Protecting our community’s identity, history, and future

Our community is facing the biggest threat to its identity in generations. The Government’s proposed carve‑up would break apart the New Forest District and move Totton, the Waterside and areas of the National Park into a new urban‑centred authority dominated by Southampton and Eastleigh, without local consent.

The public consultation showed 97% of respondents opposed the plans, yet their views appear to have been disregarded. As we set out in our letter to councillors, this would “permanently alter the identity, governance and cohesion of our area” and contradicts the Government’s own published criteria.

We’re fighting back, not just for today, but for the heritage we inherited and the future our community deserves.

We are not opposing reorganisation itself. We are opposing the break‑up of the New Forest, which is neither necessary nor justified.

A Community Standing Together

New Forest Together is a fast‑growing, community‑led campaign. Within 48 hours of launching our petition, more than 4,000 residents signed, today that number is over 7,200, and rising daily.

We are doing this for the generations who came before us, who shaped the Forest we know today and for the generations who will inherit it.

This is about identity, heritage, fairness, and democratic legitimacy.

⚖️ What Your Donations Help Us Do

Running a campaign of this scale costs money. Every contribution helps us:

Print and deliver leaflets across the district;

Produce clear maps, graphics, and public information;

Run community meetings and outreach events;

Maintain the petition and digital platforms;

Commission expert legal advice if needed; and

Ensure residents across the Forest understand what is being proposed

What We Are Campaigning For

Our letter to New Forest District Council explains that the Government’s proposals fail to meet their own criteria in several areas, including:

Efficiency & Financial Value: the break‑up introduces fragmentation, duplication and transition costs, with “no evidence that splitting services would improve efficiency” (letter).

Local Identity & Cultural Importance; the New Forest’s cohesive, historic identity has been “entirely overlooked”.

Transition Costs: no plan has been published showing how the disruption and expense of breaking up the New Forest District would be managed.

Because of this, we are campaigning for:

1️⃣ A formal Counsel’s Opinion

NFDC should urgently instruct a specialist public‑law barrister to assess whether the Government’s decision meets its own criteria and whether there are grounds for legal challenge. As our letter states, this is “a logical, proportionate and relatively inexpensive first step”.

2️⃣ Preparation for a Judicial Review

If Counsel's Opinion confirms there are grounds, NFDC must be ready to act quickly and seek a Judicial Review.

These steps require resources, expertise, and community backing.

Your support helps make them possible.

Total Transparency

We are committed to being fully transparent with every penny donated.

To ensure this, we are establishing a properly constituted committee, including a Treasurer, to oversee all spending and publish clear accounts.

You deserve to know exactly how your support is being used and we will make sure you do.

✍️ Sign the Petition

Join thousands of residents standing against the break‑up of the New Forest:

NewForestTogether/Petition

Follow & Share on Facebook

Stay updated and help spread the word:

Facebook/NewForestTogether

Together, We Can Protect the Forest

This is a defining moment. With your help, we can ensure the New Forest’s identity, heritage, and community remain intact for the generations who will follow.