New Forest Act 1697

New Forest Act 1697

Act of Parliament
Parliament of England
Long title	An Act for the increase and preservation of timber in the New Forest in the County of Southampton.
Citation	9 Will. 3. c. 33 (Ruffhead: 9 & 10 Will. 3. c. 36)
Dates
Royal assent	5 July 1698
Other legislation
Repealed by	Wild Creatures and Forest Laws Act 1971
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted

The New Forest Act 1697 (9 Will. 3. c. 33) was an Act of the Parliament of England which provided that "Waste Lands" in the New Forest be enclosed and planted with trees to supply timber for the ships of the Royal Navy.

Provisions

Of the total area of the Forest, estimated at 85454 acres, 1000 acres was to be enclosed "forthwith", a further 1000 acres in 1699, and thereafter 200 acres annually for 20 years. No trees could be felled in the lands without the Navy's approval; timber not claimed by the Navy would be auctioned in nearby towns. After 1716, locals on lands adjoining the enclosures would be permitted to graze animals and gather firewood on the same basis as in Elizabeth I's reign.

Repeal

The whole Act was repealed by section 1(4) of, and the Schedule to, the Wild Creatures and Forest Laws Act 1971.

See also

• English land law
• New Forest Act 1800

References

• John Raithby, ed. (1820). An Act for the Increase and Preservation of Timber in the New Forest in the County of Southampton. [Chapter XXXIII. Rot. Parl. 9 Gul.III.p.6.n.2.]. Statutes of the Realm. Vol. 7: 1695-1701. History of Parliament Trust. pp. 405–408.
• Halsbury's Statutes

External links

• Original text as enacted, History of Parliament Trust