The National Trust is calling for planning and other partnership controls to protect the New Forest’s unique habitats and landscapes that are threatened by the disruption of its delicately balanced grazing regimes and by development on the Forest’s periphery.

Development pressure and mineral extraction continue to threaten the hinterland around the Forest, said the National Trust in its New Forest prospectus.

The body has recently bought more than 150ha of land in the forest to restore an area that has been used as a commercial plantation and extend lowland heath.

These land acquisitions by the can help reduce development pressure but can only be part of the bigger picture. Stronger planning and other policies are needed to provide a buffer zone, which will protect the setting of the New Forest and its surrounding landscape, said the NT report.

The National Trust is the second largest landowner after the Crown Estate, with 3% of the New Forest. The new purchases will increase the National Trust’s landholding in the New Forest by more than 10%.

The National Trust seeks a joined-up approach where the new National Park Authority and Natural England – the government’s new conservation agency - work with the Trust and other organisations across natural rather than administrative boundaries.

Lindsay Cornish, chief executive of the New Forest NPA, said there was a strong emphasis on partnership working in its soon-to-be published corporate plan. "We see the National Trust as one of our key partners," she added.