Welcome to the New Forest
Covering 145 square miles the New Forest is a place of ancient history, fascinating wildlife and stunning beauty. Originally a royal hunting preserve, the thriving working forest that you see today has survived for nearly 1000 years.
Whether you live locally and want to know more about the area you live in, or you're coming to visit us from further afield, this website will tell you all you need to know about the cultural history, fascinating wildlife and stunning beauty of the New Forest. So read on, and make your visit to this beautiful area even more enjoyable!
New Forest Events 2012
We runs a number of Ranger led events throughout the year. For full details of our events please click here.
Events in MAY
Gliders and Typhoons - Saturday 19th May
Events in JUNE
Jubilee Picnic in the Queens House Gardens - Sunday 3rd June
Ashley Walk Explorer – Sunday 3rd June
Forest Explorer Pub Walk – Tuesday 12th June
Birdmen, Bleriot’s and Bombers – Saturday June 16th
Deer Watch at Dusk – Tuesday 26th June, Thursday 28th June
Commoning Walk - Wednesday 27th June
Forest Diary
The Forest Diary is a weekly contribution from the Forestry Commission. The Forest Diary, published weekly in the New Forest Post, aims to encourage readers to get out and enjoy the forest, demonstrate sustainable forest management and introduce local Forestry Commission staff.
Click here to see the latest and archived editions.
Volunteer Ranger Recruitment 2012
We are currently in the process of recruiting for Volunteer Rangers.
The Forestry Commission strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities who are interested in volunteering with the Forestry Commission in the New Forest.
Please click here for further information on the Volunteer Ranger Scheme and to download a copy of the application form. Please note the closing date for all applications is Friday 18th May 2012
Visiting the Forest
Public Transport
The New Forest lies to the west of Southampton Water in south-west Hampshire. You can travel here by train, arriving at Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Sway or New Milton, or by bus. Please click here for more information (opens new window).
By Car
If you're driving from Southampton, London or the east, exit the M27 at Junction 1, signed Cadnam and head southwards into the New Forest. If you are travelling from the west, you can use the A31 from Dorset. From the north, take either the A338 from Salisbury to Ringwood in the west of the Forest, or the A36 to Totton in the east.
There are many car parks across the forest, including 134 which are managed and maintained by the Forestry Commission. Please use these car parks rather than parking on the verges or in front of gateways, as parking in the these areas not only causes damage to the landscape but can restrict access for emergency and official Forestry Commission vehicles.
Please click here to download a map of the Forestry Commission car parks or download a map of the forest (PDF 298K) to help you find your way
Documents of Interest
Forest Design Plans
Phytophthora ramorum in the New Forest
Local Weather
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office
