Natural England

New Forest

What does designation as a National Park mean for the New Forest?
Designation as a National Park is a formal recognition of the New Forest’s special qualities in terms of natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation. It means that: 

• the area has the highest level of protection under the planning system;
• there is a permanent boundary for the area to be protected;
• public bodies and others are required to have regard to National Park purposes when operating in the area ( the so-called “Section 62 duty”);
• it permits a National Park Authority to be established (under the Environment Act 1995) to carry out functions associated with the Park;
• National Park Authorities are the sole planning authority within the National Park and are supported by grant funding from Defra               

National Parks, along with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are considered to be the nation’s finest landscapes. They form part of a worldwide network of protected landscapes established by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

When did it happen ?
The Minister for Rural Affairs, Alun Michael confirmed the designation of the New Forest National Park on the 1 March 2005.

The separate process of establishing a National Park authority (NPA) ran in parallel to the creation of the National Park and the New Forest NPA took on its full range of statutory powers, functions and responsibilities on the 1 April 2006. 

Why were the proposed additions consulted on but not the exclusions?
Under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, the Minister can not confirm a Designation Order for a new National Park with modifications if it will affect land that has not previously been commented on. This meant that the proposed additions would be subject to further consultation. There was no statutory requirement for further public consultation on land that was within the Countryside Agency’s New Forest National Park (Designation) Order 2002 boundary but excluded from the final boundary, or where the Minister had decided to retain land that the Inspector had recommended for exclusion. 

What will a National Park authority mean for the Park?
A National Park authority (established under the 1995 Environment Act) will:

• have the twin purposes of : conserving   and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Park; and promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the Park;
• have a range of other statutory functions under the 1949 Act, Countryside Act 1968, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and 1995 Act. (These are to provide recreational facilities for visitors, manage wildlife and conservation areas, make agricultural agreements, and undertake other relevant tasks);
• be the sole local planning authority for the area of the Park covering structure planning, local planning, minerals and waste, and development control;
• have a statutory duty to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park when undertaking its functions. This duty would require the Authority to take into account the special circumstances of the Forest when undertaking its purposes and functions, which would be clarified through guidance provided by the Secretary of State to the National Park authority. For example, the Authority may decide to provide grants for land management schemes and encouraging the commoning practice;
• produce, publish and keep under review a Management Plan for the National Park.              

The membership of a National Park authority is designed so that a balance between the national and local interests concerning the New Forest National Park is achieved, which would be reflected in the decisions that the Authority makes concerning its functions and purposes.   To find out more about the New Forest National Park authority and its work visit their website http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

Who will be on the Authority? 
The membership of National Park Authorities is structured so that national and local interests are both represented on the Authority. The Government’s proposal for the New Forest is that there should be 22 members, of whom 12 would be district or county councillors appointed by local authorities with land in the Park and 10 appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (4 chosen by Parish Councils and the remaining six appointed through an open recruitment exercise run by Defra to identify people with particular skills and expertise of relevance to the area).

How are members appointed?
During September and October 2004 Defra advertised for candidates wishing to be considered as Secretary of State appointees to the New Forest National Park Authority.  Of the 22 National Park members, six are appointed by the Secretary of State, the remainder are drawn from elected local authority councillors and parish councils from within the National Park area.  The response to this request was very good with 62 applicants coming forward.  A shortlist of the best candidates were invited to interview and the successful candidates were appointed to serve for a period of three years.  Vacancies for National Park Authority appointments may arise during that period and will normally be advertised in the local press.  Members appointed by the Secretary of State are not paid but they are eligible for travel and other expenses. They are expected to commit a minimum of two-three days per month, most of which is within normal working hours.  The first appointees to the New Forest National Park Authority took up their posts in April 2005.