New Forest Parking Charges Confirmed for April 2026. What Visitors Need to Know

Forestry England has confirmed that parking charges will be introduced across the New Forest starting **late April 2026**. The move brings the National Park in line with other Forestry England sites and has sparked debate among locals and visitors.

The charges will apply to car parks managed by Forestry England, which covers many of the most popular access points to the forest's walking trails, picnic areas, and cycling routes.

Why Now?

Forestry England states the fees will help fund conservation work in the face of rising maintenance costs and increasing visitor numbers. The New Forest receives millions of visitors annually, with pressure on infrastructure growing year over year.

The organisation already operates paid parking at forests across England including the Forest of Dean, Dalby Forest, and Wendover Woods. The New Forest was one of the few remaining flagship locations without charges.

What It Costs

While per-session pricing has not been finalised, Forestry England offers a **National Membership at £96 annually** (approximately £8 per month). This membership covers parking at all Forestry England sites nationwide.

For context, the National Trust charges £12.20 per month for family membership, while English Heritage starts at £42 annually for individual membership. Forestry England's offering sits competitively in this landscape.

Local Reaction

The announcement has drawn mixed responses. Local residents who use the forest regularly face an additional annual expense or the inconvenience of seeking alternative parking. Some community groups have expressed concern about accessibility for lower-income families.

Others acknowledge the funding pressures. The New Forest's ancient woodlands, heathlands, and conservation grazing operations require significant resources. Without sustainable funding models, maintenance backlogs grow and habitat quality degrades.

Your Options

Visitors have several strategies to consider:

**For frequent visitors:** The £96 annual membership pays for itself within 10-12 visits if comparable per-session charges apply (£8-10 per day is typical at other sites). Regular forest users will find this worthwhile.

**For occasional visitors:** Pay-as-you-go parking will remain an option. Prices are expected to fall in the £6-10 range per day, similar to National Trust and English Heritage car parks.

**For locals:** Some New Forest District Council car parks may remain free or cheaper, though these fill quickly during peak periods. Cycling or walking access from nearby villages remains unrestricted.

Alternatives Worth Considering

The New Forest is not the only ancient woodland accessible from southern England. The **Forest of Dean** (already with paid parking) offers similar landscapes with fewer crowds. **Savernake Forest** near Marlborough remains largely free to access. **Ashdown Forest** in Sussex operates a different ownership model with voluntary donation systems.

The Bigger Picture

This change reflects a broader trend across UK heritage and conservation land management. As public funding diminishes, user-pays models become the norm. The National Trust, English Heritage, RSPB, and Woodland Trust have all moved toward or maintained membership-based access models.

The question for visitors is no longer whether to pay, but which memberships offer the best value for their specific patterns of use. Forestry England's £96 annual fee is competitive for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who travel to different forests throughout the year.

Forestry England has confirmed that charges will not begin until **late April 2026**, giving regular visitors several weeks to continue free access. Memberships purchased now will cover the transition period without additional cost.

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**Sources:**

- [Forestry England New Forest Parking Announcement](https://www.forestryengland.uk/news/parking-charges-will-help-fund-vital-work-care-the-new-forest)

- [Forestry England Membership Information](https://www.forestryengland.uk/national-membership)

- [Salisbury Journal Coverage](https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/25511931.ringgo-parking-charges-introduced-across-new-forest/)