In a significant stride toward sustainable tourism, the New Forest National Park and BMW UK have unveiled a new twin electric vehicle (EV) charging point in Jubilee Field Car Park, Sway. This initiative is part of BMW UK’s “Recharge in Nature” partnership with the UK National Parks, a program designed to expand the availability of EV charging stations across all 15 UK National Parks by 2025.
The new charging point in Sway represents more than just a convenience for EV drivers; it embodies a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the New Forest while promoting eco-friendly travel. With the UK National Parks receiving over 100 million visitors annually, 93% of whom arrive by car, enhancing the EV charging network is crucial to reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the environmental impact of tourism in these treasured landscapes.
Graham Biggs, BMW UK’s Corporate Communications Director, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: “We are proud to be leading the charge towards more sustainable tourism in the New Forest, one of the UK’s most beloved landscapes and home to the famous free-roaming ponies. With EVs now accounting for over 18 per cent of the UK’s new car sales and demand for them growing strongly, a fully-fledged EV charging infrastructure is essential to helping to decarbonise travel and tourism in and around the nation’s celebrated beauty spots.”
The installation in Sway is just one milestone in the broader Recharge in Nature Project, which aims to install a total of 135 EV charging points across the UK’s National Parks by the end of the three-year partnership in 2025. These efforts not only support sustainable tourism but also contribute to BMW Group’s overarching goal of reducing CO2 emissions per vehicle by 50% from 2019 levels by 2030.
Beyond infrastructure, BMW’s partnership with the New Forest National Park extends to impactful community initiatives. The company is funding the appointment of two apprentice rangers, providing them with hands-on experience in environmental conservation. These apprentices are gaining vital skills in areas such as first aid, chainsaw operation, and bushcraft, preparing them to play a key role in preserving the New Forest’s unique ecosystems.
Additionally, BMW UK is supporting the Youth Action Programme, which offers three-month nature conservation projects to young people aged 11 to 30. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by immersing them in the natural world through activities like volunteering, educational talks, and mindfulness exercises.
David Bence, Chair of the New Forest National Park Authority, underscores the significance of these initiatives: “We must do everything we can to protect the New Forest for future generations – and that includes encouraging the people who call our wonderful National Park home and the millions of visitors each year, to embrace lower emission journey options. We’re also thrilled that this partnership with BMW UK means investment in the local community through two new ranger apprentices and a programme to connect young people more deeply with the New Forest’s ancient landscapes.”
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the need for accessible charging infrastructure becomes ever more critical. BMW UK’s efforts in the New Forest and beyond are paving the way for a future where sustainable tourism is not just a goal but a reality. By investing in both technology and the next generation of conservationists, BMW and the New Forest National Park are setting a powerful example of how businesses and communities can work together to protect our planet’s most precious landscapes.
