The New Forest: the future in our hands

"But not in individual trees lies the beauty of the Forest, but in the masses of wood. There, in the long aisles, settles that depth of shade which no pencil can give, and that colouring which no canvas can retain, as the sunlight pierces through the green web of leaves, flinging, as it sets, a crown of gold around each tree-trunk."  John Wise (1895)]

The New Forest is a very special place. We are determined to keep it that way. The New Forest Trust was started in 2003 with one simple aim – to secure the future of the New Forest for those who live in it and for those who love it, now and in the future. Our intention is to galvanise financial support locally and from the millions of people who visit the area every year. This support has already funded vital projects by many established organisations already working towards this shared goal. The Livestock Society, The Verderers of the New Forest, The Hampshire Field Club, The Countryside Education Trust, The Commoners Defence Association, The Hampshire Bat Group, The British Deer Society, The New Forest Museum and more have benefited from help from the Trust so far, but to do more we need your help.

Without you, a community, lifestyle and unique landscape are in danger of disappearing forever…the New Forest is a very special place. We are determined to keep it that way. Please help us.

What is the problem?

There is a lack of resources to protect the Forest

It is estimated that people make around 20 million visits to the New Forest each year. This puts great pressure on the area and if positive steps are not taken the New Forest will be changed so that it is no longer the attractive place people like to visit. It is something of an accident that it remains attractive today. Commoners and Foresters who lived and worked in it, looked after the Forest for centuries. In doing so they delivered the conservation, landscape and recreation facilities now enjoyed by everyone.

Unfortunately, rural incomes have declined especially when so many modern regulations add costs. So there is a great danger that the complex mixture of inputs that have created and maintained the Forest up to now may be lost.

Without sufficient funds to develop and sustain the key features of conservation and suitable facilities for visitors the New Forest will deteriorate irrevocably and we shall lose the attractive place we all appreciate today.

We believe that those who enjoy the New Forest today would like it to remain enjoyable in the future and would like to help directly to ensure this doesn't happen. 

The New Forest Trust is here to help those who enjoy the New Forest contribute directly to maintaining it for all our children as well as ourselves.

Want to read more? Visit The New Forest Trust website