New Forest NPA chairman David Bence spoke of the “serious challenges ahead”

THERE were celebrations at the New Forest National Park Authority stand to mark the authority’s 20th anniversary.

Led by NPA chair David Bence and chief executive Alison Barnes, the celebration saw dozens of local organisations invited to a reception and cake cutting at the New Forest Show.

Mr Bence said: “Twenty years ago we were entrusted with a responsibility to protect, preserve and enhance this special place for generations to come. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, commoners, local communities and partner organisations, we’ve made great strides in fulfilling that promise.”

However, turning to the challenges ahead, Mr Bence said that climate change, and increasing visitor numbers would continue to challenge the Forest’s wildlife, habitats and historic landscapes.

“Housing and development pressures test the balance between conservation and community need,” he said, adding that access to the New Forest must continue to be “inclusive and sustainable” for all.

Warning that the New Forest was at a crossroads with devolution, local government reorganisation, climate transition and agricultural reform all converging at once, Mr Bence said that changes would present both “serious challenges” and “rare opportunities”.

He said: “At the heart of this future must be the protection of the Forest’s integrity – its landscapes, ecosystems, communities, and traditions. This must be the guiding test for any new proposals that arise from policy change.”

NPA youth panel members Gemma Hobbs and Toby Pearse spoke about their love for the Forest and explained more about a £1.4m YouCAN youth for climate and nature scheme, led by the NPA with partners stretching from Bournemouth to Poole

Visitors at the NPA stand in the Heart of the Forest area were able to discover more about the rare nightjar bird by ‘talking’ to a model using an innovative AI technique. There were also opportunities to find out more about the bird’s migration journey from Africa in a collaboration with charity African Activities and Spud.