Controversial plans to transform the New Forest into a National Park have finally been given the go-ahead. A 220 sq mile area of outstanding scenery, including 50 miles of coastline, will be the first new National Park for 50 years.

The park, with its ancient woodland and heath dating back to William the Conquerer, will fully come into being in April, 2006 and is the smallest of the eight now in existence in the country.

The New Forest National Park joins England’s family of seven existing National Parks: Dartmoor; Exmoor; Lake District; Northumberland; North York Moors; Peak District; and Yorkshire Dales. The Broads, while not a National Park, is recognised as an equivalent in status and is a member of the international family of National Parks.

Richard Wakeford, chief executive of the Countryside Agency, said: “We are delighted that the Secretary of State has confirmed our designation of the New Forest as a National Park. Today’s announcement is the culmination of a five-year process led by the Countryside Agency, which has involved extensive consultation with local residents, landowners and businesses.”

But villagers and their MP’s are upset about the decision and claim it “was a mistake”. Many living and working within the area claim it will encourage too many tourists to use the New Forest's already overcrowded roads and towns. However, after a protracted investigation, most were merely resigned to the inevitability of the park being imposed upon them after a public inquiry last year.

Supporters said the new status would protect rare habitats for animals, birds and plants from intensive farming and building. More than half the coast and land that lies within the park boundary is of the highest importance for wildlife and protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Richard Wakeford said, “The New Forest is a remarkable historic landscape of international importance, not least due to the good stewardship of the verderers, foresters and commoners.”

“National Park status is the best way to protect this special area from the pressures that it continues to face. The creation of a dedicated National Park Authority will help to ensure coordinated, first-class land management, conserving this rich landscape, enhancing it for the enjoyment of current and future generations and driving forward sustainable development for the benefit of local communities and the nation as a whole.”

The New Forest is the most intact surviving example in England of a medieval hunting forest and pastoral system. The diversity of its landscape is unique, and includes woodland, open heathland and coastal land. Much of its landscape is also of importance to nature conservation and provides extensive recreational opportunities for walkers, riders, fishermen and others.