A Shared Forest

Working together for the New Forest

We can all have a role in protecting the landscape we share

CDA

In 2015 the Heritage Lottery Fund agreed to support a landscape partnership scheme known as “Our Past, Our Future”. This website is an important part of this new approach to spreading understanding of the real New Forest, and helping everyone do their part to protect it.

Check out our downloads at the bottom of the page, including the New Forest Code

Our Shared Forest

We each have a role to play

The New Forest is a wonderful place to enjoy. Its status as open access land and its accessibility are due to centuries of grazing by commoners’ animals. We can all do our bit to ensure that it is as good for the next visitor as it is for us. Always #KeepYourDistance from the animals; Follow the New Forest Dog Walking Code; Leave nothing behind; and always follow the Countryside Code.

Living in the New Forest - A very special place to live

The New Forest is a wonderful place to live. Historic grazing rights (and nature designations) often go right up to your fence and gate. It is vital to ensure that hedges and fences are livestock-proof, and safely keep them out, but not to restrict their legitimate grazing by moving fences or placing obstacles in their way. Do not place outside anything that livestock may eat or drink; the New Forest and their owners provide all they need. Keep rubbish inside your gate for the council to collect.

Shared Forest Business Group

We have set up the Shared Forest Business Group with local employers to help them show everyone their commitment to this very special place, and to promote safe driving in the special circumstances of the New Forest. If you run a business or organisation in the New Forest do get in touch. Members are welcome to use the Group decals on the vehicles and in their advertising.

On the road - Advice for New Forest Drivers

Plan to #Add3Minutes to New Forest road journeys: The little bit of time driving at 30 adds to a typical 7-mile drive across the grazed Forest. Drive with care, especially in poor visibility.
Pass wide & slow. Be ready to stop – animals are unpredictable. They move without notice.
Straight roads aren’t safe. Many animal accidents happen on straight roads with good sight-lines. Take special care on all New Forest roads, however safe it feels.

Learning about the New Forest - Our Education Toolkit

We’ve worked with local schools to develop a Shared Forest toolkit that is perfect to help children appreciate this incredible landscape as part of the curriculum. It includes great projects on the New Forest nature and New Forest commoning. It is also useful as an introduction to the New Forest for visiting groups. Follow the link to find out more about this great free resource