The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) welcomed a government minister to discuss its environmental work.
Stephen Morgan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defra and Farming Minister, met staff, members and volunteers during his visit to the NPA’s exhibit at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show.
He was briefed on a range of projects focused on nature recovery, education and community engagement, all part of the NPA’s efforts to protect the landscape, improve people’s connection with nature and support community health and the local economy.
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Farming Minister Stephen Morgan MP at the New Forest National Park Authority stand at the New Forest Show with the authority’s chief executive Alison Barnes and Abi Tebb of the New Forest Youth Board. (Image: New Forest National Park Authority)
Alison Barnes, chief executive of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: “We were delighted to welcome Stephen Morgan MP to our stand at the New Forest Show.
“It was a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of the New Forest National Park, the challenges ahead, share some of our current projects and discuss how we inspire people of all ages to understand and care for this special place.”
Mr Morgan also learned about the authority’s work with young people, which helps them experience the National Park and learn about its internationally important habitats, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
He met Abi Tebb, a 21-year-old ecologist from Sway and member of the New Forest National Park Youth Board.
Mr Morgan also spoke with staff and volunteers from PEDALL, an NPA inclusive cycling charity, and tried one of its specially adapted bikes.
PEDALL helps more than 7,000 people with additional needs access the forest each year.
Mr Morgan said: “It was a pleasure to visit this year’s New Forest and Hampshire County Show and hear more about the New Forest National Park Authority’s important work.
“The work being done across this unique landscape shows how sustainable farming and nature recovery can go hand in hand.
“That’s why this government is investing a record £11.8 billion in English farming and has published a 25-year Farming Roadmap, giving farmers the long-term certainty to invest with confidence.
“When farmers, nature and local communities thrive together, the whole New Forest benefits.
“That’s how we’ll protect this special place for generations to come.”
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, held in Brockenhurst, draws thousands of visitors annually and offers the opportunity to find out more about the people and organisations that help shape and protect the area.
Visitors to this year’s NPA stand learned about rare wildlife, conservation initiatives and ways to explore the National Park responsibly while helping to protect its unique environment.
