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Forestry England’s Deputy Surveyor Craig Harrison praises Lord Manners' leadership at Verderers’ Court




THE outgoing Official Verderer Lord Manners will be remembered for uniting Forest groups and delivering many lasting benefits during his six-year tenure.

Speaking at a recent Verderers’ Court meeting, Forestry England’s Deputy Surveyor Craig Harrison said Lord Manners' leadership of the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme had made positive contributions to the national park by restoring habitats, supporting commoning practices, protecting verges, restoring wetlands and educating young people.

Mr Harrison also praised the outgoing Official Verder’s role in working with other organisations to mitigate the impact of huge numbers of visitors during and after the Covid pandemic.

Lord Manners was presented with a Peter Frost painting by Anthony Pasmore
Lord Manners was presented with a Peter Frost painting by Anthony Pasmore

He said: “His tenure has been marked by a consistent understanding of the importance of working in partnership with other forest organisations - by working to secure a shared understanding of the issues facing the Forest, being open to a range of views, and commitment to finding workable solutions to the issues faced.

“The legacy of a more united and impactful approach is demonstrated by the Public Space Protection Orders due to come into force this summer.

“Building on this new level of partnership working, with verderers’ involvement, these provide an important new set of tools for engaging with the public and raising awareness of how to visit responsibly.”

NPA director of strategy and planning, Steve Avery, also highlighted Lord Manners' contribution to Forest life.

“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the retiring Official Verderer for all his guidance, wise counsel and positive support in conserving and protecting the New Forest,” he said.

“I do recall on one occasion being summoned to the court to address the verderers on a particular planning matter, and it is the only time in my whole life that I have ever been referred to as a ‘tethered goat!’

Tributes were also paid to Lord Manners by fellow verderers and commoners. He was presented with a painting of Dur Hill by local artist and former NPA member Peter Frost.



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