Introducing The New Forest Heritage Centre

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Dec. 14, 2018 - PRLog -- The New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst – which comprises a free to enter Museum, Gallery, Library, Education service, Shop and Café – is changing its name to the New Forest Heritage Centre.

Mary Montagu-Scott, Chair of the New Forest Ninth Centenary Trust which runs the Heritage Centre, says: "There has been confusion in the past as to what we do at the Centre. Changing our name to the New Forest Heritage Centre makes our mission clear – to share the history of the New Forest with everyone.  To tie in with the new name we have an updated website which is cleaner, simpler, and much easier to navigate.

"Operating as a charity, and because entry to both the Museum and Library is free, we are totally dependent upon donations from organisations, businesses and the public. By changing our name and launching a new website we hope to welcome more visitors into our Heritage Centre wishing to learn more about the New Forest: past, present and future."

The New Forest Ninth Centenary Trust was founded in 1979 to commemorate the 900 years since the creation of the New Forest by William the Conqueror.  Years of planning and fundraising led to the building of a new museum to benefit the public and tell the story of the history and heritage of the New Forest.

The New Forest Heritage Centre is the only museum dedicated to the social and natural history of this fascinating and unique part of Hampshire. Its aim is to inspire visitors to explore and value the New Forest by collecting, conserving and interpreting our collections and by providing educational activities and information for all. 2018 marks its 30^th anniversary.

The Heritage Centre's current exhibition (in conjunction with the Commoners' Defence Association) is 'Commoning Voices' and gives a fascinating insight into the New Forest commoning community: its people, animals, knowledge, passion and skills.

The New Forest is recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty comprising coastline, woodlands and extensive areas of heathland.  Millions of visitors come to stay within the confines of the New Forest each year and over 220,000 visitors come to the Heritage Centre, which is open almost every day of the year.

For further information visit www.newforestcentre.org.uk.  For more ideas of things to do and places to stay visit www.thenewforest.co.uk.