The Rt Hon Sir Desmond Swayne MP met New Forest National Park Authority staff and partners to learn more about how the area is supporting nature recovery, improving access, and delivering on its Partnership Plan.
The MP for New Forest West saw firsthand some of the landscape-scale projects already underway, and discussed how planning and funding mechanisms can support positive change for people and nature.
At Breamore, he visited the former railway line now being transformed into a nature corridor that will benefit wildlife and community wellbeing. The NPA’s volunteer and accessibility co-ordinator James Masser, and landscape enhancement project co-ordinator Ellie Bowen explained how the project – funded through the Landscape Enhancement Initiative – is restoring vital habitats with the help of NPA volunteers. Using hand tools and power tools, several hundred meters of path have now been cleared, and 11 former railway bridges and culverts uncovered.
As well as celebrating local heritage, the site is located close to an area of rapid development, offering residents an easily accessible, wildlife rich area to explore, close to frequent bus routes.
Sir Desmond also met Alison Barnes, CEO of the NPA, and David Illsley, the NPA’s interim head of planning and place, who spoke about the purpose of the National Park status, planning in the local area and the benefits of Community Infrastructure Levy funding.
Later, the MP visited Bisterne Estate, a key site for large-scale nature recovery. He met John Stride, the NPA’s Net Zero with Nature programme manager and Paul Edgar, principal ecologist at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC).
Discussions focused on the Re:New Nature Challenge, a guiding framework in the New Forest’s Partnership Plan to ensure the National Park’s habitats are more resilient, better managed for wildlife, bigger and more joined up.
The visit highlighted work funded through the Species Survival Fund to improve habitat for the smooth snake and other reptiles and amphibians.
It also showcased the power of partnership, particularly the collaborative efforts between landowners and wildlife organisations. Together, they are demonstrating how targeted investment, expert knowledge, and shared goals can drive real change on the ground.
Paul Edgar of ARC said: ‘As the Parliamentary Species Champion for the smooth snake, Sir Desmond has long been a staunch supporter of ARC’s conservation work for rare reptiles. We were very pleased to be able to show him just how the Species Survival Fund has been making a positive difference for this species on the Bisterne Estate, as well as for a range of other New Forest wildlife.’
Sir Desmond Swayne said: ‘The New Forest is one of our most treasured landscapes, and it’s encouraging to see such practical, collaborative work taking place to protect and enhance it. These projects show what can be achieved when local knowledge, expert input, and policy tools like planning and environmental funding come together.
‘A shared understanding of the area’s opportunities and challenges strengthens the commitment of all partners to deliver a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive National Park.’ -Ends-
Photo: L-R Moira Swayne; Alison Barnes CEO of the New Forest NPA; Lily Davies of Bisterne Estate; Paul Edgar principal ecologist at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation; Sir Desmond Swayne.
About the Species Survival Fund
The Species Survival Fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies and is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
In the New Forest, the Species Survival Fund project involves working with five partners to help halt species decline and restore habitats in and around the National Park.
Partner organisations and landowners are working together to enhance 250 hectares of land for nature across 25 sites – the equivalent of 350 football pitches.
The Fund has allocated £1.04 million to the scheme which, with additional funding from the partners, represents a total investment into the New Forest of £1.3 million.
The partners are:
- Freshwater Habitats Trust
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
- New Forest Commoners Defence Association
- Wild New Forest
Partners are supported by the RSPB and the New Forest Biodiversity Forum.