ITS ancient woodland, breathtaking coastline and iconic ponies may seem a million miles away from bustling boardrooms and modern office environments.

But bosses in Hampshire are harnessing the New Forest’s wilderness to boost their business and community relations.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) is inviting companies to join its corporate partnership scheme – a business initiative aimed at galvanising trade while raising funds towards maintaining and conserving the region.

The authority is offering packages incorporating marketing, promotions and sales, plus corporate responsibility schemes including conservation, community engagement, education and sustainability.

They can be tailored to organisations in a range of sectors whatever their budget and include project and event sponsorship, affinity campaigns, cause-related marketing and public relations opportunities.

They are also offering staff events and corporate days and the chance to work with forest rangers and specialists NPA chairman Julian Johnson said: “The New Forest is held in great affection by many people as a place of relaxation, spectacular scenery and fascinating culture and history.

“We are looking for more creative ways to fund our important work to protect it and keep it as a living and working landscape for future generations.

“We hope companies of all sizes will join us to benefit both the national park and their business.”

Oil giant ExxonMobil, based at the Fawley refinery, is taking part in environmental, heritage and staff volunteering initiatives with the authority.

Company community affairs manager Nigel Burt said: “Our partnership has provided an unusual and fascinating way for us to support the local community which is important to our staff. It has increased our profile in the area through publicity, exhibitions and awards and it has helped us to demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the local community.”

• Email partners@newforestnpa.gov.uk or log on to newforestnpa.gov.uk to get involved.