THE minister for National Parks stressed the importance of collaboration to maintain and preserve the countryside.

Lord Gardiner attended last week's New Forest Show and launched a new accord which aims to enhance National Parks.

The agreement is focused on maximising landscapes and creating new woodland areas.

Working in partnership, the Forestry Commission and National Parks England are hoping to bring together decision makers to ensure woodland is managed sustainably.

Lord Gardiner joined officials from the accord's stakeholders to mark its launch by planting a tree at New Park, Brockenhurst, home of the New Forest Show.

"Woods and forests make an immense contribution to our enjoyment of our National Parks, as well as providing important habitats for wildlife," he said.

"Our 25 Year Environment Plan sets out ambitious targets for tree planting and connecting people with nature, and this accord will help realise the full potential of woodland in our National Parks."

The New Forest Show highlighted a number of the area's key contributors, from conservation groups and local authorities, to farmers and commoners.

Lord Gardiner told the Daily Echo maintaining the balance across the Forest was key to its longevity.

"If you go too far you start to destroy habitat, on the other hand if you don't have grazing you end up creating a different environment from the one that has been a tradition here," he said.

"I think the most important thing is to have a balance arrangement, always making sure the New Forest is a great place for people to work in and to come and visit. I think that balance of traditional management is why we are able to enjoy this great place surrounded by considerable conurbations."

Lord Gardiner highlighted the importance of landowners, farmers and agencies working together.

He added that the British countryside as a whole is something that should be cherished.

"For so long it has been part of the tradition of this country, the New Forest resonates that, and I think it is because generations of people have looked after it that we are all able to come and enjoy it," Lord Gardiner said.