Understanding the New Forest is the first step towards protecting it. The more people understand its habitats, commoning traditions, wildlife, history and fragility, the more likely they are to use it with care. But education must deepen respect for the Forest, not simply encourage more activity within it.
The New Forest Association believes education has a vital role to play in protecting the Forest’s future. Residents, visitors, businesses, schools and local communities all need clear, practical information about what makes the Forest special and how to enjoy it responsibly.
But there is a fine balance to strike.
Helping people appreciate the New Forest is not the same as promoting it as a place for unlimited recreation. The Forest is already under heavy pressure from day visits, dog walking, cycling, camping, organised events and other activities. More promotion without proper understanding can increase damage to habitats, disturbance to wildlife, harassment of commoners’ animals and the loss of tranquillity.
Education should help people see the Forest as a living landscape, not simply a leisure space. Its open lawns, heathlands, mires, woods, streams, commoning traditions and cultural heritage all need care. Enjoyment and responsibility must go together.
The Association supports education and information that increases understanding of the Forest’s special qualities, landscapes and habitats. We want people to value the Forest for its own sake, not only for what it offers as a place to visit.
We support better coordination among the National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, Forestry England, and other bodies responsible for education, interpretation, and public information. Messages about the Forest should be consistent, accurate and framed around quiet recreation, responsible use and conservation.
We also believe that better evidence is needed. The impacts of many activities, from informal day visits to organised events, have not always been properly monitored or assessed. More methodical surveys and impact assessments are needed to understand how recreation and tourism affect the Forest and to guide future management.
We oppose the promotion of the New Forest in ways that are likely to increase pressure or encourage harmful activity.
The New Forest Association will continue to promote understanding through publications, events, local shows, research and collaboration with others. We will support work that helps people understand how the Forest is changing and how their behaviour can help protect it.
The Forest cannot speak for itself. By increasing understanding, we help build the environmental stewardship needed to protect it.
Join us and help more people understand, respect and protect the New Forest.
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Photographs courtesy: Clive Chatters, Gale Pettifer, Steve Laycock, Mike Read, Brian Tarnoff, Peter Roberts, John Ward.