£440,000 of Government funding given to New Forest
The National Park's getting a one-off payment to 'support increasing costs'
The New Forest National Park is to get a one-off payment this year to support increasing costs.
An extra £440,000 will go towards the area's rangers and conservation work.
It'll be put towards the Re:New Forest Partnership Plan which focuses on climate, nature, people, place and partnership.
£4.4 million is being shared between 10 National Park Authorities across the country.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:
"Our National Parks are the jewel in our cherished landscapes. They support thriving communities, economies, wildlife and are important places for public health and wellbeing.
"This additional £4.4 million of funding will support the important work that National Park Authorities do across our countryside and allow local people and visitors to enjoy these much-loved spaces."
The Government has also announced that the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, which has been running in the New Forest since 2021, will be extended until March 2025.
The New Forest National Park Authority has already been given £456,000 to issue in grants between July 2021 to March 2024 which has seen miles of hedgerow planted, ponds created, orchards planted and measures to reduce flooding.
Prof Gavin Parker, New Forest National Park Authority Chair, said:
"The New Forest National Park is a haven for wildlife in the busy south with many rare habitats and species. It also has 34,500 residents and welcomes millions of visitors each year.
"Our core funding has halved in real terms since 2010 with much of our £3.3m Defra grant being used to provide protection of the New Forest and support of our communities and businesses, including through our planning function. So this one-off grant is vital to ensure we can continue to resource our rangers and continue projects with Forest partners to ensure people respect and care for the New Forest; help more children and young people learn about the natural world and gain green skills and jobs; and carry out vital conservation work to maintain and help recover nature."