New Forest National Park Authority Annual Review 2013 – 2014 Julian Lewis MP, Alison Barnes CEO, Julian Johnson Chairman, at New Forest Volunteer Fair 2014 Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s statement This year has seen us successfully attracting additional funding from a range of sources to boost our role in protecting the New Forest.

Of particular note is that for the Forest, through lessons, following our application to the campaigns and events, with a Heritage Lottery Fund a £2.9 website of resources for teachers million Landscape Partnership currently being developed. Scheme grant has been As a National Park we work to earmarked for the New Forest ensure key decision-makers and a and match-funding will take this national audience are aware of the to £4.5 million. The scheme will Forest and the issues we are trying work to ensure the National Park to tackle. We have had a number is fit to face future challenges. of opportunities this year and We are now in the ‘development have made an impact in terms of phase’ – working with 10 planning reforms and also bringing organisations to develop specific stories about the Forest during projects, and will hear in September war-time to an international and 2015 if the money will be allocated. national audience. This continues to enable us to put the Forest Continuing the theme of and its issues centre-stage on a protecting the Forest for the national level. future, our education team is focussed on bringing the wonder We would like to thank all our of the New Forest to the next partners, staff and members for a generation. They are embedding successful year, with much work the Forest in the national ahead to continue to protect and curriculum so lessons can take enhance this world-class landscape. place in the New Forest. Nearly Julian Johnson, Chairman 9,000 children this year have heard Alison Barnes, Chief Executive about how they can help care

This2 page: Red stag at Holm Hill © Joe Constable Front page photos – clockwise from top: walking at Bolton’s Bench, Lyndhurst; keeled skimmer dragonfly; ride the Beach Bus; our tree service was exceptionally busy in the 2013/14 storms. About us p6

Protect p9

Enjoy p19

Prosper p27

Achieving excellence p33

Financial information p37

3 The New Forest National Over 900 years old Park in numbers 1079: William the Conqueror creates his Royal Hunting Ground or ‘Nova Foresta’ and marks 10,000 the start of Forest Law hectares of heathland – the most extensive Land use: area of this habitat 39% remaining in Europe woodland

75% of the boggy valley mires in north-western Europe (90 out of 120) 235km of public 4 footpaths railway stations 214 Scheduled Ancient Monuments 37 parishes 13,500,000 visitor days/year Home to Over 500 17 out practising commoners of18 UK bat species

5,120 ponies 339 Over 9,000 pigs animals graze the Forest (2013):

4 220 Over 1,000 square miles ancient and veteran trees – the highest concentration in western Europe 34% Open Forest

25% 2% farmland coast

56% of the National Park is 15 designated of international million 2,300 value for nature conservation businesses people (a ‘world capital’ for wildlife) within a 90 622 minute listed buildings journey 34,500 residents

38,000 hectares (67%) covered by the historic ‘perambulation’ where commoners’ animals roam free

165 3,491 donkeys cattle 113 sheep

5 ABOUT US About the New Forest National Park Authority

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

Pembrokeshire Coast Brecon Beacons

Right: National Parks, Exmoor Britain’s breathing spaces South Downs Contains Ordnance Survey data. © Crown copyright and database right 2011 New Forest © Cairngorms National Park Authority 0 50 100 200 © Scottish Government Dartmoor © Exmoor National Park Authority Kilometres

6 ABOUT US Our members

Local authority appointees

David Harrison, Edward Heron Ian Hibberd, Maureen Holding, Penny Jackman Julian Johnson, Deputy Chairman of Deputy Chairman Chairman of Chairman of the the Resources, Audit of the Standards the Standards Authority 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 Phil Marshall Alex Neill John Pemberton, Marian Spain Judith Webb Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the Deputy Chairman Resources, Audit of the Authority and Performance Committee

Parish appointees Our 22 members are the people n 12 are appointed by the with overall responsibility for county, district, and borough making decisions. They are councils with land within the responsible for setting our National Park strategy, our policies and n six are appointed by the priorities, ensuring efficient, Secretary of State for effective use of resources and that Environment, Food and money is well spent. It is their job Sally Arnold Richard Frampton Rural Affairs to represent the interests of the National Park and to balance out n four are selected from the any conflicting pressures. Parish Councils within the National Park.

Clive Maton John Sanger

7

Protect p9

Forest River ©Joe Constable PROTECT How we used our planning powers to protect the Forest

Planning is a vital tool for managing the impact of development Built heritage on landscape and biodiversity and a key part in conserving all that We published a building design guide and an online toolkit of is special about the New Forest. good design case studies to give Planning reforms We were therefore very guidance to property owners pleased when the Government and architects on how they can Part of our work involves announced that this new help protect the unique built responding to Government planning rule would not apply environment of the Forest. consultations on proposed to protected landscapes like the changes to the planning system, We continue to work with parish New Forest, which coincided with especially those which are likely councils to help them produce the Planning Minister’s visit to the to affect the New Forest. plans for their areas to promote New Forest in March. local distinctiveness. Three more So when the Government published Village Design Statements were proposals last year to allow farm Opinion formers adopted this year for Sway, Boldre buildings to change to housing Our planning work also has a and the parish of Ashurst and without planning permission, we Colbury, bringing the total to six. worked closely with other Forest key role to play in supporting organisations to make the case for local businesses and sustaining We held a planning tour for a National Park exemption. Our rural communities. We invited our Members to view high worry was that in an area like the the Planning Minister to visit the quality and recently completed New Forest, there would be a real Forest to show how we’re open developments around the Forest impact on the landscape, the rural for business whilst protecting and share good practice on economy and future provision of what is special about the Forest. design in our special landscape. affordable housing.

‘I was delighted to visit the New Forest and see the work the National Park is doing to protect this part of the country in a way that allows communities to thrive. They are showing how it’s possible to support businesses that will provide much-needed jobs in a way that safeguards the magical landscape of the New Forest.’ Planning Minister Nick Boles MP

Sway Village Design statement

Planning Minister Nick Boles (centre) at Beaulieu

10 PROTECT

Hatchet Pond © Luke Parkinson

Planning applications most cases were resolved by agreement, we took We provide pre-application advice ‘We want to ensure the right swift enforcement action to planning applicants, working where necessary. scheme is developed for the to achieve the best possible development schemes for both right place and which will applicants and the New Forest Shaping regional ensure the Forest is a living landscape and communities. policy and planning and working landscape for n Over 87% of planning We have been working to link applications were approved in with the strategies and plans generations to come. With for other areas and making sure n 79% of applicants were either the help of pre-application that new development planned very satisfied or fairly satisfied in neighbouring authorities takes planning advice, over 80% with the planning service account of the Forest’s special of applications have been n All small scale and large scale environment. This often involves major planning applications providing for additional green approved this year.’ were processed within 13/16 space close to new planned National Park Chairman Julian Johnson weeks respectively; 88% of developments to help off-set householder and 74% of minor further recreational pressures on applications were processed the New Forest. within eight weeks. Protecting the New Enforcement Forest’s trees planning controls Our tree team provided an Following consultation, we exceptional service during the published our Local Enforcement storms in late 2013/early 2014, Plan – setting out the responding to record levels of calls enforcement powers available as a result of the unprecedented to the National Park Authority, weather and issuing over 160 how to best resolve breaches of notices for work to protected planning control, and the most trees, compared to 30 in the common type of breaches we same period the previous year. of% planning deal with. The team also manned the phone lines over Christmas and led applications We followed up on developments on getting information out to Over were approved which had not complied with residents through the local media. planning permissions and whilst 87 11 PROTECT How we protected and enhanced the New Forest landscape and supported commoning

Two major schemes – one focussed on the core Crown lands and one around the edges of the National Park – will ensure the Forest is protected for the future. We have supported and driven aspects of the Higher Level Stewardship scheme and are now hoping to secure funding for areas outside the open Forest. These major schemes will enable us to work at the landscape scale, rather than having to focus on small areas in isolation.

New Forest National Park map showing areas under different funding schemes Key:

Land in the Higher Level Stewardship scheme;

Land earmarked for Landscape Partnership Scheme funding

Not to Scale; © Crown Copyright and Database Right 2014. Ordnance Survey 1000114703. Our Past, Our Future – The projects aim to: with the Verderers and Forestry Commission to restore habitats, n restore lost habitats landscape partnership support commoning, protect scheme n develop Forest skills archaeology and inform the next generation about the New The Heritage Lottery Fund n inspire a new generation to Forest way of life. The scheme announced £2.9m was earmarked champion and care for the relates to the Crown lands in the for the National Park after New Forest. we applied for a Landscape centre of the National Park and Partnership grant. We are now This scheme relates to land covers 20,000 hectares of open in the development phase of the around the edges of the national heathland unequalled in Europe project and we are hopeful that park, linking the core Crown for the complexity and range of with match-funding bringing lands with surrounding farm land. fauna and flora. the total to £4.5m, we will be Highlights of the work led by in a position to lead 10 partner Higher Level our staff this year include: organisations in delivering a range of projects to make the Forest fit Stewardship scheme Historic environment: Worth £19m of European funding to face future challenges. n 13 monuments were restored over 10 years, this scheme is back into favourable condition the largest in England. We work

12 PROTECT n 7,640 hectares (nearly 19,000 national identity, but as thriving acres) was surveyed by Lidar – rural economies contributing laser scanning from a plane – to national prosperity and to discover new archaeological wellbeing through their special features and help plan the qualities. English National Parks wetland restoration programme contribute between £4.1 – £6.3bn to the economy through n 175 volunteer days were economic activity within their undertaken towards the project boundaries. That’s equivalent to over the last year and a number the UK aerospace industry. In the of these volunteers were given New Forest, 2,330 businesses certificates in recognition of generated £0.6 – £1bn Gross their contribution. Value Added in 2012. Education: The launch of the new roof and other improvements n 2,248 children aged seven to Rockford Farm at the Beaulieu Road Salesyard 16 benefited from a total of 48 We worked with Hampshire The completion of the roof was visits to the New Forest led by County Council and others to the final stage of a range of our staff and the New Forest buy nearly 16 acres of land improvements at the Salesyard Centre team. at Rockford Farm north of which New Forest organisations hope will provide a boost for the Landscape: Ringwood. This will provide back-up grazing for Forest ancient practice of turning out n We are producing an advisory livestock and help support ponies on to the Forest. leaflet giving guidance on the future of commoning. The previous improvements boundaries for properties facing included the installation of mains the open Forest. Landscape Action Plan water and mains electricity, Bird surveys: Following extensive consultation providing wash-down facilities, toilets and removable lighting to n We worked with contractors with residents, we published a bring the yard up to modern health to complete a survey of the Landscape Action Plan which and safety and trading standards. breeding population of the considers key themes that may rare nightjar. Results show affect the New Forest landscape The funds came from the New that numbers have remained and suggests ways of managing Forest Higher Level Stewardship relatively stable since the them, alongside a series of (HLS) scheme, the New Forest previous survey 10 years ago. Landscape Character Assessment National Park Authority that identifies its special qualities. and a range of other Forest n We started to plan surveys of A Landscape Action Plan working organisations. woodlark, Dartford warbler and group is being convened with breeding waders – bird species local stakeholders to take this under threat and for which the work forward. New Forest is a stronghold. ‘Commoning has been Issues addressed include conserving tranquillity and dark instrumental in shaping the Valuing the night skies, the impacts of climate Forest landscape and wildlife National Park change, integrating settlements, n We promoted the role of the roads and access provision and habitats and also its cultural New Forest National Park future woodland management. history. The continuation and the surrounding 20km, The plans also look at what has of commoning is the only a so called ‘Green Halo’, in defined the historic character of providing economic and social the New Forest landscapes and sustainable way of maintaining benefits for people. These villages, in order to better preserve the nature conservation value ‘ecosystem services’, such as their qualities, and the features flood alleviation and health and that make them unique. and landscapes of the Forest. wellbeing, have been mapped It is therefore important to and will help guide initiatives to protect the Park and Beaulieu Road develop the sales yard so surrounding area. Salesyard that it is fit for use for future n We helped compile and The historic sales yard for New generations.’ publicise a National Parks Forest commoners’ ponies was England report, ‘Valuing brought up to date thanks to a New Forest Livestock Society Chairman England’s National Parks’, final £48,000 investment for a Lucinda Lang which shows the importance of new roof from the New Forest National Parks not just as iconic RDPE (Leader) Programme. landscapes and part of our

13 PROTECT How we worked to protect wildlife

Studland Common We worked with the local ‘We are so lucky in Milford to have an area of unimproved community to introduce grazing grassland which is rich in wild flowers. This type of habitat cattle to the Common at Milford on Sea for the first time in 60 years. is one of the most threatened in the UK and we are Dexter cows – the smallest British anxious to increase and improve the area that we have.’ breed of cattle – will help manage Anne Jenks, Milford Conservation Volunteers Chair scrub, encourage species-rich grassland, improve the landscape and wildlife of the area and provide more space for walking on the Common.

Community wildlife plans Seven local communities recorded, mapped and conserved wildlife in their local area as part of our Community Wildlife Plans Project. We helped Hordle, Landford, Godshill, Wellow, Marchwood, Milford-on-Sea and New Milton set up groups of volunteers and experts to create an action plan for their areas and establish groups to do the work.

Wildlife Forum Studland Common We brought together over 70 wildlife specialists from the New Forest and surrounding areas to Nightjar survey look at ways of making Forest habitats bigger, better and more We oversaw a survey funded by joined up. the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme to see how the rare The New Forest Wildlife Forum nightjar bird population is faring. saw representatives from local The New Forest is a vital habitat wildlife organisations discussing for one of our most mystical their ongoing work to help summer visitors, following historic improve the extent and quality of declines in the rest of the UK. local habitats and provide habitat Results show that nightjars are links to the area surrounding the returning to the New Forest in National Park. good numbers each spring from the wintering grounds in Africa with 550 breeding males recorded, endorsing the importance of the conservation work being funded by the HLS scheme.

Right from top: The rare nightjar; Nightjar survey in progress

14 PROTECT How we worked with landowners

Above: Land Advice Service team: Georgie Watson, Julie Stubbs, Angela Peters and Rhys Morgan Top right: Heavy horses at Roydon Woods, Brockenhurst Right: Hedgelaying at Walhampton, Lymington

The New Forest Land They used one-ton Percheron draft horses to clear timber ‘My family has been in the New Advice Service from wooded sites which are The Land Advice Service provides often inaccessible for modern Forest for many generations and training, grants advice and machinery. The horses also cause it has long been a dream of mine support to landowners and less damage to the soil. managers in and around the to contribute in some way to National Park to help them the continued close relationship manage their land for the benefit Hedgelaying tips of the environment. We host the Courses run by the New Forest between the Forest and its Service as a joint project with Land Advice Service were aimed inhabitants. ‘With this in mind the Hampshire and Isle of Wight at providing members of the Wildlife Trust and Verderers. This commoning community with the it is my plan to move into some year 118 land managers and skills needed to maintain their area of woodland management commoners received help. The own hedges. Managing hedges Service organised 10 training using traditional techniques and this course was invaluable events attended by 277 people. instead of mechanical methods for widening my skills.’ encourages vigorous regrowth and ensures hedges live longer. Trainee James Humphries, Heavy horses help Mechanically managed hedges from Ashurst Bridge Landowners and managers took can develop gaps at their base part in a course to learn how the through which livestock can pass, traditional skill of heavy horse further damaging the hedge. logging is beneficial for woodland.

15 PROTECT How we used new technology to protect the historic environment

‘This has improved our knowledge of the history and archaeology of the New Forest exponentially. There is so much more for us to be looking at and we are far from having the whole picture, but as a way of moving forward it’s really exciting.’ Lawrence Shaw, Heritage Mapping Officer

More than 3,500 new archaeological sites have Top left: Heritage Mapping and Data Officer Lawrence Shaw (left) and been discovered in the New Forest National Park, volunteers use Lidar data to survey thanks to high-tech laser mapping technology. archaeology Top right: Lidar image of Bronze Age barrow at Beaulieu Heath Using images beamed back by Bronze Age burial mounds and a Centre: Aerial photo of Iron Age hill fort lasers from aircraft, this Lidar World War II decoy-bombing site. (light detecting and ranging) Bottom: Lidar image of Iron Age hill fort Over the next seven years, with technique has helped our the help of volunteers we will researchers find previously check all the sites on the ground unrecorded sites and monuments. and work to preserve them. These include an Iron Age fort,

16 PROTECT New Forest tree expert retires after nearly 30 years

The New Forest National Park’s Senior Tree Officer Bryan Wilson has retired after nearly 30 years protecting trees in the New Forest.

Bryan’s first role in the area was they help conserve water, they as head of the tree team at New provide us with shelter, fodder Forest District Council just two for cattle, food for humans, weeks after the Great Storm of charcoal for fire – everything that 1987 had hit. established modern civilisation comes from trees. Then there is the ‘I arrived to 400 handwritten notes wildlife that lives in them and the on my desk to deal with and it fascinating world of fungi that until meant I travelled all round the recent years we have had very little district so I got to find my way appreciation for. Fungi live utterly around quickly,’ he said. in association with trees without the most startling tree feature Retiring New ‘I had been working for the Royal which the trees can’t survive and within the New Forest is the 1km Forest National Borough of Kensington and the the fungi can’t survive.’ long avenue of limes leading Park Authority Senior Tree Officer London Borough of Sutton before down to Hale Park, which is totally The relationship and interaction Bryan Wilson that and wanted to get out of the man-made and a few hundred between people and the Forest visits one of the capital and what better place than years old. Elsewhere, the ancient oldest trees in over thousands of years has its the New Forest?’ oak and beech look spectacular. the New Forest benefits and challenges, Bryan said. The Forest has been preserved as – a 1,000-year- Bryan moved to the New Forest old yew at St ‘We are in an area of extraordinary such deliberately by man for a very National Park Authority when it Nicholas Church, historical interest – the landscape long time – long before William was set up in 2006 and the role Brockenhurst has been preserved in a manner the Conqueror designated it as came full circle in 2012 when he where other parts of the country his New Forest in 1079. So it has and his team began providing tree have not and so has a ring of a number of extraordinary facets services for the District Council as continuity about it,’ he said. ‘The which are unique as they are all well as the Authority. Forest has the whole panoply of found here together.’ Their latest challenge was the environment – from valley mires to Chairman of the National Park’s recent series of storms and floods heathland, ancient woodland and Planning Committee Pat Wyeth, when the team had to issue coniferous woodland. who is also a District Councillor, 160 notices for urgent work to ‘Trees have suffered every pest and said: ‘I have known Bryan for protected trees in the four months disease since time immemorial but many years. His love of trees and between October 2013 and nature has a way of dealing with commitment to detail has served January 2014 as a direct result of adversity – we might not have him well. One could always the bad weather, compared to elms for a hundred years... but the have confidence in his decisions, 30 notices in the same period the main threat is the pressure from whether it was a major issue or previous year. people living in, working in and small garden tree. I would like to The New Forest is believed to visiting the Forest and the myriad take this opportunity to thank him have the greatest concentration of conflicting priorities.’ for his many years of service and of ancient and veteran trees in wish him well for the future.’ Much of Bryan’s role has been western Europe, although only about negotiating with landowners Bryan has worked with 10 different half the National Park is woodland. and householders to get the best tree officers during his roles in Bryan’s role has included helping for them and for trees. the New Forest. Nik Gruber, who people understand more about the worked with him for 10 years in Forest through exhibitions, walks He said: ‘The most satisfying the 1990s at the District Council, and talks, plus visits from foreign aspect of the job is when you now takes over his role as Senior national parks keen to learn about persuade someone who originally Tree Officer. the New Forest experience. saw trees as just a nuisance and expense that there are other In retirement Bryan will continue ‘We are always learning something options and that they then actually his role as Church Warden for St new about trees,’ he said. ‘The quite like trees and even might Nicholas Church in Brockenhurst, extraordinary connections that plant some in the future.’ which is believed to have one of trees have with every aspect of life the oldest trees in the Forest – a you can possibly think of – climate Bryan is clear about his favourite 1,000-year-old yew. change, they breathe out oxygen, trees in the New Forest. ‘I think 17 18 Enjoy p19

Natural carpet, woodlands © Matt Wardle 19 ENJOY How we helped people to learn more about caring for the Forest

Bringing the wonders Mosaic project to provide skills a litter or dog bin. It also says and opportunities for young dogs should be under control and of the New Forest to a people in the New Forest. not allowed to approach or chase new generation livestock, deer or other wildlife. The initiative provides a way We worked with the Geography for 16 to 25-year-olds to get Advisor from Hampshire County involved in National Parks across Caring for the Forest Council’s Education Service and the England, using them to improve Our rangers spoke with over New Forest Primary Headteachers their health and employability 14,300 people throughout the Group to develop a New Forest and get a bigger say in decisions year about the National Park’s Curriculum for local schools. that are made in National Parks. special qualities, attending events Children across the New Forest ‘Young champions’ learnt new and assisting with campaigns are now using the National Park skills and helped with footpath to prevent litter, reduce animal as an outdoor classroom, for case maintenance, bird identification, accidents, encourage responsible studies and in their lessons. New regular volunteering at the dog walking, help protect school sessions in Maths, English, Countryside Education Trust and ground-nesting birds and A level Biology and Physics linked attended a residential event at discourage people from feeding to the National Curriculum have Exmoor National Park with Mosaic and petting commoners’ animals. already been developed with young champions from other A new twitter account – schools and are being used. national parks. @NewForestRangers – has been Top: Window launched, allowing rangers sticker The first New Forest Curriculum Below: Craig to advertise their events and Conference, which we facilitated, New hotline cards Burnett at the locations plus tweeting messages Youth Mosaic was attended by headteachers, for responsible dog about caring for the Forest. launch governors and teachers from owners 17 local schools. All delegates requested a similar conference In collaboration with the New next year. We started work on a Forest Dogs Forum we produced New Forest Curriculum website of hotline cards and window stickers teaching resources. with information designed to encourage responsible dog Our education officers and walking. The campaign aims to rangers led sessions for 8,923 help keep the forest clean of dog students from 105 education mess, protect Forest animals and establishments, as well as 48 birds, and provide a safe and preschool sessions for 1,244 considerate environment young children. for everyone. The code for dog walkers includes Supporting young picking up after their dog, people especially where people walk, We helped the Campaign for play, park or picnic, and taking National Parks to launch its Youth the bagged waste home or using

20 ENJOY How we encouraged volunteering in the National Park

Volunteers are central to many of our projects but also to life in the Forest in general. We organised the third Volunteer Fair with 30 organisations showcasing opportunities to volunteer and around 260 people attending the event, which was opened by Dr Julian Lewis MP. A celebration at Hurst Castle recognised the 940 days of work by nearly 100 volunteers contributing to our World War II project, while people who had helped with our Lidar archaeology project were presented with certificates at the Verderers Court in Lyndhurst. Clockwise from above: Volunteer Poster; Chatting at the volunteer fair How we celebrated the National Park’s special qualities A Date with Nature ExxonMobil at the Fawley Refinery and Park Culture Magazine to People were invited to make ‘a launch a joint open art competition date with nature’ to meet the New with a popular exhibition of the Forest’s most secretive inhabitants, winners throughout the summer. the goshawk. In a joint project with the RSPB, the Forestry New Forest Centre Manager Hilary Commission and Carnyx Wild Marshall: ‘We were overwhelmed the aim was to raise awareness by the response. Not only did we of these ‘silent phantoms’ of the have a tremendous number of New Forest that were once hunted pieces of artwork but it was all of to extinction. People could watch an incredibly high standard. There exclusive live footage from a really is a wealth of artistic talent in nest-cam of the birds feeding and the Forest and surrounding areas.’ rearing their chicks online and at the Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst Seasonal snaps where volunteers were available to explain more about the challenges In autumn and spring we launched that face these birds face. photo competitions on social media to celebrate the special Open art qualities of the New Forest National Park. Over 300 people The New Forest is world-renowned entered with images of landscapes, for its stunning landscape, picture ponies, wildlife and people postcard views and magnificent enjoying exploring the Forest. wildlife. To celebrate this unique place we teamed up with the New Top left: Female goshawk Left: Open art competition winner Forest Centre in Lyndhurst and Barry Peckham (second left)

21 ENJOY How we discovered untold stories of World War II

Over two years we set out to reveal and record The Forest provides a unique the incredible untold stories of World War II which snapshot of what World War II was like in Britain. This mass changed history – and the Forest. activity resulted in a long-lasting legacy for the people of the New Forest and the landscape itself.

5

1 2 6

3

7 4 8 9 10

Some of the Key: war-time activity in the 1. RAF Ibsley, one of the 6. Influx of evacuees at 9. Floating Mulberry Harbours New Forest 12 war-time airbases Lyndhurst School constructed at Lepe and troops embarked here for Not to Scale; © Crown 2. Ashley Lodge US military 7. Wilverley Plain planted with Copyright and Database D-Day invasion Right 2014. Ordnance personnel here crops – part of the Dig for Survey 1000114703. Victory effort 10. Needs Ore Advanced Landing 3. Spy schools hosted in private Ground – anti-aircraft gun site houses in the Beaulieu area 8. Beaulieu road block – ready which was excavated as part to be defended by the Home 4. Setley prisoner of war camp of the New Forest Remembers Guard in the event of an project. 5. Bomb testing at Ashley Walk invasion

22 ENJOY

With £750,000 funding from A digital online archive, the the Heritage Lottery Fund Interactive Portal, has been ‘I was coming home from and ExxonMobil at Fawley, created to make all the archaeologists and volunteers information available to the school one day when someone collected the memories of more public, with over 1,300 publicly- said our farmhouse had been than 130 military personnel, donated documents, maps, residents and prisoners of war, photos and audio interviews, accidentally hit. In fact the unearthing previously-unseen plus animated 3D reconstructions. bomb had fallen about 500 photos, secret documents and Educational resources and a yards away, but it blew out all maps, and surveying World War permanent exhibit at the New II archaeological sites from the Forest Centre have been created. the windows and it shook the air using lasers. There were 280 Archaeology has been discovered roof. The church next door was known World War II sites at the and recorded so plans can be start of the project and a further put in place to manage these also badly damaged.’ 1,000 archaeological features important sites. Edwina Bright, 78, from Bramshaw were discovered. Here are some of the New Forest Nearly 100 volunteers recorded Remembers stories which, thanks over 80 hours of oral histories to the project, have now been told. as well as taking part in archaeological field surveys to record and archive research.

TV historian unveils the people’s story of World War II

‘The story of places like Beaulieu, Buckler’s Hard and particularly the Second World War is of interest to us because it’s local history. But by quirk of fate and geography, what happened here in the New Forest matters not just for us but is globally significant. That’s what we’re here to celebrate today – the stories of these people, because they were playing their part in one of the greatest struggles against tyranny the world has ever seen.’ TV historian Dan Snow, who lives in the New Forest

BBC TV presenter and historian Dan Snow opened a new permanent exhibit at the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, which tells the people’s story of how the New Forest was turned into a military camp during World War II. Dan (centre) was joined at the opening in June 2013 by (from left to right) New Forest National Park Authority Chairman Julian Johnson and Chief Executive Alison Barnes and re-enactor Dale Johnson. As well as the permanent exhibit, a temporary exhibition in April 2013 attracted 9,000 visitors in four weeks – a record number for the Home Guard on parade © St Barbe Museum && Art Gallery, Lymington New Forest Centre.

23 ENJOY

Life in a New Forest Prisoner of War Camp

A scrap book of sketches, as well as seasonal greetings poems and Christmas greetings to each other. It also includes by German prisoners of war some photos of the 300 to 500 interned in a camp at Setley near prisoners held there from 1945 Brockenhurst was unearthed to 1947. thanks to the project. The book was given to the The unique collection includes German camp leader Max Mueller evocative sketches of the camp, who later settled in the New as well as four wooden figures Forest at the end of World War II carved for the main gate. and were donated to the project by Mr Mueller’s widow Molly and The camp originally housed Italian their son Mike. prisoners of war before German prisoners were moved in after He said: ‘It was a Christmas the Normandy landings in 1944. present from the prisoners in the Setley POW Camp sketch © Mueller Family The scrap book was compiled for camp to my father. He didn’t talk Christmas and includes etchings much about his time there, so it’s of camp life, snowy scenes remarkable to have this record.’

Secrets of the real ‘Dad’s Army’ revealed

Crofton – Hants 28 Battalion HG at HQ New Milton with Lieutenant Colonel Sir Morgan Crofton (front row, centre) © Crofton family

Re-enactor Dale Johnson, Hugh Crofton (one of Sir Morgan Crofton’s sons) and WWII project officer Gareth Own at Beaulieu

A scrapbook of top secret orders, and hindered an invading German letters and hand drawn maps force including machine gun by a war-time Home Guard posts, tank traps, road blocks, commander has revealed rare snipers and mine field. insights into the real ‘Dad’s Army’ Major Edward Crofton, from of the New Forest. Petersfield but who grew up in The scrapbook compiled by Brockenhurst, said: ‘A lot of the Lieutenant Colonel Sir Morgan documents in the book were Crofton was brought to light marked top secret so they probably by one of his sons, Major shouldn’t have been kept. But Edward Crofton. knowing my father I don’t think many would have questioned him It contains secret defence plans The Crofton scrapbook at the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu hoarding them. I’m very glad they and orders showing how the © Crofton family were not binned.’ 9th (Forest) and 28th (Bay) Battalion would have harassed

24 ENJOY

Scars of bouncing bombs discovered

The Grand Slam bomb crater and ‘sub pen’ (top left) at Ashley Walk © Crown Copyright

Our archaeologists used target building, nicknamed the innovative techniques to discover ‘sub pen’ by locals because of ‘When the Americans arrived the remains of a World War II its likeness to German target range where the biggest submarine pens. you couldn’t see across the bomb ever dropped by British After the war the structure Lymington River for all the forces was first tested. was buried, hidden from view landing craft. One of the Weighing 22,000 lbs, the underneath the landscape earthquake bomb Grand Slam for more than 60 years. As captains, Bob Horton, always was designed by bouncing bomb part of the project, a range of allowed us on board for a run inventor Barnes Wallis to penetrate geophysical survey techniques the ground and send shockwaves were used to discover what around and we had doughnuts to damage enemy bunkers. remains of the ‘Sub Pen’, confirm and fruit cocktails which we’d whether chambers inside still exist The tests at the Ashley Walk and whether the structure needs never had before. bombing range included a unique future conservation. ‘Then one night we heard this tremendous noise and when we looked the following morning all the planes from the airfield and all the ships in the river and Solent had all suddenly vanished. They’d all gone to Normandy.’ Terry Gittoes, 81, from Sarisbury Green, near Fareham

25 26 Prosper p27

New Forest heather © Mark Heighes 27 PROSPER How we worked to develop a wood fuel market

‘It was great to see Good Woods in action in Honeylake Woods and to see first-hand what a difference the project is making on the ground. The ultimate aim of Good Woods is to invigorate the current generation’s appreciation of trees and woods and realise the potential that British woodlands can play in all of our lives, both now and in the future.’ Julia Griffin, B&Q Corporate Social Responsibility

(Left to right): Julia Griffin, B&Q Corporate Social Responsibility; Georgianna Watson, New Forest Land Advice Service Advisor; Alison Barnes, New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive; Alistair Yeomans, Sylva Foundation Chief Operating Officer

We promote responsible woodland interest in wood fuel production New Forest Land Advice Service management, in particular for and biomass boilers. within the New Forest and the 40% of New Forest woods surrounding areas. Experts in the areas of wood which are privately-owned and fuel production and biomass Representatives from the Sylva unmanaged. boilers explained to delegates the Foundation and B&Q met local This will help the National Park’s opportunities and practicalities people carrying out coppicing and woodland become resilient to of wood as a renewable energy general woodland management disease and more productive, source; how coppicing for at one of the sites – Honeylake thereby boosting the wood fuel wood fuel can create thriving Wood, New Milton. market in the New Forest. Owners woodlands; and how the New of managed woods will then be Forest Marque can connect the able to provide a sustainable, wood fuel supply chain. local and carbon-neutral energy source, which will benefit local communities, habitats and wildlife. Celebrating Good Woods Harvesting Energy We marked the end of the Good Woods project in the New Forest conference which has seen eight woodlands We organised a day of talks, receiving help. walks, presentations and site visits The ground-breaking national attended by over 100 people to project brought together B&Q, encourage wood fuel production sustainability charity BioRegional in the New Forest National Park. and forestry charity The Sylva The ‘Harvesting Energy’ Foundation to revive woodlands conference was attended by local to provide environmental, social woodland owners, businesses, and economic benefits. The Bill Peach of Sway with foresters and those with an project was administered by the his wood pellet boiler.

28 PROSPER How we supported communities with funding

We launched the Sustainable The new Fund combines existing Communities Fund, to combine sustainable transport grant Since April 2006, the Sustainable our grant funds and make the schemes with the Sustainable Communities Fund has awarded application process easier. Development Fund (SDF). Up until 2014, the SDF supported projects The Sustainable Communities ranging from a woodlark survey Fund provides a one-stop shop for to community allotments and £1.45m projects that promote sustainable since April 2006: living and working within the n funded 132 projects of grants National Park, with grants n awarded £1.45m of grants available of up to £50,000 and n secured £3m from other sources 75% of a project’s cost. n benefitted 58,000 people. How we backed local producers Award-winning produce gains Royal approval

Christmas Fair 2013 The Earl of Wessex presents Jane Overall and Andy Alvis, of Setley Ridge Vineyard and Farm Shop, with an award for Best We fund and provide support Christmas Fair Supporter of Local Produce. The Countess of Wessex gave for the New Forest Marque Over 9,000 people supported Lee Winter the award for Best Young Commoner/Farmer. The scheme, which has 135 members inaugural Country Land & Business Association (CLA) and New local businesses at a Christmas ranging from food producers to Forest National Park Authority awards were presented at the Fair organised by the New Forest craftspeople, restaurants and retail New Forest Show. Marque – double the number outlets using New Forest produce. who attended the previous year. The scheme: Visitors were treated to over 100 n gives businesses a distinctive stalls of local crafts and produce, ‘New Forest’ banner under which a visit from Santa, carols from a to sell their goods and services brass band and the chance to buy their Christmas tree in the heart n helps customers identify quality of the New Forest National Park. New Forest produce Over 100 stalls at New Park, n encourages people to Brockenhurst, showcased local ‘buy local’ and reduce the crafts and produce. Businesses environmental impact of reported excellent trading with transporting food long some having to go back to base distances to re-stock. This year New Forest Marque members also won seven out of n helps sustain the New Forest’s the 11 categories in the Hampshire Life Food and Drink Awards. Marque member Naked Jam won the Sustainable Business local economy, supporting local Award, plus two others including Overall Winner at the New businesses and employment. Forest Business Partnership’s ‘Brilliance in Business Awards’ 29 PROSPER How we worked to bring superfast broadband to the Forest

The successful bid will make a huge difference to those selected rural parishes of the New Forest, who are too small to be commercially attractive and in danger of being left in a communications desert. A good broadband service will have a significant impact on the ability to conduct business and increasingly importantly the Beaulieu is one of the villages to benefit from the Rural Communities Broadband Fund delivery of social and public services. We helped parish councils to submit a successful We are hugely indebted to the New Forest funding bid which will result in around 2,200 properties and business premises in the National National Park Authority for their support Park gaining superfast broadband by the end and Hampshire County Council who have of 2015. The areas to benefit from this Rural Communities Broadband Fund are spread around done a magnificent job bringing together all 10 parishes, and speed in nearby areas will also be the detailed statistics for the overly complex improved markedly. Defra bidding process which would have Our partnership with Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council has resulted in been beyond the capacity of Parish Councils. new areas also being made available for State Chairman of Exbury and Lepe Parish Council Peter assistance for broadband by 2017 which otherwise Hayward-Broomfield would not have been included in the roll-out. How we encouraged people to travel car-free New travel services were New Forest Tour launched as part of Record numbers of residents our drive to encourage and visitors hopped on the New Forest Tour this year, with 40,000 370,000 people to get passenger journeys – up 32% on out of their cars and use 2012 figures. greener transport by the The open-top Tour was boosted end of March 2015, with by the good weather, increased marketing activity and the the aim of reducing the successful launch of a third ’blue impact of traffic on the route’ covering the south west of Forest. The initiatives the National Park. were supported in part The Tour now covers the entire National, Park, contributing by a £3.8m fund from over £600,000 a year to the the Department of local economy and saving over Transport. 350,000 private car miles. New Forest Tour blue route at Milford on Sea

30 PROSPER

Beach Bus Walking Festival In its first season the Beach Our first New Forest Walking Bus attracted nearly 6,000 Festival offered free or discounted passenger journeys during a for those who travelled by bus, five-week run during the school rail, bike or on foot. summer holidays. All but two of the 11 walks were The bus linked the Southampton- fully booked, with expert guides Hythe Ferry to the beach at featuring information on wildlife, Lepe Country Park, and called archaeology and local history. at popular stops such as Exbury 89% of walkers travelled car-free. Gardens, Buckler’s Hard, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu and Lymington. Beach Bus at Lepe Country Park

Travel Concierge We launched an innovative ‘New Forest Travel Concierge’ service with staff greeting over 2,000 visitors at Brockenhurst train station, guiding them onto car-free journeys and making recommendations about the best places to visit. NF Travel Concierge service based at Brockenhurst station New Forest Walking Festival poster

‘Being on the New Forest Tour new blue route has been great for both our guests and us as a company... It’s been fantastic for our guests looking to explore the area without having to use their cars, but we have also had great feedback from local families who Boost for family cycling have seen the Parks, Our innovative scheme for and generate income for local Family cycling and all we have to everyday family cycling in the New businesses as well as improve at Brockenhurst Forest was awarded £3.6m by cycling facilities and management offer, possibly for the Government, which will help for residents and visitors. The the first time.’ create jobs and provide a boost to proposed projects will promote the local economy. active family lifestyles, respect the Rosie Kennar, Chairman of sensitive character of the New Hoburne Holiday Parks The Department for Transport Forest and replace an estimated investment is expected to 127,000 car journeys with bike create more than 30 new jobs trips every year.

31 32 Achieving excellence p33

Warm sunset © Chris Balcombe 33 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE How we championed the Forest at a regional and national level

‘Preserving our country’s rich biodiversity is vitally important, not just for us, but for future generations. This is exactly the sort of project that will make this happen. I hope the New Forest National Park Authority will share their experience so that this time next year many similar projects will also be under way.’ Fisheries and Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP

NPA Chief Executive Alison Barnes, Environment Minister Richard Benyon, Bisterne Estate owner Hallam Mills

Leading on nature Commission, Natural England, Showcasing the Defra, National Farmers Union, conservation Country Landowners Association, rural economy We hosted a visit by the Areas of Outstanding Natural Farming Minister David Heath Environment Minister to meet Beauty, National Parks and visited our stand at the New national leaders in nature Wildlife and Countryside Link. Forest Show, to hear about our conservation. role in the rural economy. He They looked at the work the New praised the value of the New Richard Benyon MP joined the Forest Land Advice Service has Forest National Park in supporting England Biodiversity Stakeholder done with the Bisterne Estate to local businesses and in particular Group to tour the Bisterne Estate connect the habitats of the New the 130 members of the New near Ringwood. Forest with the Avon Valley to Forest Marque scheme, which The Group includes national benefit wildlife and to show how has helped create local jobs and representatives of the we are leading the way nationally gives businesses a distinctive ‘New Environment Agency, Forestry in this area. Forest’ banner to sell their goods.

‘National parks like the New Forest are some of the most treasured places in the country and 90 million people visit them every year to enjoy what they have to offer. This supports thousands of businesses, such as the New Forest Marque food producers, which is great for the local economy.’ Minister for Food and Agriculture David Heath MP

NPA Chief Exec Alison Barnes, Farming Minister David Heath, NPA Chairman Julian Johnson

34 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

‘I was delighted to welcome my colleague Nick Boles MP to the New Forest to meet with local members and see first-hand the vibrancy of the local economy and the way the National Park deals with planning issues. I know the meeting will help inform the Government’s approach to Planning for Supporting commoning Pony sales © Chris Balcombe protecting national the future We welcomed senior Defra official parks whilst Planning Minister Nick Boles and Sarah Hendry to the Forest and John Glen MP saw the thriving she attended the opening of the enabling them to and unique Forest economy and Beaulieu Road Salesyard roof, provide for future the role of National Park planning. which marked the final phase of the Salesyard upgrade. generations.’ The Minister visited Beaulieu Motor Museum and heard about MP for Salisbury John Glen other tourism businesses such as Liaising with other Limewood Hotel and the New National Parks Forest Tour open top bus. He saw We hosted a visit by all the buildings converted into offices National Park CEOs to the Forest including the Old Fire Station at to develop joint working and at Beaulieu, viewed a number of the same time experience the new developments in Lyndhurst Forest on an inclusive cycling and heard how we use planning session, plus meeting stakeholders to support the diverse economy. at a special screening of ‘Project Wild Thing’ – a film to encourage children outdoors swapping ‘screen time’ for ‘wild time’.

Project Wild Thing film poster

35 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE

Ponies at Swan Green

Discussions on Management Reaching new cycling events Plan review audiences We brought together over 20 A range of statutory organisations Our Facebook and Twitter organisations to form a Cycling have come together to consider channels have grown in reach Liaison Group to discuss how to take forward an update and engagement with 7,745 contentious mass cycling of the Management Plan for Twitter followers on our corporate events in the New Forest. The the New Forest, due in 2015. account and 2,920 Facebook Group developed a code for The existing Plan includes a likes. We also launched New responsible cycling in the New comprehensive long-term vision Forest Travel social media Forest and began work on a for the area and 10 objectives accounts and Twitter feeds for charter for event organisers. covering everything from the ranger team, archaeologists conserving the landscape and and education staff to help its wildlife to supporting local them reach specialist audiences. communities and the economy. Our monthly email newsletter is The update of the current version, received by 1,500 subscribers. which was published in 2010, Video is an increasingly will include an overview of what important tool in conveying our has been achieved over the past work and the special qualities of five years, a description of any the Forest and we are now major changes that have affected producing film clips in-house. the Forest during that time Our YouTube channel now has and renewed pledges to work had 22,500 views, up from 8,000 together in partnership for the in the summer. benefit of the Forest. How we worked with communities

We revised our document which We already use a wide range of sets out how we work with local methods to involve and update communities, organisations and local people and groups in the other interest groups. New Forest, including regular liaison meetings with all town and Like all planning authorities across parish councils within the National the country, we have a ‘Statement Park, hosting the Consultative of Community Involvement’ and Panel of 80 organisations to the new document updated a discuss local issues, using social 2007 version. media, and through eight Local It sets out how people can get Information Points across the involved in our work, including New Forest. developing local planning policies, the determination of planning applications and the preparation of other documents and strategies Sophie Countess of Wessex finds out about the in the National Park. New Forest landscape at the New Forest Show

36 Financial information p37

37 Hurst Lighthouse FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial Information

We are continuing to see We received around: significant reductions in our core National Park Grant from Defra £3.4 million from Defra which equated to a further 6% £227,000 in statutory fees for planning and related cut this year (£216,000); in total the savings required for 2013-14 applications were c£300,000. £123,000 for shared services with other Local The savings were successfully Authorities (trees, ecology, rangers and New Forest achieved through increasing use Trust) of shared services, an internal staffing review and restructure in £27,000 interest on its investments the Autumn and other general cost efficiencies. We also utilised £15,000 from income generation (such as talks, £50,000 from our reserves guided walks and sales) and generated very substantial external partnership funding to ease the impacts on services and delivery; on average, for every £1 Significant external funding was secured we contributed to joint projects, for the Forest, including: it generated a further £16 from partner organisations. £534,000 for New Forest Family Cycling Experiences £455,000 from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund £214,000 from the Higher Level Stewardship scheme £165,000 for the New Forest Remembers – untold stories of WWII project £61,000 for the New Forest Land Advice Service £40,000 to support New Forest Local Produce £30,000 for the Community Wildlife Plans project Plus many more smaller projects.

38 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2013-14 Net Expenditure

23% Development Control*

11% Corporate and Democratic Core

4% Rangers, Estates & Volunteers

6% Recreation Management & Transport

15% Promoting Understanding

15% Forward Planning and Communities

10% Conservation of Cultural Heritage

16% Conservation of the Natural Environment *Also includes enforcement, tree service and reception

39 Sunday heatwave 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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