The New Forest is preserved as a park for nation

With its wild ponies and acres of unspoilt heathland, the New Forest is one of Britain's greatest national treasures.

The forest, set between the growing conurbations of Bournemouth and Southampton, will be subject to tougher planning laws and will receive greater conservation grants.

Alun Michael, Rural Affairs Minister, said: "Conservation is not enough - the parks must balance environmental priorities with those of communities.

"Today's decision will help protect the unique character of the New Forest ... while recognising that it is a working, living place with social and economic needs."

The announcement follows a public inquiry. The park will be managed by a National Park Authority, prompting fears among farmers and residents opposed to the move of a rise in bureaucracy.

Dr Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, said many of his constituents feared that the new authority would take the future of the area out of local hands. He said: "The view of many people is that, if the New Forest needed more protection, it should have been done by special legislation rather than by the straitjacket of the national park model."

"Whereas, in the past, decisions about the future of the forest evolved out of a consensus of interested bodies and individuals, the National Park Authority will be able to force decisions through," Dr Lewis added.

Conservationists welcomed the move. Richard Wakeford, chief executive of the Countryside Agency, said: "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 co-ordinated, 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 was declared a royal hunting forest in 1079. About 3,000 ponies and 2,000 cattle belonging to local people roam free, protected by ancient rights.