The New Forest National Park
A world capital for wildlife
Ancient woodlands, wild open heathlands and stretches of beautiful coastline.
The New Forest National Park’s landscape is unique and includes the largest area of lowland heath in southern England, a rare habitat that once covered this part of the country. The New Forest is not a natural landscape though, it has been shaped over hundreds of years by people, by history and by the animals that still graze it today.
Visiting
Care for the Forest , Activity
Help care for the unique landscape and diverse wildlife of the New Forest.
Discover wildlife , Activity
Wherever you go in the New Forest you are likely to see many different types of plants, trees, insects and birds.
Walk traffic-free trails , Activity
Miles of off-road walks and cycle tracks take you into woods, by sea, over heath or along rivers and streams.
Special qualities
Outstanding natural beauty: the sights, sounds and smells of ancient woodland with veteran trees, heathland, bog and an unspoilt coastline.
An extraordinary diversity of plants and animals of international importance.
A unique historic, cultural and archaeological heritage from royal hunting ground to ship-building, salt-making and 500 years of military coastal defence.
An historic commoning system, forming the heart of a working landscape based on farming and forestry.
The iconic New Forest pony together with donkeys, pigs and cattle roaming free.
Tranquillity in the midst of the busy, built-up south of England.
Wonderful opportunities for quiet recreation, learning and discovery in one of the last extensive, gentle landscapes in the south including unmatched open access on foot and horseback.
A healthy environment: fresh air, clean water, local produce and a sense of ‘wildness’.
Strong and distinctive local communities with real pride in and sense of identity with their local area.
Did you know...
Architects of the Forest
One of the first things you notice in the New Forest are the free-roaming animals.
It’s rare to travel more than a few miles without coming across these famous Forest residents grazing on gorse, wandering through villages or even crossing roads.
The ponies, cattle, donkeys and pigs are known as ‘the architects of the Forest’ because it is their grazing that creates the accessible landscape we all enjoy.
They are owned by local people called commoners, who take great pride in their animals and there is a strong commoning culture within the Forest.
The animals have an ever-changing pattern of grazing which could not be replicated by a single herd and commoning makes a positive contribution to the remarkable biodiversity of the New Forest.
Getting around
The New Forest is a welcoming landscape with lots of villages, good visitor facilities and excellent rail and road links. It is well-served by a public bus network and there are three open top New Forest Tour routes running throughout the summer.
Arrive by train
Let the train take the strain and enjoy unforgettable views as you travel to the National Park. Brockenhurst station is in the heart of the New Forest and there are six further rail stations in and around the National Park.
Cycling
Cycling the New Forest’s network of permitted routes is an ideal way to discover the beauty of the National Park. It’s easy to hop off a train and head straight out for a cycle ride, so leave the car at home and experience the landscape up close.
National Parks mean something different to all of us, but for many, they`re part of the answer to some of our biggest challenges or top priorities at the moment.
If you want to tell us about how National Parks impact your lifestyle, tell us in the comments or click the link in our bio to complete our anonymous survey. 💚
#NationalParksUK
In North York Moors National Park a project that champions both the community and insects is thriving. GrubsUp! has already planted native hedgerows, restored grasslands, created ponds and improved roadside verges so insects can move more easily between isolated pockets of habitat.
Working with farmers, landowners and local volunteers, the project shows the possibilities for nature when a local community comes together.
Read more and discover more nature recovery stories on our website 🔗🌿 #NatureRecovery #NationalParks
Our research shows we care about our natural environment and are looking for ways to protect it. National Parks are places where nature recovery takes place within local communities, every day.
Programmes range from reintroducing endangered species through to conservation work to to protect and restore land.
Discover how National Parks are recovering nature by clicking the link in our bio🔗 💚
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
National Parks could hold the answer to nature recovery 🌿
Every day, our National Parks are actively restoring damaged habitats, reintroducing lost species, and linking green spaces across local and landscape scales.
With work spanning the breadth of the nations, we`re an integral part of the solution to the challenges we face surrounding degraded natural environments across Great Britain.
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
For people living with dementia, time outdoors can offer routine, companionship and a welcome connection to the world around them.
Developed in partnership with @Alzscot and located at @badaguish_, the centre is leading the way in supporting patients to experience the benefits of nature.
Read more about the programme and discover more health and wellbeing stories on our website💚
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
We know that nature helps us feel better, and even a little time outdoors can make a big difference.
From specialist programmes and guided walks to simply catching up with friends over a coffee, our National Parks offer many ways to unwind, connect and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
Click the link in our bio to discover how National Parks are supporting our wellbeing 🔗💚
#Wellbeing #NationalParks
💚Better health and wellbeing? National Parks could hold the answer.
Every day, our 15 National Parks across the UK help people unwind, connect with others and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
Our new research has revealed what we`re currently concerned about the most.
We want better wellbeing. To feel part of a local community. To help nature recover, and feel prepared for what`s coming next in our changing climate.
Our new report reveals what our priorities are and how the 15 National Parks are putting solutions into action.
Read the report on our website by clicking the link in our bio 🔗
#NationalParksUK #Research
