New Forest safeguarding initiatives discussed with MP
Caroline Nokes MP has been visiting different areas of the National Park
Staff at the New Forest National Park Authority have been discussing the future of the park with a local MP.
The RT Hon Caroline Nokes MP met with staff to speak about issues the area faces and initiatives being delivered around nature, climate, people and place.
Ms Noakes spoke to NPA Lead Ranger Gillie Molland at Canada Common, where they discussed recreation management and sharing the right messages to people enjoying the forest, to ensure they’re caring for the unique landscape.
She also heard from Mike Smales from Lyburn Farm at Landford. He spoke about the variety of challenges farmers find themselves facing in the North of the Forest.
Mike said a rising number of deer are impacting crops and grasslands.
And at the RSPB nature reserve in Nomansland, the MP was introduced to Andrew Parry Norton, Chair of the Commoners Defence Association, and his herd of Ruby Devon cows which graze on the land at Franchises Lodge.
Andrew explained that the herd is helping maintain a healthy woodland, keeping invasive species at bay, reducing competition for growth on the forest floor and allowing rare and valuable flora to flourish in the forest.
This more natural diet also leads to healthier cows, which produces higher quality beef.
Ms Nokes said it had been ‘great’ to see what is being done to promote nature conservation, sustainable farming and the health benefits of access to nature in the Park.
‘There are clearly real challenges around funding, and I will be certainly taking this message to Defra. The New Forest National Park is the most amazing place for nature, and we need to do all we can together for it to thrive.’