Design guidanceDesign guidance

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

Building design awardsBuilding design awards

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

Local planLocal plan

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

Design guideDesign guide

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

Development standardsDevelopment standards

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

Policies in detailPolicies in detail

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

Walking routesWalking routes

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

Accessible walksAccessible walks

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

Dog walkingDog walking

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

Walking FestivalWalking Festival

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

Cycling routesCycling routes

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

Cycle hireCycle hire

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

Cycling codeCycling code

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

PEDALL – New Forest Inclusive CyclingPEDALL – New Forest Inclusive Cycling

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

Lyndhurst to LepeLyndhurst to Lepe

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

Seaside fun and ice creamSeaside fun and ice cream

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

Uncover Lyndhurst on footUncover Lyndhurst on foot

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

Walk on the wild sideWalk on the wild side

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

Best places to spot wildlifeBest places to spot wildlife

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

Date with natureDate with nature

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

Horse ridingHorse riding

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

New Forest TourNew Forest Tour

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

Wild playWild play

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

Houses and gardensHouses and gardens

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

Museums and art galleriesMuseums and art galleries

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

Campsites and holiday parksCampsites and holiday parks

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

Self-catering cottagesSelf-catering cottages

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

HotelsHotels

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

Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts

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

TrainTrain

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

Public BusesPublic Buses

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

Travel advice from conciergeTravel advice from concierge

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

DrivingDriving

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

Restaurants and tea roomsRestaurants and tea rooms

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

Where to buyWhere to buy

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

Hotels and innsHotels and inns

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

Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts

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

Avoid disturbing rare birdsAvoid disturbing rare birds

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

Don’t feed or touch the animalsDon’t feed or touch the animals

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

LitteringLittering

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

How to be Forest friendlyHow 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

Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst

Tantalise your taste buds and sample the culinary...

Burley to Ringwood

Burley to Ringwood

Spend the day in the wild northern heaths...

Brownfield sites register

Brownfield sites register

What is a brownfield site / previously developed...

Self and custom build register

Self and custom build register

All relevant authorities are required by the Self-build...

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

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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