Our Committees

Planning and Transport Committee

Bernie Austin (Chair)

The Committee includes established professional planners and experienced New Forest campaigners. It meets monthly. Much of its work is done by informal lobbying and advising. The Association is represented at most meetings of the National Park Authority’s Planning Development Control Committee and we often speak on specific applications.

Terms of Reference:

• Consider all aspects of the built environment within and affecting the New Forest National Park with reference to the Association’s agreed Agenda and Vision.
• Consider and respond to all relevant documents and proposals that may affect the quality, character and tranquillity of the built environment and landscapes of the National Park.
• Ensure that adequate liaison is maintained with partner organisations, including regular meetings with the New Forest National Park local planning authority and other appropriate organisations.
• Monitor planning applications and proposed local and national planning policies and make representations on behalf of the Association.

Habitat and Landscape Committee

Brian Tarnoff (Chair)

The Committee includes established botanists, ecologists and nature conservation advisors and experienced New Forest campaigners. It meets regularly. Much of its work is done by informal lobbying and advising, but Committee representatives also hold regular liaison meetings with the Forestry Commission. The Association is represented at meetings of the New Forest Consultative Panel and attends the Verderers’ Court.

Terms of Reference:

• Consider all aspects of the natural environment, habitats and land management within and affecting the New Forest National Park with reference to the Association’s agreed Agenda and Vision.
• Consider and respond to all relevant documents and proposals, including for recreation management, that may affect the beauty, diversity, quality, character and tranquillity of the landscapes and habitats of the National Park.
• Ensure that adequate liaison is maintained with partner organisations, including regular scheduled meetings with the Forestry Commission and other appropriate organisations.
• Consider research, surveys or other studies concerning New Forest habitats and landscapes and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees on those that it might be beneficial for the Association to support or to initiate .

Membership and Marketing Committee

Pete Ryde (Chair)

Terms of Reference:

• Promote the NFA locally and nationally to increase awareness of the organisation, its Agenda, Vision, Campaigns and activities.
• Create and maintain the brand identity and branded communications for the NFA, including (but not limited to) website, newsletter, stationery, social media, advertising, leaflets, brochures and press releases.
• Work closely with other NFA Committees to ensure that brand identity and branded communications are maintained.
• Ensure partner organisations represent the NFA brand adequately and appropriately.
• Prepare and have approved an Annual Marketing Plan and Budget for Communications / Membership / Events activities.
• Co-ordinate all communications channels (web site, newsletters, magazine, social media platforms, public relations activity, paid or sponsored media advertising) to deliver a consistent message to achieve the Marketing Objectives in the Annual Plan.
• Work with parties, both internal and external, to ensure a ready source of relevant material for inclusion in marketing communications.
• Increase NFA Membership (both in terms of numbers of members and breadth of membership – ethnicity, age, and social diversity).
• Conduct regular research of members and non-members into their wants and needs from NFA.
• Keep abreast of other National Park societies and societies in the New Forest and compare offerings, prices and activities against the NFA offering.
• Prepare an Annual Plan to support and increase membership levels and ensure revenue maximisation is balanced with value for money and maintaining the NFA’s basic principles.
• Co-ordinate and ensure delivery of an annual programme of NFA events and activities designed to educate and inform members of the public and to generate additional revenue for the association.
• Increase participation in NFA events and activities using a range of promotional techniques and communication tools, including (but not limited to) website, newsletters, leaflets, and social media.

Recreation Committee

Sarah Nield (Chair)

Terms of Reference:

• Promote responsible recreation which pays due regard to the environmental and special qualities of the New Forest including its biodiversity, tranquillity and commoning.
• Consider all aspects of recreation and its management within and affecting the New Forest National Parks and, where appropriate, the recreational mitigation Zone of Influence Committee of the New Forest National Park.
• Ensure that adequate liaison is maintained with partner organisations as well as recreation-based bodies including regular meetings with Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority.
• Consider research, surveys and other studies concerning recreation and its impact within the New Forest National Park and Zone of Influence and make recommendations to Council and the Trustees.
• Make recommendations to the Trustees to commission research, expert advice or other expenditure to advance the Charity’s purpose.