Forces for Change: Borough-Wide
Recreation and Tourism
The landscape, ecological and historical resources of the Test Valley are a key economic asset for tourism and recreation. The government is actively encouraging rural tourism and improved access to the countryside through initiatives and legislation such as Green Tourism, or the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Traditional rural activities such as riding, golfing and clay pigeon shooting are increasing in popularity, resulting in larger, more numerous and more organised facilities. There is evidence of a latent demand for further provision of areas of open country within the Borough which are managed to accommodate public access (such as country parks and informal agreements with landowners) and for better information and promotion of general access to the countryside.
The New Forest National Park
In 1999 the Deputy Prime Minister announced that the first steps would be taken to designate the New Forest as a National Park. A Public Inquiry took place in 2002, ending in spring 2003. The proposals for the designated boundary which included the part of the New Forest Heritage Area which lies within Test Valley borough. Test Valley Borough Council have also promoted the extension of the National Park boundary to include the land bounded by the A27 and Gardeners Lane at Embley. The decision of the Secretary of State is expected in 2004/5. The designation as a National Park is not likely to affect the New Forest Heritage Area but inclusion of a larger part of Test Valley may introduce greater opportunities and demands for quiet recreational uses in the south of the Borough.