TODAY the New Forest becomes England's first new National Park for 17 years. CHRIS YANDELL looks at the new organisation that will run the area, and what it will mean to residents and visitors...

IN a small office overlooking Lyndhurst High Street, a team of experts are shaping the future of the New Forest.

Specialists from the Countryside Agency and other bodies are creating an organisation that will ensure the area meets the challenges of the 21st century.

Dubbed the biggest shake-up in its history, the Forest today becomes the UK's 12th National Park and the first in the south-east.

It will be run by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA), which will comprise 22 elected members and a staff of up to 80.

The NPA will be launched next month, but will have only limited powers until it officially takes over in April 2006.

However, an NPA establishment team is already laying the foundations for the new regime.

Experts in local government, finance and other key subjects have set up a base in a converted stable block next to Lyndhurst's main church.

They have been given a multitude of tasks, including the creation of support services and the preparation of background papers that will give NPA members a detailed knowledge of the main issues.

One of the authority's first jobs will be to produce a management plan for the area.

It was on June 28 last year that rural affairs minister Alun Michael confirmed that the New Forest would become a National Park.

Describing it as the best surviving example of a medieval hunting forest, Mr Michael said National Park status would enhance the area and ensure it would be available for future generations to enjoy.

His decision was based on the outcome of a lengthy public inquiry that was held at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel, Lyndhurst.

Chaired by government planning inspector Roy Foster, the seven-month inquiry heard evidence from 115 witnesses, made more than 20 site visits and produced a report that was more than 300 pages long.

Now the task of creating the NPA has begun in earnest.

One of its main tasks will be to conserve the beauty and cultural heritage of the National Park, and promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy the area's special qualities.

The establishment of the National Park is being overseen by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Susan Carter, head of its countryside division, has been appointed interim chief executive of the NPA and will speak on its behalf until the organisation is fully established.

The organisation will comprise:

five members of Hampshire County Council

four members of New Forest District Council

one representative each from Wiltshire County Council, Salisbury District Council and Test Valley Borough Council

four parish councillors

six people with specialist knowledge, expertise and experience.

The four parish council representatives have already been appointed, subject to government approval.

Diana Halford (Burley) will be joined by Clive Maton (Denny Lodge), Robert Morris (Landford) and John Sanger (Woodgreen).

Meanwhile Mrs Carter and fellow members of the establishment team are hard at work.

Surrounded by maps, strategy documents and village directories, the team are striving to ensure that the NPA has a trouble-free birth.

They have already met representatives from some of the most important organisations in the area, including the Commoners' Defence Association and the New Forest Association.

Mrs Carter said: "I have loved visiting the New Forest ever since I was a child.

"I know from experience elsewhere that the NPA will offer exciting opportunities to conserve and enhance the beauty of this magical place, and to increase people's enjoyment of its special qualities.

"I am looking forward enormously to getting to know the Forest better and playing a part in securing its future."

WHAT DOES NATIONAL PARK STATUS MEAN?

HERE are some answers to frequently asked questions about national parks and the New Forest:

What is a National Park?

National Parks are areas of exceptional natural beauty, with great opportunities for outdoor recreation, that are deemed to need special protection and management.

Why has the New Forest been made a National Park?

The Forest is sandwiched between two major conurbations, Southampton and Bourne-mouth, and is also facing problems caused by a huge increase in tourism and traffic.

What powers will the National Park Authority have?

The NPA will play a key role in conservation and countryside management, but local councils will retain responsibility for matters such as education, transport, social services, housing and waste collection.

Will people notice a difference?

New regulations introduced today increase the number of schemes that need planning permission. Satellite dishes and garden swimming pools are among the home improvements that now require consent.

How will house prices be affected?

Designation is not expected to make much difference as property prices are already sky-high as a result of the area's special qualities. Many National Parks have policies to promote affordable housing.

How will National Park status affect land ownership?

Land will continue to be owned and managed by the people who own and manage it at present, but the NPA will have a say in how the land should be cared for in the long term.

What will be the impact on wildlife?

One of the NPA's main aims will be to conserve and enhance wildlife in the Forest. Policies will be devised with the help of English Nature and other organisations.

What will happen to the New Forest Heritage Area?

Most of the Heritage Area will be within the National Park and will thus enjoy a high level of protection. Responsibility for land outside the Park will lie with the adjoining local authorities.

Will the number of tourists increase?

Tourism is already worth an annual £156m to the Forest and provides about 30 per cent of all jobs. The NPA's job will be to ensure that tourism is "compatible" with the landscape and culture of the Forest.

What will happen to the commoners and the verderers?

The Forest's designation as a National Park will not affect the rights of common, the New Forest Acts or the role of the verderers, who manage the commoning system.

Will the Forestry Commission be affected?

The Commission will continue to manage the crown lands but will work closely with the NPA. Some observers believe the two organisations are likely to become involved in a power struggle.