Eco & Environment, Nature & Wildlife, New Forest | Posted on September 3rd, 2025 | return to news

MP visits New Forest National Park

The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes had the chance to try out one of the bikes which are suitable for people with physical or intellectual disabilities.

The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP visited the New Forest National Park recently to meet with staff, volunteers and partners.

Her visit highlighted the continued efforts to tackle both the challenges and opportunities within the National Park’s key focus areas: nature, climate, people, and thriving landscapes.

The MP spent time at Forest Front in the Waterside area of the New Forest, where she learnt about projects funded by the Species Survival Fund.

The Waterside area is part of a broader vision to deliver a world class environment and world class economy by combining sustainable economic growth and access to nature while managing landscape change and protecting the New Forest’s rare habitats and species.

Together with New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Alison Barnes, and Head of Environment and Rural Economy Paul Walton, Caroline met Gemma Stride from the New Forest Freshwater Habitats Trust to discuss the importance of conserving the area’s exceptional freshwater quality – one of the key features that support the Forest’s rich biodiversity.

The MP also explored inclusive cycling initiatives at the PEDALL Hub in Ashurst where she met PEDALL operational lead Gareth Jones and volunteer Lynn Picton. Accompanied by NPA Access and Learning Manager Jim Mitchell, Caroline had the opportunity to try out some of the specially-adapted bikes in the fleet.

The inclusive cycling charity provides guided rides for people of all ages with physical or intellectual disabilities, social or mental wellbeing needs – enabling everyone to enjoy the beautiful New Forest.

During her visit, Caroline also discussed the urgent issues affecting commoning, a centuries-old grazing tradition that plays a vital role in shaping and maintaining the Forest’s natural environment. The MP heard concerns about the suitability of post-Brexit agricultural support schemes, which do not adequately reflect the New Forest’s distinctive land use and grazing systems. With declining cattle numbers due to rising costs and reduced payments, the National Park Authority and its partners are calling for urgent support to sustain commoning and the critical conservation benefits it brings.

Caroline Nokes said: “It is so important to make sure the unique character and biodiversity of the New Forest is better understood. Too many take it for granted that it will always be the same, but commoning is under threat as never before, and it is that type of grazing which has enabled the landscape to evolve and thrive in the way it has.

“I always value the opportunity to get out into the Forest with the NPA, learn a little more and discuss how I can take that message back to Government alongside my fellow New Forest MPs.”