The Project

PROGRESS is a project to safeguard two of Europe’s most treasured landscapes – the New Forest in the UK, and the Forêt de Fontainebleau in France.

Both forests are important conservation sites, but they are also important as areas in which to enjoy quiet recreation. However, over the last three decades the numbers of visitors wanting to walk, ride and cycle in the forests have swelled enormously which could pose a serious potential threat to the ecology of the two areas.

In October 2003 PROGRESS was launched with the main aim of helping to reconcile the needs of conservation with those of recreation. Through linking five partners across the UK, France and the Netherlands, involving local stakeholders at both sites, and receiving guidance from the project Steering Group, PROGRESS will help to plan more appropriate recreation, and encourage locals and visitors to care for both of these beautiful forests.