Where we are working in the New Forest

Our teams look after the New Forest and make sure the area can thrive for many years to come. Regular tasks include forestry activities and maintenance of trails, car parks and facilities.  Some tasks require us to close certain areas while we work to keep everyone safe.

Update - New Forest Fire 11/8/26 6:00pm

In response to a request from emergency response partners supporting the ongoing heathland fire in the New Forest, the Highways Authority will implement a number of additional road closures from 6:00pm this evening. 

These will include the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive in Brockenhurst from the junction with the A35, and the Bolderwood Road west of Emery Down where the road will be closed from the Junction with the New Forest Inn. 

As a result, all of our car parks along these routes will also be closed, in addition to those close to the incident which will remain shut for the foreseeable future. 

Arrangements will be made for residents, commoners and other key individuals requiring emergency access.  

Updates on all car park closures can be found on this page.

Please continue to avoid the affected areas while this active incident is ongoing.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the fire service, emergency workers, volunteers, partners and our staff who are all supporting the New Forest throughout this difficult time. 

Thank you to everyone for your support and patience during this ongoing incident.

Update - New Forest Fire 12/8/26 11:00am

The fire service continue to manage the main heathland fire and we continue to ask people to avoid the affected areas.

Information regarding any of our car parks affected by closures due to the fire can be found on this page.

Yesterday our team attended two small additional fires on the Forest caused by abandoned campfires. Our rangers also attended an incident this morning where the use of a BBQ on the Forest had started a fire.

At a time of high wildfire alert these actions are extremely dangerous and we would like to remind everyone visiting the New Forest that BBQs, campfires and the use of any outdoor cooking equipment are banned across the whole area.

Given the current level of wildfire risk, from today this also includes all of the 10 Forestry England campsites where the use of BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment are currently not permitted. Campers will receive information and guidance relating to this on site.

We are asking everyone visiting to please help look after the area by taking some simple actions:

• Do not use BBQs, campfires, stoves, any outdoor camping equipment or naked flames
• Safely discard cigarettes
• If you see a fire, get to a place of safety and call 999. If you can provide an exact location by using What3Words.

Thank you for everyone’s ongoing support during this time.