New neighbours at Foxlease Park in Lyndhurst
PUBLISHED ON: 29 JANUARY 2026The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) will be neighbours with charity Foxie’s Future CIO in Lyndhurst after buying a small part of the site.
The NPA has bought three small properties on the Foxlease Park estate, two of which will be modernised after being empty for some time. The three-bed semi-detached properties will be rented out.
The Authority is investigating whether the third building might be suitable for a staff and volunteer drop-in base to support its conservation work in the National Park, while retaining office space in Lymington.
The charity Foxie’s Future CIO was set up in August 2023 following Girlguiding UK’s decision to close and sell its Foxlease Activity Centre, which had been enjoyed by thousands of girls from around the world since the 1920s. Following a massive £4m+ fundraising campaign, including a significant grant of £1.78 million from Round 3 of the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, the charity bought the 65-acre site in November 2024 to save it from closure and ensure it remains available for years to come for young people and the local, national and international community.
New Forest National Park Authority Chair Victoria Mander explained that the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) had given all National Parks some ring-fenced, capital funding and the New Forest’s share would be put towards the 0.8 acre purchase.
Victoria said: ‘The ongoing rental income will help support our work to protect the New Forest National Park, help people to learn about and enjoy time in nature and ensure our communities prosper.
‘This mission and our values closely align with those of Foxie’s Future. So we’re pleased that the purchase is also helping the new charity to become more sustainable and continue to provide a wonderful facility of learning in the outdoors for the National Park community and beyond.’
The NPA has already held education sessions at Foxlease Park along with youth volunteer sessions helping the charity to improve the grounds.
Foxie’s Future Chair of trustees Hazel Warwick, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the National Park Authority as our new neighbours at Foxlease Park. We are looking forward to working closely with them on future projects and onsite volunteering opportunities.’
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