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Efford Mill Lymington halves annual energy costs

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The owners of a New Forest watermill first recorded in the Domesday Book have cut their energy bills in half by undertaking a range of energy saving improvements.

Efford Mill, near Lymington, has been fitted with a variety of green features to slash the costs of running the medieval and Georgian property, from high-tech power systems to common sense measures such as insulation.

Efford Mill in Lymington has drastically reduced their energy costs.
Back row (left to right): Simon Rogers, Fiona Rogers, Jeremy Rogers.
Front row (left to right): Tom Rogers, Hattie Rogers, Patricia Barrie
The mill, owned by Fiona and Jeremy Rogers, is throwing open its doors to the public over the weekend of 4 and 5 October as part of Green Open Doors, an open house event run by the New Forest National Park Authority to inspire people to save energy around the home.

Fiona and Jeremy moved into Efford Mill in 1964 and spent years painstakingly restoring the mill to house four generations of their family, from 10 year old Tom Rogers to his 94 year old great granny Patricia Barrie.

By 2006 the property was largely restored, but its energy costs had soared to over £5,000 a year.

In an effort to reduce their bills and live more sustainably, the family set about transforming their home with environmentally friendly measures. These include solar panels controlled from a former World War Two bunker and a ground source heat pump buried in the bed of the river that snakes through their back garden.

Energy saving at Efford Mill is not restricted to high-tech energy systems; the family have also installed more common features including double glazing, water butts and wood burning stoves.

The public can see the mill’s eco-features and ask the owners about the pros and cons of sustainable living throughout the Green Open Doors weekend.

This includes discussing the relatively high set up costs of eco-technology for the home, with solar panels costing the Rogers family £8,000 and their ground source heat pump setting them back £16,000.

Fiona said: ‘Our set up costs were quite high for our main energy saving features, but we are taking a long term view. The solar panels will pay for themselves in eight years and the heat pump in 15 years, plus the panels now earn us a feed in tariff payment of around £800 a year.

‘We are quite happy about that, because we are aiming for the lowest carbon footprint possible, and we are certainly not paying anything like the gas and oil bills that we would have had. We feel strongly that sustainability is the only logical way forward.

‘As a family we feel that living an environmentally friendly lifestyle makes sense.  We have nine grandchildren and we are concerned about the future for them and all their generation.  We try not to fly if we can travel by train instead, and we don’t take holidays abroad any more, but we don’t claim to be saints, and we freely admit that everything’s a compromise.’

Green Open Doors is a free event, organised by the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest Transition, which sees 11 properties opening their doors throughout the weekend of 4 and 5 October.

Find out about the participating properties, and which energy saving features their owners can advise on, at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/greenopendoors.

New Forest National Park Management Plan seek your thoughts for future care

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New Forest National Park logoInformal consultation: 20 October to 19 December 2014

Organisations in the New Forest are asking people for their thoughts on how efforts should be focused to care for the New Forest up to 2020.

Many of the organisations responsible for looking after the New Forest have come together to draft a Management Plan update, suggesting a series of priority actions for the Forest between 2015 and 2020.

The New Forest National Park Management Plan contains a broad strategic and aspirational approach designed to guide the long-term management of the National Park.

First published in 2010 following widespread public consultation, the long-term vision and objectives remain relevant today, but it is time to update the actions in the plan, looking ahead over the next five years. It is on this draft of updated actions that views are sought.

New Forest National Park Authority Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre said: ‘The actions in this draft update cover a wide range of topics, but the underlying theme is the conservation of the special qualities of the New Forest. It is important that we all work together to look after this special place, and I am pleased that this update is very much a joint venture involving many of the Forest organisations.’

Call for views

An initial draft of the update can be viewed at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ManagementPlan and comments are invited as part of the ‘Call for Views’ - a period of informal consultation from today (20 October) to 19 December 2014.

Please download a comments sheet from the web page above and send your responses to:

Policy Team, National Park Authority, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington, SO41 9ZG; or email policy@newforestnpa.gov.uk.

Drop-in sessions

The National Park Authority is also holding a series of drop-in sessions for people to discuss the draft update. The sessions are between 2pm and 8pm as follows:

  • 4 November: Bramshaw Village Hall
  • 10 November: Sway Village Hall
  • 12 November: Godshill Village Hall
  • 17 November: Lyndhurst Community Centre.

This will be followed by revisions to the update and a further period of formal public consultation during February and March 2015.

The draft update has been produced jointly by the Forestry Commission, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, National Park Authority, Natural England, Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Test Valley Borough Council.

Lives Less Ordinary - Celebration of the lives of local residents

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Lives Less Ordinary St Barbe Museum LymingtonSt Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington 15th November – 10th January

Lives Less Ordinary, a new exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington running from Saturday 15th November 2014 until Saturday 10th January 2015, celebrates the lives of nearly 30 local residents who made a mark both close to home and nationally.

The exhibition provides a chance to discover more about this eclectic mix of people whose exploits and influence and vision brought them to prominence or notoriety on the New Forest coast and beyond. These range from GO Smith (1872-1943), the David Beckham of his day, captain of the England Football team and every schoolboy's idol to religious cult leader Mary Ann Girling (1827-1886), founder of a sect called The People of God, also known as the New Forest Shakers.

Other people of note featured in the exhibition include: occult novelist Dennis Wheatley (1897-1977); Arthur Philip (1738-1814), who originally founded the colony of New South Wales, and was the beginning of what would eventually become the nation of Australia; local hero Sir Harry Burrard-Neale (1755-1813, a British officer in the Royal Navy and MP for Lymington; John Howlett (1863-1974), who helped shape modern Lymington; Andrew Peterson (1813-1906) the eccentric builder of Sway Tower, a 66m high Grade II listed folly in the heart of the New Forest; and Charles William Retford (1875-1970), the best violin bow craftsman of his time.

Sir Ben Ainslie Lives Less Ordinary
Sir Ben Ainslie
The lives of contemporary figures will also be showcased such as Sammy Miller, championship winning motorcycle racer, in both road racing and trials, and Sir Ben Ainslie; the most successful sailor in Olympic history he has won medals at five consecutive Olympic Games including gold at the last four.

The exhibition is supported by law firm Clarke Willmott.

Tickets to Lives Less Ordinary and St Barbe Museum, which is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, cost £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and students, £2 for children aged five to 15, and £10 for a family of two adults and up to four children; under fives are admitted free of charge.

For more details visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk or telephone 01590 676969. Follow on Twitter @StBarbeMuseum and visit the museum’s Facebook page searching for St. Barbe Museum & Art Gallery.

New Forest Volunteer Fair 2015 - Volunteer organisations invited

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Matt Pringle at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Matt Pringle volunteering at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Charities and local groups looking to recruit volunteers are invited to register their interest for the New Forest Volunteer Fair 2015.

The annual event at Lyndhurst Community Centre attracts hundreds of people from across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, looking to try new skills and enjoy new experiences.

The fair will take place on 31 January next year, when around 30 organisations from in and around the New Forest will attract volunteers for wildlife projects, archaeological surveys and outdoor activities.

One organisation which has benefited recently is Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey, which has attracted the skills of photographer Matt Pringle to improve their portfolio of images for their websites and magazines.

Mr Pringle has also benefited from the experience, helping him to recover from mental and physical health problems after being assaulted at work as a police officer.

He said: ‘Volunteering at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens gives me the opportunity to give something back. It’s helped me gain a sense of achievement, reach attainable goals and I’ve enjoyed meeting new people. The positive nature of the experience has been a real benefit for my mental health too.’

Janet Pratley, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, said: ‘Matt’s photos have been of the highest quality and he has been a fantastic addition to our team of volunteers. They make such a difference to the gardens, whether it’s by planting and digging, helping customers or other skilled services such as photography. The New Forest Volunteer Fair has been a great place for us to find such wonderful people.’

The Volunteer Fair will take place on Saturday, 31 January, 2015, from 10.30am to 4pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre. If you are from a volunteer organisation which would like to get involved, email jim.mitchell@newforestnpa.gov.uk or call 01590 646681. Spaces are limited.

For more information go to www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteerfair2015

Help locate New Forest forgotten memorials

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Brusher Mills Gravestone
The gravestone of ‘Brusher Mills’
in the churchyard of St Nicholas, Brockenhurst.
Long-forgotten gravestones and monuments in burial grounds are set for a new lease of life, and New Forest residents can help by identifying those most in need of conservation.

The National Park Authority is asking people to help locate any churchyards or burial grounds where there are monuments or gravestones that need to be repaired, by filling out a simple online questionnaire.

A minimum of 10 sites will be chosen, based on the number of gravestones in poor condition and the historical significance of any listed monuments.

Volunteers from across the New Forest will be trained to assess the condition of the memorials and record and photograph them, before adding them to an on-line portal. This website will allow anyone undertaking family or social history research anywhere in the world to locate a family memorial.

The project will be led by the New Forest National Park Authority and will form part of the £4.5 million Our Past, Our Future Landscape Partnership Scheme, which will run from 2016 once funding is confirmed.

As well as surveying and conserving monuments and gravestones in need of attention, the project also aims to map all the burial grounds in the New Forest, including recording details of who is responsible for their maintenance. This comprehensive database is being established in the New Forest for the first time, in partnership with New Forest District Council and staff in the Winchester Diocesan Office, in order to prevent more gravestones slipping into a state of disrepair.

Frank Green, New Forest National Park Authority archaeologist, said: ‘Gravestones and monuments in cemeteries are privately owned and are usually erected by family members, so legally they are family heirlooms.

‘This means that it is the family that has responsibility for maintaining the memorials, not the organisations that manage the burial sites. However locating family members responsible for maintaining gravestones that are hundreds of years old is virtually impossible, so this project will help ensure that these memorials, which contain so much social and family history, are kept in good order for future generations.’

If you know of gravestones or monuments in a poor state of repair in your area please fill out the questionnaire at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/memorials.

For more information about this project, including how to volunteer, email archaeology@newforestnpa.gov.uk.

The Landscape Partnership Scheme is led by the New Forest National Park Authority working alongside several delivery and funding partners including the Beaulieu Estate, Commoners Defence Association, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Natural England, New Forest Centre, and the New Forest Land Advice Service.

New Forest Beach Bus shortlisted for UK Bus Awards

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A New Forest bus service has been nominated for a national award after a successful summer.

Beach Bus team after being shortlisted for an UK Bus Award: (front row from l-r) Nat Taplin from the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), Annie Lawrie from NFNPA, Paul Goddard from morebus, (middle row from l-r) Nigel Philpott from Exbury Gardens, Alistair Strong from morebus, Mark Holroyd from NFNPA, Gary Rose from morebus, and (back row) Wayne Clarke from morebus.
In only its second season, the Beach Bus attracted 7,993 passenger trips to Hythe, Lepe, Beaulieu and Lymington in just 37 days - a 35% increase from 5,898 passengers journeys in 2013.

As well as hourly services and a free ferry link from Southampton to Hythe, passengers also enjoyed discounts at attractions and free ice creams at Lepe beach during its five week season (26 July – August 31).

Now, the Beach Bus has been shortlisted as one of five finalists for Local Authority Bus Project of the Year at the UK Bus Awards.

The service is run by the New Forest National Park Authority in partnership with operator morebus, as part of a Department for Transport (DfT) funded campaign to encourage more people to travel without a car in the National Park.

Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of operator morebus, said: ‘We’re very pleased with this recognition from the UK Bus Awards which is one of the most prestigious industry awards in the country.

‘It can take some time to establish a new bus service, but the Beach Bus hit the ground running in its first year with substantial growth this summer. It became so popular that we had to run extra services at the end of the day to take people home from the beach at Lepe.’

Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘We’re delighted with this nomination from the UK Bus Awards. The Beach Bus has been very popular with residents and visitors, helping take cars off the road and reduce carbon emissions.

‘We’ve developed an excellent partnership with operators More bus and we’re grateful for the support from local businesses and organisations.’

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 18 November.

For more details about the Beach Bus visit www.thebeachbus.info.

£46,000 of improvements to open spaces and recreation facilities

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new forest national park logoPlay equipment, skateboarding areas and revamped open spaces are just some of the £46,000 of improvements the New Forest National Park Authority has supported thanks to funding from local house builders.

As the planning body for the National Park, the Authority negotiates financial contributions from developers for open space enhancements and then works with town and parish councils to improve recreation facilities across the New Forest.

Since May this year alone, over £30,000 has been handed out to communities to support improvements to local open spaces in the National Park.

Pat Wyeth, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority’s Planning Committee, said: ‘Nearly all local planning authorities require developers to help enhance open spaces to offset new development and make sure communities have open spaces on their doorstep that they can use.

‘This money comes from new developments and can only be spent on outdoor spaces in the community where the building work took place.

‘I’m delighted that parishes are able to see a real benefit from these developer contributions and this funding is making a difference in New Forest communities.’

Schemes allocated funding so far this financial year include:

  • re-surfacing the children’s play area at Highwood Road, Brockenhurst
  • a contribution towards the costs of new skateboard equipment at the Coles Mead Recreation Ground, Lyndhurst
  • new play equipment at Whartons Lane Recreation Ground, Ashurst
  • up-grading the surface around the toddler play equipment at Landford Recreation Ground.

Other projects to benefit in recent years include:

  • enhancing the Great Mead open space, Lyndhurst
  • installing new play equipment at Nomansland Sports Ground.

The Authority continues to work with parish councils in the National Park to identify further projects which could benefit from the funding available.

Heritage on My Doorstep - have you a desire for local history

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Volunteers in the New Forest Heritage on My Doorstep project
Archaeology volunteers in the New Forest
Anyone with an interest in history and a desire to discover more about their local area can unearth the secrets of their community’s past as part of an exciting new project.

Heritage on My Doorstep is a pioneering initiative that will help people in the New Forest to investigate and interpret their area’s past, before sharing their discoveries with the wider community.

The project will be led by the New Forest National Park Authority and will form part of the Our Past, Our Future Landscape Partnership Scheme, which will run from 2016 once funding is confirmed.

With support from experts, training in archaeological and research skills, and grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project is an excellent opportunity to find out more about the buildings, people and nature that combine to form your area’s heritage.  

To be one of the communities involved in Heritage on My Doorstep you just need to:

Have a desire to discover your local area and share your findings with the wider community

Have a pool of people who want to support your venture and volunteer their time

Undertake a heritage project and interpret and publicise your findings.
Marian Spain, New Forest National Park Authority member, said: ‘The aim of this exciting four year project is to empower local communities to research and promote their own heritage and interests.

‘You can form a group to research anything and everything that interests you about your local area, which could be how your town or village was established, significant events such as the advent of war, or the history of a certain building, monument or person.’

The Landscape Partnership Scheme is led by the New Forest National Park Authority working alongside several delivery and funding partners including the Beaulieu Estate, Commoners Defence Association, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Natural England, New Forest Centre, and the New Forest Land Advice Service.

If you have any questions, or would like your community to be involved, contact James Brown at James.brown@newforestnpa.gov.uk or 01590 646695.

New Forest Christmas Fair - come and join in the fun

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Children enjoy a wagon ride with Father Christmas
at the 2013 New Forest Christmas Fair.
Kick off the festive season with locally produced seasonal gifts, tasty hot food and wagon rides with Santa at the New Forest Christmas Fair.

After last year’s successful event, which attracted over 10,000 visitors, the fair is returning to New Park, Brockenhurst on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December.

The gates are open from 10am until 4pm, with over 100 stalls and food outlets on site as well as a youth choir and Woodfalls brass band playing Christmas tunes. Visitors can purchase their Forestry Commission Christmas tree, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, browse for interesting or unusual locally sourced presents, or sample delicious festive food.

Many of the traders are members of the New Forest Marque, a quality assurance scheme supported by the New Forest National Park Authority. The Marque promotes authentic New Forest fare of the highest quality, and encourages people to shop locally.

If you are a local trader we would like to hear from you, as there are some pitches still available. Make sure you join the many businesses that make the most of this prime opportunity to sell their goods during the build-up to Christmas.

Marque member Catherine Shutler, of Cyril’s Soap Shed, attended the fair last year to sell her goat’s milk soap. Catherine said: ‘The fair is a wonderful event - there are lots of great stalls to buy unique presents and seasonal goodies, and many of the traders are local to the New Forest.

‘The weekend has such a friendly and festive atmosphere, so much so that there are quite a few people who come both days because they have such a good time.’

Sarah Hunt, New Forest Marque manager and fair co-ordinator, said: ‘We’ve run the fair for two years now, and it’s continuing to go from strength to strength. Last year’s event was hugely popular with visitors and stallholders alike, and the 2014 fair will have even more attractions and stalls for everyone to enjoy.

‘Take advantage of the fantastic range of local products on offer and take the hassle out of Christmas by doing all your shopping in one place. And remember – Marque businesses benefit from reduced pitch rates, which is one of dozens of reasons to be a member.’

For more information on the fair, or to reserve a trading stall at the event, email jenna.bessant@newforestnpa.gov.uk or phone 01590 646692.

Rare Dartford Warbler recorded at Barton Common New Milton

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Dartford Warbler IUCN Red List Barton Common New Milton
A Dartford Warbler, taken by New Forest-based photographer
Luke Parkinson.
An iconic New Forest bird species has been recorded at Barton Common in New Milton for the first time in more than 10 years.

The rare Dartford warbler, which is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, has been recorded at the common for the first time since August 2004 by local expert Keith Betton.

The New Forest is a UK stronghold for the heathland bird, which nearly died out in this country 50 years ago. Barton Common is owned by New Milton Town Council, which, with the support of the New Forest Land Advice Service and Natural England, has recently reintroduced grazing ponies to the site in order to improve habitats for plants and wildlife.

This includes the Dartford warbler, a long-tailed warbler, resident in the UK, which has suffered in the past from cold winters. In the 1960s the population declined to just a few pairs, and although it has gradually recovered it is still considered to be threatened.

Dartford warblers nest in dense gorse bushes, which occur in heathland and scrubland sites that are well-managed, and feed on caterpillars, beetles and spiders.

Keith Betton, County Recorder for the Hampshire Ornithological Society, said: ‘It’s always exciting when a rare bird is recorded in a new location, so I was pleased to hear the distinctive call of the Dartford warbler at Barton Common. I have talked to other local birdwatchers who visit the area and they are as excited as I am. The only previous sighting was in 2004, despite the fact that they are relatively widespread on the New Forest heaths.

‘The grazed gorse at Barton Common is a good habitat for the birds, and I’m hopeful that in the coming months we will record even more species on the common for the first time. There are two birds present - so I am hoping they may stay around for the breeding season.’

Geoffrey Blunden, New Milton Town Councillor, said: ‘We have been working with the Land Advice Service for several years to change the way the common is managed, fulfilling the Town Council’s obligation to ensure this important site is looked after in the best possible way for the enjoyment of all.

‘I am pleased the scrub clearance and reintroduction of grazing stock is already helping to return the common to its former glory. One of the aims of these changes is to improve the site as a habitat for many types of plants and wildlife, so to hear Dartford warbler on the common is a real joy.

‘As well as improvements for wildlife, the common is also undergoing work to ensure the area remains an enjoyable place for local people to walk. This includes widening the paths across the common and clearing scrub from ‘pinch points’ to improve conditions under foot and working with the grazier to monitor the behaviour of the ponies.’

To record your wildlife and plant life sightings at Barton Common and throughout Hampshire search ‘living record Hampshire’ online, or email communitywildlifeplans@nflandadvice.org.uk

The New Forest Land Advice Service is funded by the New Forest National Park Authority, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and the Verderers.

The grazing schemes in New Milton, which includes Barton Common, are part of the Town Council’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme, which provides financial support to assist with management of their important wildlife sites.


Ponds, Puddles and Paths Exhibition by local artist Pete Gilbert

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Local artist Pete Gilbert Ponds Puddles and Paths Exibition
St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington 17th January – 28th February

New Forest: Ponds, Puddles and Paths, a new selling exhibition at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington running from Saturday, 17th January until Saturday 28th February will showcase works by local artist Pete Gilbert and photographer Hugh Lohan.

Pete Gilbert found that moving to the New Forest rekindled a passion for landscape painting. He prefers to work on-site seeking inspiration from the endless variety of sights, sounds and smells revealed by the forest and capturing the immediacy of the moment with pastels and watercolour.  He then uses his sketches to either finish the artwork back in his studio, or as a reference for larger canvases in oil or acrylic.

Gilbert’s exploration of some of the hidden corners of the New Forest are characterised by the strong brush strokes and bold colours used in his recent landscapes. Although he is working in the moment Gilbert's paintings try to capture more than a snapshot, "I want to FEEL the landscape", says Gilbert.

He has been joined on his journey across the New Forest by photographer Hugh Lohan, whose work will also be shown to provide an alternative take on the subject.

Tickets to New Forest: Ponds, Puddles and Paths, which include entry into St Barbe Museum, cost £6 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and students, £3 for children aged five to 15, and £12 for a family of two adults and up to four children; under fives are admitted free of charge. St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday).

For more details visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk or telephone 01590 676969; further information about artist Pete Gilbert can be found on www.petegilbert.me.uk.

New Forest Wild Play Project addresses parent outdoor play concerns

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A family playing at a wild play day in the New Forest in August 2014, which was attended by over 400 parents and children.
Almost two thirds of parents based in and around the New Forest have concerns about letting their children play outdoors, a survey suggests.

Parents cited safety concerns, especially ‘stranger danger’, as the main reason for not allowing their children to play outdoors without adult supervision, despite 85 per cent of respondents saying that it is ‘very important’ to them that their children play outside.

Now a wild play project, being developed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust with support from the New Forest National Park Authority, is aiming to address the concerns of parents by developing wild play areas, regularly monitored by community champions, where children can safely learn about nature through play.

In total 378 adults and children took part in the outdoor play survey, and the results from the children surveyed showed that:

  • 37 per cent play outdoors just once a week or less
  • Only 11 per cent play outside most often with parents, guardians or grandparents
  • The most common place for a child to play unsupervised was in their own, or a friend’s, back garden.
  • This echoes nationwide studies that have shown children have less freedom to play outside and get in touch with nature than previous generations. Less than a quarter of children regularly use their local ‘patch of nature’, compared to over half of all adults when they were children, according to Natural England research (tinyurl.com/37okvmt).

James Brown, the National Park Authority’s Community Engagement Officer, said: ‘In many ways the results of this survey are bittersweet. On the one hand children remain eager to play outdoors with their parents or friends, and the majority do play outdoors every day outside of school hours.

‘However our responses from parents show that although the importance of letting children play outside is recognised, many cite safety concerns and a lack of time as reasons why 37 per cent are only letting their children play outdoors just once a week or less.

‘Either way, these results are certainly illuminating, and will help us to develop our wild play project, which aims to provide exciting outdoor play opportunities in the New Forest for children, while helping to address the concerns of parents.’

Work is already underway with parish councils and schools to develop wild play areas, which will provide safe and engaging areas for children to experience nature.

More locations are needed, so if you represent a council, school or youth organisation and would like help to develop your own wild play area please email ourpast.ourfuture@newforestnpa.gov.uk or call 01590 646695.

The wild play project is part of the Our Past, Our Future Landscape Partnership Scheme. This scheme is led by the New Forest National Park Authority working alongside several delivery and funding partners including the Beaulieu Estate, Commoners Defence Association, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Natural England, New Forest Centre, and the New Forest Land Advice Service.

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New Forest Volunteer Fair - Meet new friends and face new challenges

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New Forest Volunteer Fair - Dominik Reynolds talks to visitors
Dominik Reynolds (right) speaking to visitors whilst
volunteering at the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst.
An award-winning young wildlife enthusiast and a retired banker are calling for local people to do something different this year and volunteer in the New Forest.

People looking for new experiences and new social circles are being invited to the New Forest Volunteer Fair on Saturday, 31 January.

Hundreds will attend the fair from 10.30am to 4pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre, where more than 30 organisations will offer opportunities to record wildlife, restore landscapes, unravel wartime secrets and help some of society’s most vulnerable.

Volunteering is also good for volunteers, helping them find friends, reach out to the community, improve their mental and physical wellbeing and even advance their careers.

The fair will be opened by two people who have benefited from years of volunteering in the New Forest National Park.

Dominik Reynolds became the RSPB’s youngest volunteer in the country at the age of nine. Now aged 14, Dominik has been volunteering for six years at the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst, sharing his knowledge of birds and reptiles with visitors.

His dedication has been recognised recently with a string of awards including Young Animal Enthusiast of the year at the Daily Mirror and RSPCA’s 2014 Animal Hero Awards.

Dominik, from Totton, said: ‘I’ve met so many nice people through volunteering. I like talking about wildlife and I think visitors like talking to a young person about nature. I’ve lived on the edge of the New Forest all my life. It’s beautiful for walking, cycling and getting out seeing badgers, deer, birds and reptiles, all for free.’

His mother Kerry said: ‘Dominik’s been interested in nature since he was very young, going for walks in the New Forest or watching David Attenborough DVDs. I’m tremendously proud of him. He particularly likes chatting to children visiting the reptile centre, getting them excited about nature.’

Derek Tippetts, from Cadnam, was looking for a complete change of scene when he became a volunteer ranger for the Forestry Commission after taking early retirement from his finance career.

He said: ‘Although I grew up in the countryside I spent most of my life in cities. I thought I knew the Forest but I’ve learned an awful lot more about its history, customs and traditions whilst getting involved in its conservation.’

Derek is now looking to recruit active volunteers for the Pondhead Conservation Trust, using hand tools and sustainable techniques to restore an area of woodland to improve its biodiversity and public enjoyment.

He said: ‘You meet all sorts of interesting people as a volunteer. There’s plenty of fresh air and exercise, much cheaper than a gym, and you’re helping to restore a natural area right in the heart of the New Forest.’

To find out more about the New Forest Volunteer Fair visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteerfair2015

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Nominations open for CLA and NFNPA New Forest awards

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Catherine Shutler of Cyril’s Soap Shed collects her Best Supporter of Local Produce award from VisitEngland Chief Executive James Berresford.
Catherine Shutler - 2014
Local Produce Award winner.
Nominations are now open for an awards scheme to recognise those making an outstanding contribution to conserving the unique landscape and traditions of the New Forest.

The CLA and New Forest National Park Authority Awards is looking for nominees across four award categories:
  • Young Farmer/Commoner of the Year
  • Best Supporter of Local Produce
  • Sustainability Champion
  • Rural Diversification.
You can nominate a friend, family member, colleague, or even yourself, anytime between now and 1 May. The shortlisted nominees will have the chance to show their work to a panel of judges made up of experts from local organisations. Those lucky enough to reach the final stage will be presented with a trophy at this summer’s awards ceremony, held at the New Forest Show on 29 July.

This year’s awards builds on a successful 2014 edition, which culminated in VisitEngland Chief Executive James Berresford presenting the awards to the winners in the main show ring at the New Forest Show.

Catherine Shutler, owner of goat milk soap maker Cyril’s Soap Shed, was named Best Supporter of Local Produce in 2014 and said: ‘I am passionate about local produce, and try and help other producers as much as possible, so to be recognised with this award was a very special moment.

‘I never thought I would win, but I knew it would be good publicity for my business, and a chance to promote myself a bit. The judging day was particularly enjoyable – the judges came out one morning and it was great fun chatting to them and telling them what I do.

‘The awards took place during the grand parade at the New Forest Show, and when they announced I was the winner I was so proud! Through publicity of the awards after, in the newspapers and on radio, my business has really flourished and I would certainly encourage others to enter.’

Robin Edwards, CLA Director South East, said: ‘The CLA is proud to be working in partnership with the National Park Authority again to present these awards, and to introduce the new Rural Diversification category.  Business diversification is an essential component of a thriving modern countryside, and there are fantastic examples of exciting and inventive diversification successes in the New Forest.

‘All these awards go some way to recognising and thanking the people and businesses working as custodians of the unique New Forest landscape and its rural communities.’

New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive Alison Barnes said: ‘After two successful years of this awards scheme, it’s a pleasure to be teaming up with the CLA again to celebrate those at the heart of the living, working forest. We hope that by supporting commoning, local produce, sustainability and rural diversification we will help to maintain the unique landscape of the New Forest.

‘I look forward to meeting all the winners at the New Forest Show in July and wish all the nominees the very best of luck.’

Nominations for each category can be made online at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/awards and full criteria and rules can be viewed at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/awardsinfo.

To request a paper copy of the nomination form please phone 01590 646650.

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Marine Artists exhibition at St Barbe Museum

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Painting by Royal Society of Marine Artists
The Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) is holding a selling exhibition, Celebrating the Sea, at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington from Saturday, 7th March until Saturday 18th April.

A focal point for much of Britain's finest contemporary marine art, the RSMA includes many of the country's leading artists on the subject. The society last exhibited at St Barbe in 2003, when it was received with great enthusiasm by the museum’s visitors.

This country is an island nation with a proud maritime heritage; the coastline presents a huge variety of often spectacular scenery. Members' work is generally representational, but styles, subject matter and medium vary enormously. Some artists specialise in thoroughly researched historical subjects, others capture the thrill of modern yacht racing or enjoy muddy creeks and quiet harbours; others find beauty in super-tankers and cargo vessels and some find inspiration from the sea while others explore what's under the water. The unifying factor is that the sea is always the main source of inspiration.

Tickets to the Royal Society of Marine Artists Celebrating the Sea exhibition, which include entry into St Barbe Museum, cost £6 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and students, £3 for children aged five to 15, and £12 for a family of two adults and up to four children; under fives are admitted free of charge. St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday).

For more details visit www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk or telephone 01590 676969; further information about the society can be found on www.rsma-web.co.uk. The RSMA exhibition is sponsored by Thesis Asset Management.

St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Lymington, Hampshire
Celebrating the Sea Royal Society of Marine Artists selling exhibition
Saturday 7th March -  Saturday 18th April (closed Sundays)
Adults £6, concessions £5, children 5-15 £3, family £12
Tel: 01590 676969, www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk

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TV presenter Simon King wildlife films to mark 10th Anniversary of NFNP

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TV presenter Simon King
Wildlife films celebrating the world-class landscapes of the New Forest, have been produced to mark its 10 year anniversary as a National Park.

Simon King, best known for presenting Springwatch and Big Cat Diary, has produced three fascinating films, looking at the rich wildlife of the National Park’s internationally-important patchwork of ancient woodlands, lowland heaths and diverse coastline.

Rare species such as Sand Lizards, Goshawks and Dartford Warblers are featured in the online films, which highlight how the ancient rights of ‘commoning’ - including the right to graze free roaming ponies - have shaped the landscape over hundreds of years. The films will also enable better understanding of the Forest's natural beauty and will help people appreciate and conserve its special qualities into the future.

The New Forest was designated a National Park by the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) on 1 March, 2005 – the first to be created in the UK for nearly 50 years.

The New Forest National Park Authority was created shortly after on 1 April, 2005, and was delegated full powers a year later.

National Park status offers the highest form of landscape protection in the UK, helping to conserve 220 square miles of fragile habitats, more than 200 ancient monuments and 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the New Forest.

National Parks also have a duty to help their communities prosper, and are responsible for ensuring residents and visitors can appreciate and enjoy its natural beauty.

Simon King has traveled far and wide to film some of the world’s rarest animals and most spectacular settings for our TV screens. Yet the New Forest remains a special place for him.

Simon said: ‘Ever since I was a child, the New Forest has held an unparalleled magic for me. The remarkable mix of ancient, natural and human history is a compelling cocktail for all lovers of the outdoors.

‘It’s made all the more tangible through giant relics in the form of mighty trees and swathes of heathland. This patchwork of habitats offers wild creatures a broad choice of homes and resources, enriching the New Forest with an extraordinary variety and density of life.

‘This wild community, together with a working model of sustainable human use of forest resources, makes the Forest a shining jewel in Britain’s natural crown.’

Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘These excellent films really do capture the special qualities of the New Forest National Park, and will help viewers better understand and appreciate its exceptional landscapes, animals and traditions.

‘The New Forest was created by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground more than 900 years ago, and I’m certain that he would recognise much of the Forest today. It’s a haven for wildlife and rare plants, but it’s also a working forest with vibrant communities, and a place to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. National Park status helps ensure the New Forest’s fragile landscapes will be protected and appreciated by future generations.’

Environment Minister, Lord de Mauley said: ‘The New Forest National Park may only be 10 years old but the stunning scenery stretches back centuries, boasting some of the richest wildlife in Britain and many of the oldest trees in Europe.

‘Its unique heritage is the cornerstone of the Park’s thriving economy and something of which we should all be proud.’

The three films have been produced by Simon King Wildlife TV, with thanks to Natural World UK. They are available on the New Forest National Park Authority’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/newforestnpa.

For more about Simon King visit www.simonkingwildlife.com

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World War I flying ace Kink commemorated

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On 12 March 1928, World War I flying ace Flight Lieutenant Samuel ‘Kink’ Kinkead took off in a seaplane from RAF Calshot in the New Forest.

The nation watched on as he attempted to become the first pilot to break the 300 mph barrier, but the flight was to be his last.

WWI Flying Ace Kink commemorated
Frank Green, National Park archaeologist; Canon Stuart Holt, Fawley Church,
and Julian Lewis MP stand by the grave of Samuel Kinkead.
As Kink increased his speed and flew low across the water, tragedy struck. The plane inexplicably nosedived, and one of the Great War’s most celebrated pilots died instantly as he struck the water.

He was laid to rest four days later at All Saints Church in Fawley, where his grave still stands as testament to his skill and bravery.

Now, the New Forest National Park Authority is seeking to keep the memory of Samuel Kinkead alive, and celebrate the history of All Saints at Fawley and the area’s other churches in a new leaflet.

The fatal crash was a dramatic end to an extraordinary life, which saw Kink win six decorations for securing at least 33 victories as a fighter pilot on the Western Front and against the Bolsheviks in Russia. He also excelled as a pilot in the annual seaplane race for the Schneider Trophy; at Venice in 1927 he flew at 277 mph to break the biplane seaplane world speed record.

The impact of Kink’s life was illustrated by the reaction to his death. His achievements were marked by a leader article in The Times, and by the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Samuel Hoare, who told the House of Commons that, had he lived, he might well have reached the very top of the Royal Air Force.

The latest churches leaflet, the third in a series on the New Forest’s historical churches, contains pictures and facts on four sites:

  • All Saints, Fawley
  • St Paul’s, East Boldre
  • St Katharine’s, Exbury
  • Church of the blessed Virgin and Child, Beaulieu.

Julian Lewis MP, author of ‘Racing Ace’, the biography of Samuel Kinkead, said: ‘Kink was a real-life ‘Boy’s Own’ hero, venerated by his brother officers. A group of them set up a special fund to pay for his portrait in the RAF Club in London, his trophy at Cranwell and his memorial stone at All Saints, Fawley. His seaplane, designed by R J Mitchell, was a direct ancestor of the Spitfire.

‘The test pilots who flew such machines were the astronauts of their day, and it is right that their bravery should always be remembered.’

Frank Green, New Forest National Park Authority archaeologist, said: ‘The story of Samuel Kinkead gives a flavour of the fascinating history within the New Forest’s historical churches, many of which are featured in this series of leaflets.

‘In order to appreciate our local area, it’s important to take an interest in its history and I hope this latest leaflet will help people to do this, while encouraging them to visit their local church to find out more about its past.’

Canon Stuart Holt of All Saints, Fawley, said: ‘It was a wonderful surprise to hear that we were being featured in this leaflet by the National Park Authority, and we hope that people who see this leaflet will be inspired to come and visit All Saints and share in the wonderful church that we have here.’

To find out more about the New Forest’s historical churches, and download your own copies of the leaflets, visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/churches.

These leaflets are supported by Hampshire Historic Churches Trust. To find out more about its work to conserve old churches visit www.hihct.org.uk.

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Brockenhurst - Could your business become a Local Information Point?

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Local Information Point at Brockenhurst
Businesses in Brockenhurst are being invited to become a focal point of information for visitors and local people.

The New Forest National Park Authority is looking to recruit a business to join the network of Local Information Points throughout the Forest. They provide visitors and residents with easy access to information about the National Park and are stocked with maps, leaflets and publications about what to see and where to go.

Business owners who host a Local Information Point will receive training, support and an annual contribution of £250 from the Authority, as well as being advertised in a range of publications and websites as an information point.

The call for applicants comes at the start of Visit England’s English Tourism Week (14 to 22 March), which highlights the value of the industry to the local economy.

Ken Wilson, from Sway Deli and Coffee Shop, a Local Information Point since 2012, said: ‘Becoming a Local Information Point has helped attract people into our shop which has helped our business. We’ve also enjoyed learning more background details about the Forest and helping visitors make the most of their time in the National Park. The information and training the Authority provides are extremely helpful and supportive.’

Jim Mitchell, Interpretation Officer at the Authority, said: ‘The Local Information Point scheme has proved to be extremely successful since starting in 2008. The scheme is about recognising and supporting the great work that local businesses play in championing the New Forest and what makes it special.

‘Ideally we’re looking for a business in central Brockenhurst, which could be a shop, tea room or other premises.’

Local Information Points can be found throughout the New Forest including in Beaulieu, Burley, Hythe, Landford, Milford-on-Sea, Minstead, Sway, Woodgreen and at a former telephone kiosk in Emery Down.

For more information on how to apply to become a Local Information Point in Brockenhurst visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/LIPs to download the application pack or contact Jim Mitchell on jim.mitchell@newforestnpa.gov.uk. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday, April 13.

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The New Forest Land Advice Service celebrate 5 years supporting rural businesses

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The New Forest’s commoners, landowners and farmers are celebrating the fifth anniversary of a service that helps them and wildlife thrive in the National Park.

New Forest Land Advice Service helping rural businesses and wildlife in the New Forest National Park.
Julie Melin-Stubbs, Land Advice Service manager; Rhys Morgan, Land Advice Service advisor;
Angela Peters, Community Wildlife Plans officer; Tracé Williams, Land Advice Service advisor.

The New Forest Land Advice Service supports rural businesses with advice on land management and nature conservation, access to rural skills training courses, and help when applying for grants.

This work includes supporting commoners to ensure they can continue to make use of the ancient rights attached to their property to turn out livestock onto the open areas of the New Forest – a vital tradition as the grazing animals shape the area’s unique landscape.

The service’s notable achievements over the last five years include:

  • Reintroducing ponies and cattle to sites in Milford on Sea and New Milton for the first time in over 50 years, to encourage wildlife and support local farmers and commoners
  • Running the Better Boundaries project, which created more than 600m of laid hedges, 1,000m of hedgerows and 1,600m of wildflower field margins to act as wildlife corridors
  • Leading volunteers in a national pilot study of water quality on the River Blackwater in the north of the New Forest, and removing more than 2,000m of the invasive Himalayan balsam plant from its river banks.
  • The Land Advice was established by the New Forest National Park Authority, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Natural England in 2010, and is now also funded by the Verderers.

Since then, it has helped more than 100 businesses each year and has widened the scope of its work significantly. This includes launching the Community Wildlife Plans Project, which is helping eight communities to care for their local environment.

The outlook for the service remains bright, as it develops four complex wildlife conservation and rural skills projects, to be delivered over the next three years as part of the proposed New Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Commoner Oliver Cook, from Brockenhurst, said: ‘The Land Advice Service has been increasingly active in providing advice and arranging education for farmers and commoners in the New Forest over the past five years.

‘Having them at the end of a phone is very comforting indeed for commoners facing increasingly tight regulations and more administration in their efforts to continue rearing stock.’

Alison Barnes, New Forest National Park Authority Chief Executive, said: ‘We have been delighted to support the Land Advice Service over the last five years, as it has worked to help hundreds of farmers, commoners and landowners in the National Park.

‘It is vital we continue to support those at the heart of the living, working forest to ensure that the New Forest continues to have a thriving rural economy, and the Land Advice Service plays a pivotal role in achieving this aim. I congratulate the service on a successful first five years and look forward to many more years of success as it continues to grow.’

Official Verderer Dominic May said: ‘The New Forest Land Advice Service plays an important advisory role in helping commoners deliver the obligations of the Verderers’ New Forest Higher Level Stewardship Agreement, by helping commoners farm their holdings in a more ecologically-sustainable manner.

‘The service has also carried out a baseline survey of the New Forest, which we are using to improve specific areas which need open forest management intervention. This survey will be repeated in a few years to see whether the management intervention has had the desired effect.’

Bob Chapman, Living Landscape Manager for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: ‘The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has always been a keen partner in the New Forest Land Advice Service. The work that NFLAS does has been key in supporting landowners, commoners and others in delivering the healthy pastoral economy upon which the unique qualities of the Forest depend.’

If you are a farmer, commoner or landowner and would like more information on the advice and training available, please contact Julie Melin-Stubbs on 01590 646696 or Julie.melin-stubbs@nflandadvice.org.uk

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