The New Forest National Park Authority is the eighth national park in England, the first in the south-east of England and the first to be created for nearly 50 years.
The National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire - from east of the Avon Valley to Southampton Water and from the Solent coast to the edge of the Wiltshire chalk downs.
It took up its full powers in April 2006 and its purposes are:
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To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park, and
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To promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities
In addition, the National Park has a duty to foster the social and economic well-being of communities within it.
The New Forest has long been recognised as a special and important area that needs protection. National Park designation means the strongest possible level of protection for the future which is especially important in the south and south-east where development pressures are intense and on the increase.
