Lovetheforest, a scheme run by the New Forest Trust, is encouraging residents and visitors to tell them why they love the forest.
The poll was kicked off at the New Forest Show where visitors wrote on heart-shaped stickers what it is that makes them love the forest and why they want to see the environment protected.
More than 750 people took part in the poll by sticking comments to the lovetheforest board. They said they loved the ponies, the shapes of the trees and sound of the birds, the serenity, open spaces and tranquil atmosphere.
Now lovetheforest want people to keep the poll going by adding their comments on what they love about the unique New Forest environment to the lovetheforest Facebook page.
Julie Mottisfont Director of lovetheforest said: “The lovetheforest wall at the New Forest Show was a tremendous success in highlighting just how much people care about the New Forest.
“Now we want to take this survey further to compile more research into what exactly people love about the forest and any ideas they have in helping us conserve the environment.
“Adults and children wrote some very touching things at the New Forest Show, including that they enjoyed the constant surprises you find as you walk deeper into the forest and the beautiful vistas, which demonstrates to us how strongly people feel about conserving the New Forest.
“We hope by asking people to write down why they love the forest in this survey, this will give us pointers on what people really value about the forest and encourage more people to want to help us protect the environment and its animals for generations to come.”
