New Forest Association

The New Forest is a unique survivor of medieval Europe. It is internationally important to nature conservation and biological science.

As Friends of the New Forest we recognise the many factors that have shaped the Forest we know today and in particular the importance of the commoning system in maintaining its landscape.

We are dedicated to protecting and restoring the unique character of the New Forest. Our members promoted the 1877 New Forest Act to secure its future and now we are the voice for the New Forest National Park – its friend and watchdog.

For 150 years our guiding purpose has been to protect, conserve and enhance the flora, fauna and heritage of the New Forest.

Today there are still many issues to be addressed: controlling development, more affordable housing, commoners’ housing for rent, removing overhead cables, road clutter, tranquility, aircraft noise, the future of ancient woodland, timber Inclosures, heaths and wetland are just a few of our campaigns.

We are the only membership-based association in the New Forest that gives its members an effective voice on a wide range of New Forest issues. Today we are the National Park Society for the New Forest and a full member of the Campaign for National Parks.