History of the New Forest Association

Protecting the Forest since 1867

The New Forest Association was founded in 1867 to protect the New Forest at a time when its future was under serious threat.

In the 19th century, there was growing pressure to enclose parts of the Forest for timber production and other uses. This threatened not only the open landscape, but also the ancient commoning rights and traditional practices that had helped shape the Forest for generations.

The Association was formed by people who understood that the New Forest was too important to be broken up, diminished, or treated simply as a resource. They believed it needed an independent voice. That belief still guides us today.

From the beginning, the Association worked to defend the Forest’s special character: its open spaces, commoning traditions, wildlife, habitats, cultural heritage and public value. Its early campaigning helped build the case for stronger protection and contributed to the wider movement that led to the New Forest Act of 1877.

That Act remains one of the most important moments in the Forest’s modern history. It helped protect commoners’ rights, limited further enclosure and re-established the Verderers’ Court in a form that continues to play a vital role in the Forest today.

Since then, the New Forest Association has continued to speak up for the Forest through changing times. The pressures have changed, but the purpose has remained constant.

Where earlier generations faced enclosure and the loss of common land, today the Forest faces development pressure, traffic, climate change, recreational impacts, habitat loss, and the challenge of ensuring that commoning remains viable for the future.

The Association’s role is not to preserve the Forest in aspic. The New Forest has always been a living landscape, shaped by people, animals, nature and careful stewardship. Our task is to help ensure that change does not come at the cost of the Forest’s character, ecology or long-term health.

As one of the oldest conservation organisations in the country, the New Forest Association carries a proud legacy. But our history matters most because of what it asks of us now.

In 2027, as we mark our 160th anniversary, we have an opportunity to look back with pride and forward with purpose. The Forest still needs an independent voice. It still needs people willing to challenge poor decisions, support responsible stewardship and inspire others to care for it.

For generations, members of the Association have stood up for the New Forest. Today, that responsibility passes to all of us.

The Forest cannot speak for itself. Since 1867, the New Forest Association has helped give it a voice.

Join us and help protect the New Forest for the generations still to come.