Forest authority at 'crossroads' as it marks 20 years

Free-roaming ponies help shape the forest's landscapes

An organisation caring for the New Forest is "at a crossroads", its chairman has said.

David Bence said the New Forest National Park Authority, which was set up 20 years ago, faced "serious challenges" over the next two decades.

He said post-Brexit farming schemes were not suited to the commoning system of grazing and there had been a decline in cattle numbers due to reduced support payments and rising costs.

Mr Bence said: "Without urgent action, we risk losing the conservation benefits commoning provides - not just for the forest, but for the nation."

The New Forest remains one of the few lowland areas where commoners release animals on to the open forest.

The free-roaming ponies, cattle and pigs help shape the forest's landscapes, which are home to rare flora and fauna.

Setting out its priorities for the next 20 years, the authority said housing and development pressures were testing the balance between conservation and community need.

The New Forest Park Authority is marking its 20th anniversary

Under government plans, Hampshire's councils will also become a single devolved authority, and Mr Bence called for the forest's unique needs to be recognised when budgets and financial settlements are drawn up.

He said: "Twenty years ago we were entrusted with a responsibility - to protect, preserve, and enhance this special place for generations to come.

"Now we stand at a crossroads - with devolution, local government reorganisation, climate transition, and agricultural reform all converging at once.

"These bring serious challenges, but also rare opportunities - to reinforce protections for the forest, formally recognise its unique culture, support a vibrant green economy, and shape a resilient future for both nature and people.

"At the heart of this future must be the protection of the forest's integrity... its landscapes, ecosystems, communities and traditions.

"This must be the guiding test for any new proposals that arise from policy change."