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
Pannage
Pannage is an ancient practice that is still used today by New Forest Commoners, who turn out their pigs into the Forest during the season. The pigs do an important job of eating many of the acorns that fall at this time of year so it’s vital that people don’t touch, feed the pigs or drop human food.
Fungi in the New Forest
Help protect this special landscape, look but please don't pick.
Autumn is the time of year when the most wonderful fungi can be seen, some are so rare and vulnerable that they are included in the protected species list and it’s illegal to pick them.
