National Park
New Forest
National Parks are protected landscapes of outstanding natural beauty with strict planning controls to conserve wildlife and cultural heritage.
What makes New Forest special?
A unique medieval landscape of ancient woodland and heathland, where ponies and cattle roam free under commoners' rights.
- ✓ Free-roaming ponies and cattle
- ✓ Ancient wood pasture
- ✓ Norman hunting forest
- ✓ One of largest heathlands in Europe
What makes National Parks special?
- Highest level of landscape protection in England and Wales
- Managed by independent National Park Authorities
- Balances conservation with public enjoyment and local economy
- Home to diverse wildlife and natural habitats
- Contains significant cultural and historical heritage
Planning Considerations
Major development is not permitted except in exceptional circumstances where it is in the public interest. All development must conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Location Details
- Designation
- National Park
- Coordinates
- 50.8571, -1.5955
- Reference
- E26000009