CPRE Ministers not out of the woods yet
RSPB We're not out of the woods yet, RSPB warns
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: The Wildlife Trusts’ response to the Government’s proposals on the ownership and management of England’s public forest estate
Sussex Wildlife Trust: Wild Comment: Forestry Commission Sell-Off
The Woodland Trust: Forestry Commission consultation response - The Woodland Trust
Our Chairman, William Zeigler has got quotes into some papers:
Guardian Forest sell-off plans met with huge opposition
Daily Echo "Selling off the New Forest could stop it being free to use"
Friday, 28 January 2011
New Forest Association is appalled at Forestry Commission sell off plans
PRESS RELEASE:
The New Forest Association has hit out at Government plans to sell off the 'crown jewels' of the New Forest, labelling the plans "appalling". The charity has also warned that the plans, published today (January 27), could lead to people being charged to use the New Forest.
"Plans to find a charity to run the New Forest show a complete lack of understanding of how the forest works," said New Forest Association Chairman William Ziegler. "In the 64 page Government consultation document1 there is no reference to the commoning system, which has created and maintained the forest for all to appreciate.
"This new threat is the most serious attack on the New Forest for 160 years. Any charity that takes on owning and managing the New Forest will be required to find its own funding after initial government help to offset the £2.9m annual deficit. This could mean charging the public for access to the New Forest and will almost certainly involve selling off parts of the estate which currently provide the cornerstone of commoning."
Mr Ziegler said the existing system of management, involving the various but interlocking interests of commoning, conservation, timber production and recreation, would be lost alongside the expertise that the Forestry Commission has gained over many decades.
"The Forestry Commission's staff, and in particular the keepers, have huge local and specialist knowledge of the wildlife which should not be swept away at the stroke of a Whitehall pen," he said.
"We are shocked by the proposals - the Government must be left in doubt as to the real value of the New Forest and we commend everyone that cares about the area to let their thoughts be known to DEFRA."
The New Forest Association, formed in 1867, is a charitable organisation which has over 140 years of experience in working to preserve, conserve and protect the New Forest. It was formed at a time when Government measures threatened to sell off the New Forest in the middle of the 19th century.
The Association is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and protection of the New Forest and is a membership based organization. Further information can be found at www.newforestassociation.org.
(DEFRA's press release: http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/01/27/englands-forests/)
The New Forest Association has hit out at Government plans to sell off the 'crown jewels' of the New Forest, labelling the plans "appalling". The charity has also warned that the plans, published today (January 27), could lead to people being charged to use the New Forest.
"Plans to find a charity to run the New Forest show a complete lack of understanding of how the forest works," said New Forest Association Chairman William Ziegler. "In the 64 page Government consultation document1 there is no reference to the commoning system, which has created and maintained the forest for all to appreciate.
"This new threat is the most serious attack on the New Forest for 160 years. Any charity that takes on owning and managing the New Forest will be required to find its own funding after initial government help to offset the £2.9m annual deficit. This could mean charging the public for access to the New Forest and will almost certainly involve selling off parts of the estate which currently provide the cornerstone of commoning."
Mr Ziegler said the existing system of management, involving the various but interlocking interests of commoning, conservation, timber production and recreation, would be lost alongside the expertise that the Forestry Commission has gained over many decades.
"The Forestry Commission's staff, and in particular the keepers, have huge local and specialist knowledge of the wildlife which should not be swept away at the stroke of a Whitehall pen," he said.
"We are shocked by the proposals - the Government must be left in doubt as to the real value of the New Forest and we commend everyone that cares about the area to let their thoughts be known to DEFRA."
The New Forest Association, formed in 1867, is a charitable organisation which has over 140 years of experience in working to preserve, conserve and protect the New Forest. It was formed at a time when Government measures threatened to sell off the New Forest in the middle of the 19th century.
The Association is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and protection of the New Forest and is a membership based organization. Further information can be found at www.newforestassociation.org.
(DEFRA's press release: http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/01/27/englands-forests/)
Monday, 25 October 2010
The New Forest could be overgrown within two years
PRESS RELEASE:
The New Forest Association (NFA) believes that the Crown Lands of the New Forest deserves the best management expertise the Government can offer. The delicate balance between commoning, conservation, recreation and commercial forestry is easily disturbed.
We do not believe that a private operator managing these state owned lands would be able to offer sufficient safeguards for the future sustainability of the New Forest. We are not only facing economic recession but also coming to terms with the impact of climate change upon the unique habitats. It is vital that whatever management expertise has been gained over the years and decades is retained for the benefit of the New Forest and the nation.
Loss of the commoners housing stock retained by the Forest Commission could result in major parts of the Forest becoming overgrown and inaccessible to the millions of visitors who come from all over the world.
There are many precedents for the New Forest being made a special case and we believe that this should happen now by allowing the status quo to continue thereby ensure the future viability and health of these internationally important lands.
To this end we would ask those wielding the axe to not take precipitive action, but to take advice and think long and hard before making any decision which could have appalling long term effects on this special place which is so close to the hearts of millions of their constituents
William Ziegler
Chairman
New Forest Association
Notes
The New Forest Association was formed in 1867 to ensure that the Forest was not enclosed and lost to the nation. The resulting New Forest Act of 1877 was the first of a number of occasions when the New Forest had to receive special treatment to survive – Further information about the Association may be found at www.newforestassociation.org
In the light of recent press speculation about a sell off of 50% of Forestry Commission managed lands there needs to be good reason for retaining areas of national and international importance such as the New Forest. This Forest is the last major link with the Royal Forests of William the Conqueror, who introduced special laws to enable its survival as a hunting forest. Changing administrations in the 16th and 19th centuries caused huge unrest because of the upset to the balance between the various forces acting upon the lands. The key to the diversity and unique habits that form the New Forest is the grazing regime and mixture of bogs, woodlands and lowland heath that has evolved for the ponies and cattle to roam over. These animals are owned by commoners whose rights have been jealously protected since before the Norman invasion.
Virtually all commoners are part time small-holders who need to live in close proximity to the Forest with access to a small amount of back-up land. The Forestry Commission has a housing stock in the New Forest some of which is let to commoners and some used by their own officials, a number of whom graze stock themselves.
The New Forest Association (NFA)
The NFA, established in 1867, is one of the oldest conservation organisations in the world. It is an independent charity with over 900 members. Council for National Parks recognises NFA as the New Forest National Park society.
The New Forest Association (NFA) believes that the Crown Lands of the New Forest deserves the best management expertise the Government can offer. The delicate balance between commoning, conservation, recreation and commercial forestry is easily disturbed.
We do not believe that a private operator managing these state owned lands would be able to offer sufficient safeguards for the future sustainability of the New Forest. We are not only facing economic recession but also coming to terms with the impact of climate change upon the unique habitats. It is vital that whatever management expertise has been gained over the years and decades is retained for the benefit of the New Forest and the nation.
Loss of the commoners housing stock retained by the Forest Commission could result in major parts of the Forest becoming overgrown and inaccessible to the millions of visitors who come from all over the world.
There are many precedents for the New Forest being made a special case and we believe that this should happen now by allowing the status quo to continue thereby ensure the future viability and health of these internationally important lands.
To this end we would ask those wielding the axe to not take precipitive action, but to take advice and think long and hard before making any decision which could have appalling long term effects on this special place which is so close to the hearts of millions of their constituents
William Ziegler
Chairman
New Forest Association
Notes
The New Forest Association was formed in 1867 to ensure that the Forest was not enclosed and lost to the nation. The resulting New Forest Act of 1877 was the first of a number of occasions when the New Forest had to receive special treatment to survive – Further information about the Association may be found at www.newforestassociation.org
In the light of recent press speculation about a sell off of 50% of Forestry Commission managed lands there needs to be good reason for retaining areas of national and international importance such as the New Forest. This Forest is the last major link with the Royal Forests of William the Conqueror, who introduced special laws to enable its survival as a hunting forest. Changing administrations in the 16th and 19th centuries caused huge unrest because of the upset to the balance between the various forces acting upon the lands. The key to the diversity and unique habits that form the New Forest is the grazing regime and mixture of bogs, woodlands and lowland heath that has evolved for the ponies and cattle to roam over. These animals are owned by commoners whose rights have been jealously protected since before the Norman invasion.
Virtually all commoners are part time small-holders who need to live in close proximity to the Forest with access to a small amount of back-up land. The Forestry Commission has a housing stock in the New Forest some of which is let to commoners and some used by their own officials, a number of whom graze stock themselves.
The New Forest Association (NFA)
The NFA, established in 1867, is one of the oldest conservation organisations in the world. It is an independent charity with over 900 members. Council for National Parks recognises NFA as the New Forest National Park society.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
New Chief Executive for the National Park.
At today's New Forest National Park Authority meeting, the new Chief Executive, Alison Barnes, was announced to the authority members by the current interim Chief Executive, Barrie Foley. "We have finally found someone who I believe is good for the Forest, she is very outward looking and is keen to engage with all parties."
Clive Chatters, Chair of the NFNPA, said: "I am delighted to welcome Alison as our new Chief Executive. She brings an ideal combination of professional and personal qualities to take us forward."
Alison is currently a Natural England Regional Director for London as the organisational lead on Landscape, Green Infrastructure, the Olympics and Thames Gateway. She is Chair of Greening the Gateway Partnership and a Commissioner for the Mayor’s London Sustainable Development Commission. Her career has also included roles with English Nature, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the RSPB in Scotland. She was born and bred near Wimborne, and still has family in Wimborne, Christchurch and Hangersley.
Barrie Foley, describing her qualifications for the role focussed on her ability to engage businesses and stakeholders on green infrastructure issues in complex situations:
Fielding a Press question about whether her approach would be right for local business, Alison remarked:
Alison will assume her role from June 1st. Barrie Foley will be on hand to assist her during a month long hand over period.
Clive Chatters, Chair of the NFNPA, said: "I am delighted to welcome Alison as our new Chief Executive. She brings an ideal combination of professional and personal qualities to take us forward."
Alison is currently a Natural England Regional Director for London as the organisational lead on Landscape, Green Infrastructure, the Olympics and Thames Gateway. She is Chair of Greening the Gateway Partnership and a Commissioner for the Mayor’s London Sustainable Development Commission. Her career has also included roles with English Nature, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the RSPB in Scotland. She was born and bred near Wimborne, and still has family in Wimborne, Christchurch and Hangersley.
Barrie Foley, describing her qualifications for the role focussed on her ability to engage businesses and stakeholders on green infrastructure issues in complex situations:
"Coming from Natural England, of course she's got the Green credentials, but when she went through the interview process a lot of it was focussed on "is she right for the business going forward, is she right for the community", .... I thought she was right, as far as I'm concerned, engaging with the people, engaging with the communities, that's what's the key thing. Alison has not come from an easy environment, working in the area she works in London.
Fielding a Press question about whether her approach would be right for local business, Alison remarked:
"I absolutely believe that conservation and nature cannot be successful, in this day and age, at all, without bringing everything together with socio-economic issues. To some extent, that's why those issues come forward, because we haven't been successful in the past. And for me, it is only going to be successful, if those things can come together, because this isn't a museum, this is a living working place.
Alison will assume her role from June 1st. Barrie Foley will be on hand to assist her during a month long hand over period.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
NFA Nestboxes available
Fix sturdy Nestboxes now for winter roosting. Various types for £5 ea. All proceeds to NFA funds to fight major proposed developments in or around the New Forest.
Phone Graham Baker on 01590 623935 or email brookleyfarmhouse@btinternet.com.
Phone Graham Baker on 01590 623935 or email brookleyfarmhouse@btinternet.com.
Personalised NFA Christmas Cards
The Christmas Cards shown are available personalised with your address. Cards come in packs of 10 with envelopes at £3.00 delivered; the minimum quantity for personalized cards is 40. The cards measure six inches by four. The photographs are by the late Terry Heathcote and depict the following New Forest Scenes - Binken Wood near Lyndhurst, Foulford Bottom in the north of the Forest and Commoner's Cattle probably near Brockenhurst.The detail inside of the card is as follows -
Best Wishes for
Christmas & the New Year
If you would like to order please Email details, including your address as you wish it shown, to brookleyfarmhouse@btinternet.com. Or phone Graham Baker on 01590 623935. Samples are available and all proceeds go to NFA funds.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
National Park Management Plan Revised Draft
The National Park Management Plan Revised Draft is available for public feedback from 22 October to 12 November 2009. A downloadable version of the Plan as well as details on how to respond are available via this link:
National Park Management Plan Revised Draft
The current draft will be considered by the members of the New Forest National Park Authority at the authority meeting on the 29th of October 2009, at South Efford House. The members will be asked to approve the revised version of the draft at the subsequent authority meeting on the 10th of December 2009.
The revised Core Strategy will be available on the National Park website from 3 December 2009 and public representations will be invited in January 2010.
National Park Management Plan Revised Draft
The current draft will be considered by the members of the New Forest National Park Authority at the authority meeting on the 29th of October 2009, at South Efford House. The members will be asked to approve the revised version of the draft at the subsequent authority meeting on the 10th of December 2009.
The revised Core Strategy will be available on the National Park website from 3 December 2009 and public representations will be invited in January 2010.
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