Centuries of grazing by deer and livestock, coupled with human management, have shaped the Forest into a combination of heathland, ancient woodland, wetlands, grassy plains, and coniferous and deciduous inclosures. The deer, commoners’ ponies and cattle are said to be the architects of the Forest, browsing the vegetation as they roam.
In 1079 the ‘New Forest’, or ‘Nova Foresta’, was created by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground, and Forest laws were enforced to protect the animals and their habitat. These laws carried severe penalties, which ensured that the hunting of deer and wild boar remained the select privilege of the King and his followers.
Over the centuries, deer hunting became less important, and by the 17th and 18th centuries, timber production was the primary economic use of the New Forest. The New Forest Acts came into force, and areas were fenced off to protect young saplings from the grazing animals. It wasn’t until the Act of 1877 that two thirds of the Forest were set aside for commoners to exercise their traditional rights.
Deer populations were left unmanaged until the 19th century when they reached levels that threatened the timber crops and competed with the commoners’ stock for food. The Deer Removal Act was established in 1851 and it was resolved that all deer were to be removed. Although total removal was not achieved, the numbers did reduce dramatically, and the present keepers in the Forest continue to keep these numbers under control today.
Recreation plays a large part of Forest life today, and as the majority of the area is Crown Land, access to the greater part of the land is open and free to all. Local users and visitors alike regularly enjoy participating in a range of recreation activities including horse-riding, dog walking and cycling.
Protection is also still a major factor in the Forest today, and continues through the efforts of the Verderers, agisters and commoners, as well as the Forestry Commission’s keepers and rangers. In addition, the area will benefit from further protection under the new National Park Authority. Whilst the priorities of the protection have changed since 1079, the same need to conserve the land and the wildlife remains.
Over 26,500 hectares of the Forest is Crown Land, most of which is Open Forest (approximately 18,000 ha) that is divided into ‘Ancient and Ornamental’ woodlands (areas that must be preserved) and Heathland. Inclosures (timber plantations) also make up over 8,000 ha of the Crown Lands.
An historic term for the boundary of the area governed by Forest Law, encompassing the Crown Land (managed by the Forestry Commission), privately owned and manorial wastes subject to common rights, and privately owned enclosed land. The area within the perambulation makes up the heart of the New Forest.
The National Park boundary goes beyond the perambulation and covers 57,086 hectares. Within the area, the National Park Authority will be responsible for planning at a local level, and will manage the new right of access on foot to open country and common land.
For more information about the New Forest visit www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest