New Forest
The New Forest
The New Forest is a spectacular landscape made up of a unique mix of woodlands and open habitats that are globally important for nature conservation.
Forestry England manages 47% of the New Forest National Park, including much of the best-known ancient woodlands, wetlands and heathlands, which are home to many rare species of plants and wildlife. In fact, we look after more land and more trees than any other organisation in England.
Follow the New Forest Code
Ensuring the New Forest is a safe place to come and protecting the very special nature we have here, requires all of us to respect and look after it, find out more: The New Forest Code
Stick to the marked trails
It's particularly important that cyclists stick to way-marked cycle trails in the New Forest, which is a highly protected and fragile landscape. There are over 100 miles of off-road waymarked cycle routes that you can use and cyclists must stay on these all year round. Please note that you cannot use e-scooters on land that we manage in the New Forest because they are currently illegal (except on private land or when used on public roads as part of formal government trial).
Keep your distance
Please help reduce animal accidents by driving with extra care on Forest roads. It's a fineable offence to feed the free roaming animals. The Forest is home to many grazing animals and wildlife that can be made ill from discarded food and litter that people leave behind. Please help us keep the New Forest a tidy place for people and safe place for animals by being responsible and taking your litter home.
No BBQs or fires in the New Forest
To help prevent wildfires fires, BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment are not permitted in car parks or any area of the Forest. Anyone using these items is liable to a fine and prosecution.
Park and drive responsibly
Please park in one of our designated car parks. Parking is not allowed on grass verges or in access gateways. Keep highways clear and leave plenty of room for other road users to pass. Find out which car parks are open and have facilities:
Visit one of our main visitor sites:
- Blackwater (SO43 7QB)
- Bolderwood (SO43 7GE)
- Knightwood Oak (SO43 7QB)
- Anderwood (SO43 4HT)
- Whitefield Moor (SO42 7QD)
- Wilverley (BH25 5TZ)
- Hatchet Pond (SO42 7WE)
- Reptile Centre (SO43 7GR)
- Bolton's Bench
Permissions:
Apply for Permission for an event or activity
Nature Discovery Day - Monday 26 May
Spend an inspiring day discovering the New Forest’s very special wildlife. Join the Forestry England team and a host of local experts from the Hampshire Ornithological Society and Wild New Forest to get spotting and recording some of the incredible creatures who live here.
We are asking people to help rare ground nesting birds survive in the New Forest by staying on the main tracks and keeping dogs with them here.
Special quiet zones are set up at the most sensitive breeding locations with nearby car parks closed and signs in place to highlight the presence of the birds and help avoid disturbance as they attempt to breed and raise chicks.
Special quiet zones are set up at the most sensitive breeding locations with nearby car parks closed and signs in place to highlight the presence of the birds and help avoid disturbance as they attempt to breed and raise chicks.
Follow the New Forest Code
The New Forest code focuses on nine simple ways visitors and residents can help care for this unique and special place.
