Eco & Environment, New Forest | Posted on May 27th, 2025 | return to news
Prizes on offer in New Forest survey
People are invited to put forward their views in a survey organised by The New Forest National Park Authority.
Prizes can be won by people who share their views on the New Forest.
The New Forest National Park Authority’s ‘Enjoying the New Forest’ survey 2025 has been designed in partnership with Forestry England and Go New Forest.
Anyone can share their views, whether a National Park resident or not. In doing so, they could win a two-night stay at a camp site, or an expert-guided nature walk with Wild New Forest.
Over 740 people took part in last year’s survey. The key findings were:
- Most visited for walking, relaxing or exercising their dog(s)
- 54 per cent of visits were made by New Forest residents
- 40 per cent of visits included at least one dog
- 85 per cent arrived by car
- 98 per cent said the New Forest is special to them
- 32 per cent visited in groups of two
- 61 per cent were aged under 55
- 17 per cent said they had a disability or long-term illness
- 65 per cent found the New Forest very welcoming
- 88 per cent were aware of the New Forest code, mostly through signage, social media and word of mouth
- 82 per cent were aware you can be fined for petting or feeding ponies or donkeys, and 89 per cent were aware you can be fined for having a fire or BBQ on the open Forest, due to the Public Space Protection Order.
- 46 per cent found the New Forest very accessible
- 95 per cent found information, facilities, marked trails, and attractions in the New Forest to be accessible
- Nearly one third suggested accessible paths for wheelchair and pushchair users should be extended or better promoted.
Aynsley Clinton, sustainable visitor experience officer at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: “The survey enables us to find out how people are accessing the New Forest and how they spend their time here, whether on a day visit from within the National Park or longer stays from further afield.
“Over half the National Park is internationally important for nature conservation. Our role is to ensure people visit sustainably and have an awareness of how to enjoy the special qualities of the New Forest responsibly. This is even more important as we mark 20 years of the New Forest becoming a National Park and look to protect it for years to come.’
Richard Burke, recreation manager for Forestry England, said: “The New Forest is a special place to connect with nature.
“The survey helps us to understand how we can provide information to help people enjoy their time here and support the area by visiting responsibly.”
Nic Carass, business and membership manager at Go New Forest CIC, the destination management organisation, said: “Visitor insight is vital in shaping a New Forest that works for both people and place. This survey gives us a real-time snapshot of how and why people visit, which helps us support local businesses, enhance the visitor experience, and promote regenerative tourism. By sharing your views, you’re playing a part in protecting what makes the New Forest so special.”
The survey closes 30 September 2025. To enter and for full terms and conditions, see newforestnpa.gov.uk/enjoyingtheforest.
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