PEOPLE with a broad interest in New Forest issues are needed to become government appointed members of Britain's newest national park.

Rural affairs minister Alun Michael announced his decision to confirm the New Forest National Park Designation Order on June 28 and it is expected the confirmation order will be signed later this year.

Now Margaret Beckett, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, wants people to join the New Forest National Park Authority, the body that will run the park from April 2006.

The authority will be made up of 22 representatives.

Six will be government appointees, four will be parish councillors and the other dozen recruited from district, unitary or county councils.

Members of the new authority will be selected by April 1 next year and appointments will be for an initial three years with the option of a 10-year re-appointment.

It is not yet known where the new authority will meet.

Lyndhurst is the traditional capital of the New Forest but is a traffic bottleneck and somewhere with more sustainable transport links may be chosen, said Defra spokesman Chris Fairbrother.

During the "challenging" first year the authority will decide how to manage its functions, set up operating systems, learn from the experiences of other National Park authorities and get to grips with the specific needs of the New Forest, its visitors and the people who live and work there.

They will have to work to ensure the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, its wildlife, cultural heritage and improve understanding and enjoyment of the area.

Defra ministers will be looking for people with an understanding of Forest issues, sustainable development and from a broad range of social backgrounds.

The half-dozen government positions are voluntary, though expenses will be paid.

First published: September 11