New Forest National Park Authority Annual Review 2014 – 2015 CEO Alison Barnes; Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s statement As a National Park Authority we have duties both to protect the New Forest and promote people’s enjoyment and understanding of it.

This can only be achieved properly many of the Forest organisations. if it is done in a way that does Over the past four years we have not threaten the conservation of undergone a 40% reduction the Forest. When weighing up a in real terms of our core grant decision, we must take the ‘Forest from Government. With reduced first’ approach and prioritise the resources for us all, partnerships landscape – the very thing that with other organisations, makes the area so attractive to visit, businesses and communities live and work in. have become increasingly vital in Although the National Park delivering for the Forest. faces many pressures, there is a Our thanks go to our partners, staff great deal of positive work being and members for their work this undertaken across the Forest. year in ensuring this precious place In 2014/15 we began the process is cherished and protected for years of updating the Management to come. Plan for the National Park – the overarching strategy which outlines how the different bodies and local Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, communities will continue to work Chairman together to ensure the Forest’s fragile habitats are protected and appreciated. It is important that Alison Barnes, we all work together to look after Chief Executive this exceptional place, and we are pleased that this update is very much a joint venture involving

This page: Reflection of a Cow II, Emery Down © Rob Franklin Front page: Main image, Heathland view © Stephen Websdale; Bottom left to right: A wild play event at Anderwood; Highland cattle © Henry Szwinto; volunteers making charcoal at Pondhead Inclosure About us p4

Protect p8

Enjoy p14

Prosper p20

Achieving excellence p28

Financial report p34

3 ABOUT US About the New Forest National Park Authority

Our vision Our mission – The Vision for the National Park in 20 National Park purposes We like to sum years’ time is of an area which has a As guardians of a national park the unique and immediately recognisable New Forest National Park Authority has this up as: sense of place, where: statutory purposes and socio-economic n tranquillity and a feeling of naturalness responsibilities as specified in the pervade large parts of the Park Environment Act of 1995: Protect n the mosaic of distinctive landscapes and n To conserve and enhance the natural habitats are all of the highest quality and beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Enjoy a great variety of wildlife is able the area to flourish n To promote opportunities for the Prosper n there is a strong sense and understanding and enjoyment of the understanding of the heritage and living special qualities of the Park by the public. culture of the Forest Working in partnership with other n all visitors can gain inspiration, health organisations it is also the Authority’s duty and well-being and enjoy the extensive to seek to foster the economic and social areas of land with open access well-being of the local communities within the National Park. n the far reaching consequences of climate change are taken into account in all policies and future plans n people live and work sustainably and contribute to the care of the Forest n local, regional and national organisations recognise the value of the National Park and there is a shared understanding of its role within the wider area Cairngorms n everyone contributes in appropriate ways to keeping the National Park a special place for present and future generations. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Northumberland

North York Moors Lake District Yorkshire Dales

Snowdonia Peak District Broads

Pembrokeshire Coast Brecon Beacons Right: National Parks, Britain’s breathing spaces Contains Ordnance Survey data. Exmoor © Crown copyright and database right 2011 South Downs © Cairngorms National Park Authority © Scottish Government © Exmoor National Park Authority New Forest 0 50 100 200 4 Dartmoor Kilometres ABOUT US Our Authority board members

National Park Authority members have overall responsibility for making decisions. They are responsible for setting policies and priorities, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources, and that money is well spent. It is their job to represent the interests of the National Park and to balance out any conflicting pressures.

Local authority appointees

David Harrison, Edward Heron, Ian Hibberd, Maureen Holding, Penny Jackman Julian Johnson Deputy Chairman of Deputy Chairman Deputy Chairman Chairman of the Resources, Audit of the Authority of the Standards the Standards and Performance Committee Committee Committee

Chris Lagdon Keith Mans Leo Randall, Barry Rickman Ken Thornber Pat Wyeth, Deputy Chairman Chairman of of the Planning the Planning Committee Committee

Secretary of State appointees

Oliver Crosthwaite Phil Marshall Alex Neill John Pemberton, Marian Spain Judith Webb Eyre, Chairman Chairman of the Resources, Audit and Performance Committee Our 22 members do n 12 are appointed by Parish appointees not represent any the county, district, particular political and borough councils group. Driven by the with land within the National Park purposes National Park and duty, they work n six are appointed by with officers to establish the Secretary of State and then deliver our for Environment, Food work programme, with and Rural Affairs operational aspects Sally Arnold Richard Frampton Clive Maton John Sanger delegated to officers. n four are selected from the Parish Councils within the National Park.

5 ABOUT US 10 years of top-level protection for the New Forest

Wildlife films celebrating the world-class landscapes of the New Forest have been produced to mark the ‘The New Forest is a haven for 10th anniversary of the National Park. wildlife and rare plants, but it’s also a working forest with Broadcaster Simon King, best National Park status offers known for presenting Springwatch the highest form of landscape vibrant communities, and a and Big Cat Diary, has produced protection in the UK, helping place to enjoy the beauty and three fascinating films, looking to conserve 220 square miles of at the rich wildlife of the fragile habitats, more than 200 tranquility of nature. National National Park’s internationally- ancient monuments and 17 Sites Park status helps ensure the important patchwork of ancient of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) woodlands, lowland heaths and in the New Forest. New Forest’s fragile diverse coastline. The three films have been landscapes will be protected The films celebrate the ancient produced by Simon King Wildlife and appreciated by future system of commoning and TV, with thanks to Natural World the New Forest’s many rare UK. They are available on our generations.’ species. They will enable better YouTube channel at New Forest National Park Authority understanding of the Forest’s youtube.com/newforestnpa Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre natural beauty and will help people appreciate and conserve its special qualities into the future.

‘Ever since I was a child, the New Forest has held an unparalleled magic for me. The remarkable mix of ancient, natural and human history is a compelling cocktail for all lovers of the outdoors. It’s made all the more tangible through giant relics in the form of mighty trees and swathes of heathland. This patchwork of habitats offers wild creatures a broad choice of homes and resources, enriching the New Forest with an extraordinary variety and density of life. This wild community, together with a working model of sustainable human use of forest resources, makes the Forest a shining jewel in Britain’s natural crown.’ Naturalist, broadcaster and author Simon King OBE

6 ABOUT US

10 10 achievements years

Land management Supporting commoning Nearly 100 landowners and We joined Hampshire County Council 1 managers each year receive advice 6and others to buy nearly 16 acres of from the New Forest Land Advice Service on land at Rockford Farm near Ringwood, to how to manage their land to benefit wildlife. provide back-up grazing for Forest livestock and help support the future of commoning. Conservation We are working with the Verderers Education 2and Forestry Commission to deliver Around 10,000 students a year a Higher Level Stewardship scheme worth 7 from more than 100 education £19m of funding over 10 years, to establishments receive free learning sessions. support commoning and improve habitats. Rangers Supporting communities Our rangers speak to on average Since 2006 our Sustainable 8 14,000 people every year about 3 Communities Fund has awarded the National Park’s special qualities and £1.45m in grants, funded 132 projects, encouraging people to care for the Forest. secured £3m from other sources and benefitted58,000 people. Volunteering We set up the New Forest Volunteer Planning 9Fair which is attended annually by over Since 2006 we have received 9,752 30 organisations and 300 people. People 4planning applications and approved have undertaken 3,228 days of volunteering around 88% of them. in our projects since 2011.

Sustainable transport Heritage The open-top New Forest Tour is run by More than 3,500 new 5us with Go South Coast. Since 2011 it 10archaeological sites have been has attracted more than 142,000 passenger discovered in the New Forest National Park, trips, saving almost 750,000 private car thanks to high-tech ‘Lidar’ laser mapping. miles from New Forest roads and generating around £2.2 million for the local economy.

7

Protect

Foal at Bolton’s Bench ©Sarah Penfold PROTECT Updating the Management Plan for the National Park

The New Forest National Park Management Plan contains a strategic and aspirational approach designed to guide the long-term management of the National Park by a wide range of organisations, landowners and interest groups.

First published in 2010 following widespread public consultation, the long-term vision and objectives remain relevant today. However it is time to update the actions in the plan looking ahead over the next five years to 2020. There was a good response to the public drop-in sessions and initial ‘call for views’ consultation on proposed updated actions in Autumn 2014. Following a final, formal consultation period in May/June 2015, the updated plan is due to be adopted in July 2015 and will help guide the work of a wide range of bodies which have an influence over the future of the National Park. Above: View from Milford on Using our planning Sea looking towards the powers to protect Isle of Wight the Forest Right: Our planning work is an important Navitus Bay location map element of our drive to protect and enhance the National Park. Over 900 planning applications have been received this year and around 88% of applications were approved. We are also one of the few planning authorities to process all major Influencing major Authority submitted a detailed applications within the Government- planning applications Local Impact Report with input prescribed timetable of 13 weeks. from our experts in landscape, and policies ecology and archaeology, setting Advice from our planning officers Navitus Bay Development Ltd out our concerns about the before applications are submitted is proposing to construct an significant visual impact the ensures high quality schemes are offshore wind park of up to 194 turbines are likely to have on the brought forward for decision. We wind turbines off the Hampshire coast and the likely landscape have noticed an increase in ‘pre- and Dorset coast. impacts of the onshore cable app’ enquiries and a number of high route. We also gave evidence at profile sites have been acquired, The wind park would include an an Examination in Public into the reflecting an improved confidence in underground cable connection application by the Government’s the property sector. to the National Grid running Planning Inspectorate. through the New Forest National Meanwhile around 300 enforcement Park to an onshore substation at The Secretary of State is due cases will have been investigated Mannington, north of Ferndown. to make a final decision on this financial year, with the team the wind park application by ensuring that planning permission is As one of the planning authorities September 2015. applied for and adhered to. involved, the National Park

10 Our Past Our Future Restoring lost habitats, developing Forest skills and inspiring a new generation to care for the New Forest are the aims of our Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid. Over 18 months we have joined with 10 other organisations to develop 20 projects for the final application round of the HLF Landscape Partnership Scheme. Research has included identifying sites in need of better woodland management and a survey on attitudes to outdoor play. HLF will decide in September 2015 whether we will receive the full £2.9m grant, which

Above: Woodland stream, Highwater near Brockenhurst © Mark Heighes with match-funding will mean a £4.5m injection to make the Forest more robust to Protecting tranquillity face future challenges. We undertook a tranquil areas settlements, while the most tranquil study to map the different levels of areas are those which are more tranquillity across the National Park, remote and less easily accessed. looking at the impacts of roads, The map will help in making railways, built up areas, pylons, planning decisions and will be one airports and recreational activity. of the factors taken into account The resulting tranquil areas map when looking at recreation clearly shows the influence of management in the National Park. the major roads and the larger

Improving the view Pylons at Hale Purlieu © National Grid National Grid approached us to help investigate the possibility of reducing the visual impact of overhead power lines near the village of Hale. This included running a drop-in session in the village, where more than 100 people came to give their views on undergrounding or screening the pylons. National Grid will make a final decision on this section of power line later in 2015.

‘National Grid’s electricity network is vital to our way of life, but this project provides a real opportunity to help reduce its impact on treasured landscapes like the New Forest National Park.’ Hector Pearson, National Grid Visual Impact Provision Project Manager + people gave their views 100 on the pylons

11 PROTECT

Helping to inspire good building design Our planners continue to work with local communities, applicants and architects to raise the design standard of new development. As part of this, a Building Design Awards scheme to recognise and promote exemplary development in the National Park has been prepared this year and will be launched in summer 2015 following further awareness-raising with local communities and planning agents. www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ building_design_awards

‘The buildings of the Forest are one of the precious assets which make the National Park so special and is one of the Woodlark at nest. © Mike Read main reasons why people love to live and visit here.’ Delivering the Pat Wyeth, New Forest National Park Verderers of the New Authority Planning Committee Chairman Forest Higher Level Stewardship Scheme Worth £19m of European funding over 10 years, this is the largest agri-environment scheme in England. Building Design We work with the Verderers and n Surveying 2,370 hectares using Awards leaflet Forestry Commission to restore Lidar laser scanning from an habitats, support commoning, aircraft and 153 volunteer protect archaeology and inform days checking the data on the the next generation about the ground. New Forest way of life. The n Conducting surveys of scheme relates to the Crown important New Forest bird lands in the centre of the National species including woodlark, Park and covers 20,000 hectares Dartford warbler and of open heathland unequalled in breeding waders, the results Europe for the complexity demonstrating the New Forest and range of fauna and flora. continues to be a stronghold The scheme has now reached for these special species. We its half-way mark. are continuing to work with Highlights of the projects led by partners to further understand our staff this year include: the challenges faced by these key bird populations. n Restoring 10 monuments ranging from prehistoric n 2,495 children aged seven to barrows to WWII bunkers and 16 benefited from a total of 50 19th century rifle targets visits to the New Forest led by our staff and the New Forest Centre team between April and December 2014.

12 A world capital for The New Forest Land Advice Service Team

Marking five years of the Land Advice Service WILDLIFE The New Forest Land Advice Service supports rural businesses with advice on land management and of the National Park is nature conservation, access to rural skills training internationally-important for courses, and help when applying for grants. wildlife – a higher proportion than any other English National Park. With funding and supported from the Authority, 50% the service’s notable achievements over the last five years include: It is home to: n Reintroducing ponies and cattle to sites in Milford on Sea and New Milton for the first time in over 50 years, to encourage wildlife and support local ALL SPECIES OF THE HIGHEST farmers and commoners 6UK DEER CONCENTRATION OF ANCIENT TREES IN n Running the Better Boundaries project, which WESTERN EUROPE created more than 600m of laid hedges, 1,000m of hedgerows and 1,600m of wildflower field margins to act as wildlife corridors PONDS 1,000SUPPORTING n Leading volunteers in a national pilot study of RARE PLANTS AND WILDLIFE water quality on the River Blackwater in the north of the New Forest, and removing more than RARE GROUND OF THE UK’S 2,000m of the invasive Himalayan balsam plant NESTING BIRDS RAREST POND from its river banks. ¾ INCLUDING NIGHTJAR, INVERTEBRATES WOODLARK AND DARTFORD WARBLER ‘Having the Land Advice Service at the end of a phone is very comforting indeed for commoners HECTARES OF LOWLAND 10,000HEATHLAND – THE MOST facing increasingly tight regulations EXTENSIVE AREA REMAINING IN EUROPE and more administration in their efforts to continue rearing stock.’ % OF THE BOGGY VALLEY MIRES 75IN NORTH-WESTERN EUROPE Commoner Oliver Cook, from Brockenhurst

THE ONLY POPULATION OF THE WILD GLADIOLUS 2,700 IN THE UK SPECIES OF FUNGI % OF BRITISH 70DRAGONFLIES

ALL OF THE UK’S 6REPTILE SPECIES Discover more: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/wildlife Ponies released at Barton Common. © Neil Tungate

13 14 Enjoy

School party on bridge

15 ENJOY Inspiring the next generation

Our education officers and rangers worked with over 10,000 school students over the last financial year, running litter assemblies in local schools and hosting events in the Forest.

We also organised the first ‘Our Forest, Our Future’ education conferences, where 70 pupils from local Above: schools gave presentations on their ideas and Ashurst walk opinions after taking part in workshops addressing Left: Walks challenges facing the New Forest. leaflet launch Over 1,000 people attended two wild play days, where they enjoyed activities that helped them learn more about the National Park and the pleasure of playing outdoors. Children were also encouraged to visit the Forest to learn more about the area on school trips. Grants of around £7,000 were awarded to 43 schools in and Promoting walking around the National Park to help them with their We have expanded the range of Forest, and continue to use the travel costs. walking route guides we offer Viewranger mobile application and made them easier to access, to make our routes even more We have continued to add content to the New which has resulted in visits to the widely available. Forest Curriculum website, which will act as a one- walking section of our website stop-shop for education materials about the New Our Walking Festival goes from tripling this year. Forest: newforestcurriculum.org.uk strength to strength, with nearly We produced a range of 11 350 walkers taking part in 31 Previous page: School party on bridge printed heritage walk leaflets, walks during last autumn’s two- Above: Wild play toad which will be on sale across the week festival.

Walking Festival at Whitemoor

Improving health and wellbeing We are becoming a ‘dementia- A workshop will be held in April friendly’ organisation and to date 2015 with Forest organisations have carried out three training and health professionals to sessions for staff to learn how discuss how nature and closer best to tailor our services to collaboration could help improve people living with dementia and people’s health and wellbeing. their carers.

16 ENJOY

Encouraging people ‘Ponies are well adapted to living in to care for the Forest the forest and there is more than enough Our rangers spoke to over 14,700 people about our campaigns food for them; a diet which include reducing animal accidents, not feeding the New of gorse, grass and Forest ponies, reducing litter, protecting rare ground-nesting holly suits them best. birds and encouraging responsible dog walking. ‘Unfortunately With nearly 10,000 Facebook followers (up animal accident reaching over ponies can become 240% this year) and the same on Twitter 38,000 people. (up 22% this year), we are finding social used to human food media a key channel for spreading our Take your litter home and some become messages about looking after the Forest, An anti-litter campaign and poster aggressive when with our online communities commenting competition with New Forest District on and sharing our campaigns. Informative Council reached 4,800 children this year. fed, or when people videos are also proving popular with nearly Winners Noadswood School student refuse to feed them. 192,000 views of our YouTube channel (a Holly Flynn, 12; Gabriel Oram, nine, from 618% increase). Beaulieu Village Primary; Laura-Jane Kells, After eating human nine, from Hythe Primary and Jazmin food, ponies can Reducing animal accidents Ramus, 13, of Testwood Sports College, also easily develop We coordinate the Animal Accident will have their designs displayed on the Reduction Group which helps protect lorries. They were congratulated by the colic which is the commoners’ stock and is constantly council’s vice-chairman Councillor Alison sometimes fatal.’ reviewing its initiatives. Hoare. Nigel Matthews, Head of We worked with New Forest District Road signs saying ‘expect it to step out’ Recreation Management Council to install pony-proof bins at visitor have been installed on the accident-prone and Learning B3054 either side of Beaulieu to attract hotspots, helping to protect ponies and the attention of local drivers who become donkeys from potentially harmful food immune to long-term signs. litter. Clockwise from top left: The latest bin, which prevents animals from Over 100,000 animal accident cards are Expect it to step out sign distributed each year with details about pulling out waste, was installed outside New Forest Show who to call in an emergency. Brockenhurst C of E Primary School and means a total of 40 are now in use across Brockenhurst pony proof bin Social media, press and TV coverage have the district. The bins also carry an anti-litter Litter campaign poster winners been used to increase driver awareness, message to keep the area clean and tidy. Northern lapwing a – rare with one particular Facebook post about an ground nesting bird © Mike Read

17 ENJOY Increasing volunteering Around 300 people attended Activities included recording our Volunteer Fair in Lyndhurst wildlife and improving habitats as in January, finding out about part of the Community Wildlife volunteering opportunities from Plans project; recording the New 35 different organisations in the Forest’s archaeology and helping New Forest area. people understand more about the bird life of the Forest in a joint Over 900 volunteering days were ‘Date with Nature’ project with recorded from people taking part the RSPB and others. in our work this year.

‘I’ve met so many nice people through volunteering. I like talking about wildlife and I think visitors like talking to a young person about nature.’ Dominik Reynolds, 14, from Totton, who has been volunteering for six years at the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst

Working with communities

We awarded a total of Hamptworth route before £64,350 to improve around 12 miles of footpaths, several of which are gateways to the National Park and had become badly eroded.

At Hamptworth almost two miles of byways were rebuilt, with drainage, surfacing and signage by Wiltshire Council. One of the routes is a key link between Salisbury and the New Forest. In Redlynch, this included renewing surfacing at Kiln Alley and our rangers helping South Wilts Footpath Group Hamptworth route after clearing paths and installing kissing gates at Gills Hole. A two-mile path linking Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard was repaired and resurfaced and made suitable for cyclists. Resurfacing and clearance also took place at Burley Road, Brockenhurst; in Hyde; and towards the Burrard Neale Memorial at Walhampton, Lymington. The Hamptworth and Beaulieu schemes were funded by our Local Sustainable Transport Fund from the Department for Transport. The other schemes were from our small grants programme.

18 ENJOY

New summer ranger makes camping in the Forest fun

A new ranger helped campers have fun in the New Forest whilst encouraging them to protect the National Park’s animals and landscapes.

Chris Marshall led bug hunts, Above: Seasonal forest games and craft activities Ranger Chris exclusively for families at four ‘We’re dedicated to helping holidaymakers Marshall leading activities with Camping in the Forest campsites learn more about the Forest and their camping families throughout the summer of 2014, natural surroundings, so we’re delighted at Hollands Wood helping 1,500 people and leading campsite near 39 educational events. to work with the National Park Authority Brockenhurst Campers at Roundhill, Ashurst, and the Forestry Commission. Holmsley and Hollands Wood were treated to a wild time of ‘The National Park Authority Rangers have adventure and discovery, with a fantastic knowledge of the New Forest walks from the campsites to learn more about the flora and fauna, and we hope those that stay with us take how the New Forest got its name the opportunity to learn more about this and why ponies have played such an important role in shaping the unique area.’ landscape. Rob Ganley, Camping in the Forest’s Senior The fun activities also show visitors Communications Manager how to care for the Forest and be responsible campers, reinforcing important messages such as not feeding the animals and leaving ‘By helping campsite families to explore the the forest as it was found. Forest and discover its natural wonders, they The new role was supported will be better able to appreciate its fragility as a joint partnership between the New Forest National Park and help protect its special qualities during Authority, Camping in the Forest their stay.’ and the Forestry Commission and will be extended to two rangers Gillie Molland, Lead Ranger at the National Park Authority in 2015.

19 20 Prosper

Mist rising over Beaulieu Mill pond at sunrise © Sue Knight

21 PROSPER Supporting sustainable communities

Projects that help people live more sustainably in the New Forest have received a welcome boost from a community grants scheme.

Nearly £160,800 of funds were The SCF helps promote allocated by our Sustainable sustainable living and working Communities Fund (SCF), bringing within the National Park, with in an additional £176,800 of grants available for up to 75 per match funding to the National cent of a project’s cost. Park area from other sources. Some of the 20 projects helped this year include:

Hyde Church centre Shipwright’s school at Top: Shipwrights School ‘The hall is at the centre of the community and Buckler’s Hard construction Grant allocated: £20,000 Above: the grant will enable us to renew the heating Shipwrights We provided support for a school launch system and provide a more sustainable new replica timber frame 18th method of keeping the hall warm and century shipwright’s workshop, which was built at the historic comfortable for the large range of our users.’ shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Dai Morgan, Chairman of Hyde Village Hall Trustees Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River. Training will be provided at the site to help to ensure the continuation of Hyde Church community centre much-needed skills for restoring historic ships and supporting the Grant allocated: £11,000 traditional boatbuilding industry. We funded the installation of an air source heat pump and LED lighting in a new community centre at the Church of the Holy Ascension at Hyde to make the building more energy efficient. The new system will use about one third of the electricity used by more conventional systems – a big environmental gain.

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Helping property owners go green

Our biannual open house weekend showcasing Pondhead environmentally-friendly technology attracted Conservation Trust hundreds of visits from people interested in Grant allocated: £23,426 reducing their bills and saving energy around Pondhead Conservation Trust their home. has been set up to manage Pondhead Inclosure near Working with New Forest few tricks that I will use on my Lyndhurst under licence from Transition, the Green Open Doors projects. The folk were wonderful the Forestry Commission, using event over an October weekend and some good contacts were traditional woodland skills. saw 273 visits to New Forest made. I hope my property will We helped the volunteers buy properties by people interested be one of the open houses a charcoal burner to produce in viewing eco-measures such as next year.’ high quality charcoal on site solar panels, biomass boilers and Fiona Rogers, owner of to sell locally. The group will air source heat pumps in action. participating property Efford also undertake a variety of We also produced a series of Mill, near Lymington: ‘It was conservation tasks to benefit video profiles of sustainable comforting to meet others with wildlife and local people, homes in the New Forest, with the same desire to do something including coppicing areas of hints and tips for saving energy positive about energy-saving hazel trees. around the home, that are in our homes, and we enjoyed Above: Charcoal burning at available to watch online. sharing useful ideas. Pondhead Conservation Trust Visitor Mike Bundock from Top: The Rogers family halved their near Lyndhurst Dibden Purlieu: ‘We loved Green £5,000/year energy bills at Efford Mill near Lymington after installing Open Doors. We managed to eco-friendly measures see eight houses and learnt a Below: Green open doors poster

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‘The New Forest Tour, Beach Bus and Travel Concierge have all played an important role in reducing the impacts of congestion and carbon emissions on the National Park’s landscapes. By encouraging visitors and residents to travel without a car, we can help protect its fragile beauty for future generations.’ Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority Encouraging car-free travel

We are in the second year of delivering projects as part of a £3.8m sustainable transport fund from the Department for Transport, which is shared with the South Downs National Park. The aim is to encourage 370,000 people to get out of their cars and use greener transport by the end of March 2015.

Providing new transport options Promoting green travel We saw a record year for green transport in the New An exhibition ‘Transport The campaign generated: Forest after 50,000 visitors and residents switched Through the Ages’ at the New n over 67,400 views of the from cars to buses. Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, saw accompanying YouTube video 6,000 visitors in two weeks – one The New Forest Tour attracted 41,877 passenger of the most successful events at n interviews on BBC Radio 4, journeys on its three routes during its 11-week season the venue to date. Radio 2 and Five Live with a this summer, beating last year’s record of 40,653. This reach of 28m saved around 226,000 private car miles. It provided a The autumn Walking Festival boost to local businesses, contributing an estimated tripled in size in its second year, n 12 national press articles with £680,000 to the local economy. with over 300 walkers out a reach of 10.8m across 31 different guided walks The Beach Bus attracted 7,993 passenger journeys n 32 regional press articles highlighting the special qualities during its five week season to Hythe, Lepe, Beaulieu of the New Forest landscape, n coverage by 19 regional and Lymington – a 35% increase from 5,898 heritage and culture. radio stations passengers in 2013. We launched the world’s first n a social media reach of 3.6m. The New Forest Travel Concierge gave car-free travel ‘tech crèche’ encouraging people advice to 4,441 visitors and residents, selling 1,445 to leave their gadgets and car New Forest Tour tickets and handing out hundreds keys for a time, and reconnect of car-free leaflets and 1,200 cycling route maps. with nature and their families on The services are run by the New Forest National Park car-free experiences in the Forest. Authority in partnership with operators More bus The campaign stimulated a wide and Bluestar, as part of a Department for Transport debate about mobile use and (DfT) funded campaign to encourage more people to getting outdoors, as well as travel without a car in the National Park. highlighting green travel options Other initiatives this year include: such as the New Forest Tour and Beach Bus. n Finalising plans to extend the 40mph zone into the Wiltshire area of the National Park with 40mph roundalls on the road n Working with Hampshire County Council and bus operators to find new ways of securing local bus services. Right: Transport Through the Ages exhibition

24 PROSPER Improving cycling

The Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded us two funds which together will deliver by March 2016: n Nearly 90kms (55 miles) of 3. UK Youth Avon 1 upgraded cycle routes in and around the New Forest Tyrrell Activities Centre, n 6kms (3 miles) of new off-road cycle Bransgore routes in and around the New Forest Grants totalling £98,650 towards upgrading mountain bike trails, creating n  400 additional bikes for hire in the trails for off-road wheelchairs, adapted National Park bikes for people with disabilities, plus a n 10 new jobs and at least 22 others cabin for bike storage, maintenance, and safeguarded. base for instructors. n The funding has also enabled us to 2 provide grants so far of more than Friends of Sway Station £480,000 to 20 local organisations to Over £7,500 to help fund 10 cycle racks improve cycling facilities and routes. at Sway rail station, an information board and leaflets highlighting cycling and Projects this year have included: walking routes from the station.

1. Beaulieu to Buckler’s 4. Forest Leisure Hard cycle route Cycling, Burley Cycling projects manager John Lynn with Grants totalling nearly £50,300 to Buckler’s Hard characters mark a 10-year expand the cycle hire centre, replace the agreement with the Beaulieu Estate. 3 delivery van, and buy additional Cyclists are now able to ride a two-mile hire bikes. footpath from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard, where ships for Nelson’s navy were built. With our £20,000 funding, the 5. Burley Parish Council route was repaired and resurfaced by the Over £1,400 towards cycle racks in Burley. Beaulieu Estate. Hampshire County Council 2. Family Cycling Campaign (Keyhaven Marshes) Families enjoyed cycle hire discounts, £12,000 towards resurfacing part of the 5,000 free activity packs and 1,000 ‘I’m 4 seawall path at Keyhaven Marshes. More a forest friendly cyclist’ badges in May than 60,000 cyclists and walkers use this 2014. Nearly 4,000 people viewed the section annually. campaign video.

Forestry Commission 6. Cottage Lodge Hotel, £140,000 funds to improve the network Brockenhurst of off-road cycle tracks maintained by Over £7,700 towards bikes and tandems the Forestry Commission. Improvements for guests at Cottage Lodge to hire, on five of the seven tracks have been particularly during peak holiday times completed this year. when demand can exceed supply at local 5 cycle hire companies. Applemore College, Dibden Purlieu Royal Oak, Fritham Nearly £2,300 towards bike racks, Over £9,000 provided a new bike storage cycle storage and a cycle hire scheme. unit and shower facilities for students and staff to help them cycle to College.

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Far left: Marque member Pauline’s Pantry at the Christmas Fair Above from top: Christmas Fair; Marque members New Forest Oak and Howatt’s Hives (left) both at the fair Supporting New Forest food and crafts producers

We support the New Forest Marque local produce scheme, which has more than 120 members producing and selling locally-sourced food, drink and crafts.

The high quality of Marque produce has been There was also success for member Cyril’s Soap recognised over the last year with several Shed in the Country Landowners Association and prestigious awards. New Forest National Park Authority Awards. Owner Catherine Shutler was named Best Supporter At the Hampshire Life Food and Drink Awards of Local Produce. The year ended with national four members walked away as winners: recognition for Kerry Witt, owner of Chocolate n Food Product of the Year by Miss Witt, who triumphed at the Academy of Oak Smoked Pate from New Forest Smokery and Chocolate Awards, taking home an award for her Trout Farm, Fordingbridge sea salt caramel chocolate. n New Forest Marque Award We helped organise and promote the two-day Hatchett Herd of Pedigree Dexters, Beaulieu Christmas Fair which saw over 7,000 shoppers enjoy more than 90 stalls of local crafts and produce at n Customer Service Award Hoburne Bashley holiday park, New Milton. Rosie Lea Tea House & Bakery, Brockenhurst n Hampshire Food Hero Mike Smales from Lyburn Farmhouse Cheesemakers.

26 PROSPER Working with businesses

Planning and Transport Conference Key decision makers in the New Forest debated how to balance the impact of economic growth whilst protecting the unique character of the Forest, at the first New Forest Business Partnership Planning and Transport Conference, held at Hangar Farm Arts Centre, Totton, in October. Crucial planning policy and transport developments were outlined by speakers including our Executive Director of Strategy and Planning, Steve Avery. Left to right: Rob Dewing (NFBP Chairman); Chris Elliott (New Forest District Council); Stuart Irvine (Turley Associates); Steve Avery (New Forest National Park Authority); Barry Olorenshaw (New Forest Business New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards Partnership) WP Group, a fuel and lubricant New Forest Brilliance in Business specialist with expertise in fuel Awards, which took place for heating, aviation, marine and at Carey’s Manor Hotel in motorsport, won the prestigious November 2014. New Forest Business of the Year Back Row L-R: Steve Vigar (Silclear); Award as well as claiming the New Matthew Lawson (Escape Yachting); Forest National Park Authority The Hon. Ralph Montagu; Harriet Sustainable Business Award. Phillips (WP Group); Bernadette Mills (Bluebird Care (New Forest)), Chris Harriet Phillips from the Hardley- Tabb (Burley Fudge) based company received the Front Row L-R: Sophie Gates (Sophie’s top prize from the Hon. Ralph Pet Care); Sian Smith (WP Group); Montagu of Beaulieu, President Alison Slingo (Paw’s Deli) of awards organiser The New Forest Business Partnership, at the

‘At WP Group, sustainability isn’t just an initiative but a company-wide commitment to ensuring future generations are not compromised by the actions we take today.’ Harriet Phillips, WP Group Marketing Manager

‘The high standard of entries to the awards again highlights the quality of business and innovation taking place within the New Forest, making it such an exciting Working with landowners place to do business.’ A joint meeting was held with the CLA (Country Land and Business Association) at New Forest Business Partnership Chairman, the Hinton estate in April 2014 to discuss Rob Dewing current land management issues and planning reforms, and to hear CLA members’ input. CLA landowners view renewable energy initiatives at the Hinton Estate

27 28 Achieving excellence

Highland Cattle © Henry Szwinto 29 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE Championing the New Forest at a regional and national level

Environment Minister Lord de Mauley visited The New Forest National Park is among our greatest the New Forest during natural assets, and a huge contributor to the local National Parks Week and economy and tourism industry, which is why it’s saw a showcase of life in important to celebrate its success. I’m grateful to the the National Park. local businesses, farmers and forest authority officials

Lord de Mauley heard about who I met at the show to discuss how we can protect our work to encourage green this unique environment and grow our rural economy transport in the Forest, reducing car journeys while helping to to help boost opportunities for the local community.’ protect the iconic landscape. Natural Environment and Science Minister Lord de Mauley He met business and community leaders who support National Park projects such as the New Forest Tour.

Environment Minister Lord de Mauley (centre) with New Forest National Park Authority Member Julian Johnson and Chief Executive Alison Barnes at the New Forest Show, Brockenhurst

30 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

Working with partners National Trust Director General Dame Helen Ghosh met key stakeholders at the New Forest Centre for a discussion about the future direction of the Trust and working in partnership across the New Forest. Dame Helen and National Trust colleagues were then taken on a tour of New Forest projects including: a visit to Keyhaven to discuss planning; Pilley to see an affordable housing scheme; Above: National Trust DG Dame Helen Hatchet Pond to hear Ghosh (second bottom right) meets New about a scheme to Forest organisations improve the water Right: National Trust visit at Hatchet quality of rivers and Pond Beaulieu streams; and Beaulieu to find out about the heritage project capturing the history of World War II in the National Park.

Engaging with online communities There was a 45% increase in Our YouTube channel now has website visitors this year thanks 42 films, many of which are to more referrals from our social produced in-house, and saw a media channels, new content 618% increase in views. Nearly such as walking routes which saw 10,000 people have liked our a 378% increase in page visits, Facebook page (a 240% increase and digital campaigns. this year) with our community sharing messages about reducing We also updated our suite of animal accidents, litter, not forms and online guidance notes feeding New Forest animals, on our website to help residents and other ‘caring for the Forest’ and developers before they apply campaigns. for planning permission. Commoner Genette Byford daughter Yasmin Cook grandson 92% of website survey Sam Cook with Doll the donkey. Doll’s snowy-white daughter respondents said they were Jo-Jo was knocked down and killed in Brockenhurst. The story satisfied with the service. reached 32,000 people on Facebook % of website survey respondents were 92 satisfied with the service 31 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE Celebrating New Forest champions

‘The Young Commoners group aims to inspire the next generation to keep the ancient tradition of commoning in the New Forest alive. Running the group takes plenty of hard work, so to have this recognised by the award is a genuine honour.’ Commoner Lyndsey Stride

People who have shown real dedication and commitment to the New Forest National Park were celebrated at a joint awards ceremony with the Country Landowners Association (CLA).

Presented at the New Forest Show by the Chief Executive of VisitEngland James Beresford, the winners were: Young Farmer / Commoner Lyndsey Stride Lyndsey Stride receives her New Forest National Park Authority/ Best Supporter of Local Produce CLA award from VisitEngland Chief Exec James Beresford Catherine Shutler, owner of Cyril’s Soap Shed Sustainability Champion Margaret Richens from Milford Community Centre Agricultural Building Designer Wendy Perring on behalf of Warborne Farm.

Working towards sustainability National Park Authorities report their Greenhouse Gas emissions following Defra Guidelines. Monitoring emissions allows us to identify areas for improvement. Data is collected from staff mileage claims, train ticket bookings, fleet records and energy bills. Overall there was an increase in emissions by 2.51 tonnes of CO2e in 2014-2015, a rise of 1%. 17% of staff regularly commute to work car-free by walking, cycling or using the train. To encourage staff to access work sustainably we provide cycle parking, lockers and showers. 50% of staff took part in the commuter challenge saving 1.3 tonnes of CO2 and 90 miles were cycled on the national Cycle To Work Day.

32 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

A team from B&Q – one of our corporate partners – helps with woodland coppicing

Securing savings and efficiencies

With a 40% cut in real terms in our Defra budget over the past four years, we are focussed on finding new ways to generate income and savings.

We have been successful in selling our expertise including ecology, trees and archaeology to other organisations and buying in support services such as HR and finance from neighbouring public sector organisations. We are currently finalising service level agreements on building conservation and GIS mapping services and this means we will have the highest level of service level agreements of any of the National Park Authorities in the UK.

New Forest National Park tree officer Liz Beckett helps collect beech seeds with Simon Kallow, Kew’s UK National Tree Seed project officer. These and other seeds will be included in Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank % to ensure that the species is safe for the future. cut in our budget 40 over four years 33 34 Financial report

An abundance of colour © Mark Couper

35 REPORTS Financial Information

We are continuing to see We received around: significant reductions in our core National Park Grant from Defra £3.1 million from Defra which equated to a further 8% £341,000 in statutory fees for planning and related cut this year (£288,000). applications The savings were successfully achieved through increasing £155,000 for shared services with other Local use of shared services, an Authorities (trees, ecology, rangers and administration) internal staffing review and restructure and other general £22,000 interest on our investments cost efficiencies. We also utilised £3,000 from our reserves and £75,000 in other income generation (such as talks, generated substantial external guided walks, New Forest Tour advertising and charging partnership funding to ease the of expert advice) impacts on services and delivery; on average, for every £1 we contributed to joint projects, it Significant external funding totalling £1.2m generated a further £13 from was secured for the Forest, including: partner organisations. £448,000 from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund £293,000 for New Forest Family Cycling Experiences £161,000 for the Our Past, Our Future: Landscape Partnership Scheme £112,000 from the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme £50,000 for the New Forest Remembers – untold stories of WWII project £42,000 to support the New Forest Local Produce £35,000 for the New Forest Land Advice Service £30,000 for the Community Wildlife Plans project Plus many more smaller projects.

36 REPORTS

2014-15 Net Expenditure

15% Conservation of the Natural Environment

19% Development Control*

14% Corporate and Democratic Core

10% Conservation of Cultural Heritage

3% Rangers, Estates & Volunteers

6% Recreation Management & Transport

15% Promoting Understanding

18% Forward Planning and Communities *Also includes enforcement and the tree service

37 38 Relaxing by the pool

39 Contact us We welcome your views and comments about This document is available this Annual Review or any other aspect of our performance or services. For regular updates, please in other formats such as sign up to our email newsletter via our website. large print, Braille, or any Write to us at: alternative language. New Forest National Park Authority Lymington Town Hall With thanks to our photographers who Avenue Road support our work with free images: Lymington www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/photographers Hampshire SO41 9ZG

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