Research & Information

The New Forest is a complex living landscape. Its open Forest, woodlands, heathlands, mires, streams, coast, villages and commoning system are all connected. Changes in one area can have consequences elsewhere.

That is why evidence matters.

The New Forest Association believes research and information have a vital role in protecting the Forest’s future. They help identify threats, test assumptions, inform policy, guide land management and improve public understanding. Without reliable information, decisions can be made too late, too narrowly or without proper understanding of their long-term effects.

The Forest faces growing pressures from climate change, recreation, development, traffic, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, pollution and changes in land use. Some impacts are visible, such as erosion, verge damage, stream degradation or loss of tranquillity. Others are harder to see, including changes in species distribution, soil condition, water flows, habitat quality or the viability of commoning.

Research helps make those pressures visible.

We support surveys, monitoring and scientific investigations that improve understanding of the Forest’s habitats, wildlife, landscape, heritage and communities. We also support impact assessments that examine how recreation, development, traffic and other activities affect the Forest over time.

Information must also be accessible. The Forest should not only be understood by specialists. Residents, visitors, schools, businesses, policymakers and public bodies all need clear, practical information that helps them appreciate the Forest and use it responsibly.

The Association uses research and evidence to inform its own work, from responding to planning applications and policy consultations to supporting conservation, commoning, landscape protection and sustainable recreation. We also collaborate with others where research can improve decision-making or strengthen the case for action.

We believe public bodies responsible for the Forest should collect, share and use evidence openly and consistently. Where there are gaps in knowledge, they should be acknowledged and addressed.

The New Forest cannot be protected by guesswork. It needs careful observation, long-term thinking and decisions rooted in evidence.

The Forest cannot speak for itself. By supporting research and sharing information, we help give it a stronger, better-informed voice.

Join us and help improve understanding of the New Forest and the action needed to protect it.