IT is an historic week for the New Forest, with the announcement that it is to become England's eighth national park - the first to be designated in almost 50 years.

Monday's announcement by rural affairs minister Alun Michael confirms the Countryside Agency's decision to give additional protection to the Forest area. But reactions to this historic change have been mixed.

The New Forest is the most intact surviving example in England of a medieval hunting forest. The diversity of its landscape is unique, and includes woodland, open heathland and coastal land.

Mr Michael said: "Our national parks have a vital role conserving our natural heritage - but conservation alone is not enough.

"This decision will help protect the unique character of the New Forest - valued by so many people, and acknowledged as a national treasure for nearly 1,000 years - whilst recognising that it is a working, living place with social and economic needs."

The decision is the culmination of a five-year process led by the Countryside Agency, which has involved extensive consultation with Forest residents, landowners and businesses.

Countryside Agency chief executive Richard Wakeford acknowledged the good stewardship of the verderers, foresters and commoners, in making the Forest a remarkable historic landscape of international importance.

"National park status is the best way to protect this special area from the pressures that it continues to face," he said.

Desmond Swayne, Tory MP for New Forest West, has criticised the government for proceeding with the designation of the national park under legislation created in 1949, calling it "out of date".

His comments echoed those of local councillors, who had hoped for something tailor-made, taking into account the special circumstances of the New Forest.

Mr Swayne said: "I am clearly very disappointed. I gave evidence to the public inquiry against designation under the existing legislation.

"It is in danger of reducing the protection of the New Forest by compromising the role of the verderers."

Further controversy has been sparked over the boundaries recommended by the inquiry inspector, following the seven-month public inquiry. Previously included in the draft boundary proposals were Ringwood, Fordingbridge and Bransgore, which have now been omitted, to the surprise of many.

New Forest district council believes the new legislation fails to reflect the true extent of the area needing protecting, but said it looked forward to working with the new National Park Authority.

NFDC deputy leader Barry Rickman said: "The exclusion of these areas is a surprise and a disappointment.

"We are also disappointed that the composition of the park authority will not be tailored to the unique needs of this area and the organisations which have guarded it well for generations."

The council is also waiting to hear about the detailed arrangements for the planning and administration of the national park.

NFDC chief executive Dave Yates said: "The inspector appears to have accepted that it would be a good thing if the development control arrangements within the national park were delegated back to the local authority. However, we understand that the minister has not made any final recommendations on this."

There now follows a further period of consultation on the proposed additions before the designation order is confirmed.