Jane Wilkinson (Director)
Managing Director of New Forest Escapes
Jane is the Managing Director of New Forest Escapes, a regenerative holiday rental business that curates a portfolio of beautifully designed homes across the New Forest. Under her leadership, the company has built a reputation not only for its exceptional properties and seamless guest experience, but also for its strong commitment to doing business in a way that protects and enhances the natural environment.
Jane and her team are powerful advocates for the destination, using their marketing channels to position the New Forest as a premium visitor experience. Her unique perspective comes from serving “two customers”: homeowners who entrust New Forest Escapes with their properties, and visitors who choose the Forest as their holiday destination. This dual focus brings valuable insight into how Go New Forest can deliver added value to both its members and its visitors.
Jane is passionate about shaping a sustainable and thriving future for the New Forest. She brings creativity, commercial acumen, and a collaborative spirit to the Board, and is excited to work alongside fellow Directors in unlocking new opportunities for growth, resilience, and community impact.
Martin Stewart (Director)
Chief Executive & Owner of Stewarts Garden Centres
Martin is the owner and Chief Executive of Stewarts Garden Centres, one of the oldest family-run horticultural businesses in the UK, with a heritage dating back to 1742. Under his leadership, Stewarts has evolved into a modern, environmentally conscious group that balances tradition with innovation. Alongside its award-winning garden centres, Martin has overseen the development of pioneering agritech facilities, positioning the business at the forefront of sustainable horticulture.
Martin has a long record of leadership across the New Forest. After 13 years on the Board of the Agricultural Show Society, including five years as Chairman, he was invited to chair the New Forest Heritage Centre — another organisation that epitomises and protects all that is unique about the Forest.
On joining the Board, Martin shared: “I agreed to join because I am passionate about the role tourism must play in helping the New Forest economically while respecting and protecting the key features that make it so precious. Visitors must understand that they come here to respect and learn about somewhere very different. I believe my experience of running an old, established family business and my love for the workings of the Forest can help us strike the right balance — supporting the economy while respecting the heritage of our environment. Less ‘Go New Forest’ and more ‘Respect New Forest.’”
With over 10,000 people working in hospitality-related roles, Martin is committed to ensuring the visitor economy works for businesses, residents, and the landscape alike. His experience, vision, and deep respect for the Forest make him an invaluable contributor to the future of Go New Forest.
Brice Stratford (Director)
Lyndhurst Parish Councillor, Chair of NAFALC (New Forest Association of Local Councils) Historian & Writer
Brice Stratford is a well-known author, historian, and community leader with deep roots across the New Forest. He currently serves on the boards of the New Forest National Park Authority and the New Forest Marque, chairs the New Forest Association of Local Councils, and is a Parish Councillor for Lyndhurst. This wide-ranging experience gives him a unique perspective on how heritage, community, and sustainability intersect in the life of the Forest.
Brice is also a highly respected historian and writer, with published works that celebrate the culture, folklore, and distinctiveness of the New Forest. His ability to connect people and ideas has already helped Go New Forest raise its profile and strengthen its networks.
Reflecting on his appointment, Brice shared: “Go New Forest plays a vital role in sustaining and celebrating the life of the Forest, supporting local businesses to protect and promote what makes this place so distinctive and special. I have long admired the organisation’s energy, creativity, and commitment, and I am delighted to be able to contribute more formally to its next chapter.”
Raoul Fraser (Director)
Lovat Parks
Raoul is a founder and director of Lovat Parks, a growing network of UK holiday parks with a focus on quality, sustainability, and community. In the New Forest, Lovat Parks operates Green Hill Farm Holiday Village, a business known for its thoughtful approach to conservation and visitor experience.
With a background in finance and investment, Raoul brings strong commercial skills to the Board, alongside a deep commitment to doing business responsibly. He is passionate about creating tourism experiences that enhance local communities, protect the environment, and deliver exceptional value to visitors.
Raoul’s expertise in sustainable growth and his innovative approach to tourism make him a valuable contributor to Go New Forest’s vision of building a resilient and thriving visitor economy.
Andrew Parry Norton (Director)
The Commoners Larder
Andrew was born and raised in the New Forest, attending local schools (and pubs!) in the 1970s. After spending time working on farms in Scotland, Dorset, and France to broaden his knowledge and experience, he always returned ‘home’ to the Forest.
Today, Andrew and his wife Sarah run a traditional family commoning farm, blending long-standing traditions with a sprinkling of modern ideas. Together with their four children — Tom, William, Becky, and Kirsty — they produce beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs, all with a focus on high quality and great flavour. In 2019, they launched The Commoner’s Larder, which supplies produce direct from the farm to the public, restaurants, and pubs. The venture has grown rapidly and now includes complete meals-in-a-box, delivered primarily to campsites and holiday chalets.
Andrew is a member of the National Farmers Union, the Commoners Defence Association, and a Director of the New Forest Marque. Through these roles, he works to champion local produce and Commoning traditions. He feels strongly that his experience can help foster a more cohesive approach between commoners and tourism, creating mutual benefits for both.
Andrew’s insight ensures that Go New Forest remains firmly rooted in the traditions of Commoning and land stewardship, while also supporting the businesses and visitors who make the Forest such a distinctive and thriving place.
Nic Carass she / her (CEO)
Nic spent over 14 years working for Poole based cosmetic company Lush Cosmetics, where she honed her expertise in leading and empowering teams as part of the International Retail Team.
Today, Nic is the CEO of Go New Forest, where she leads the organisation’s mission to grow the visitor economy while ensuring tourism delivers real benefit to local businesses, communities, and the natural environment. Her approach blends creativity with commercial insight, always rooted in sustainability and inclusivity.
Alongside her role at Go New Forest, Nic is also a Director of The New Forest Off Road Club, a women-led cycling community dedicated to increasing representation in the outdoors through guided matriarchal rides and adventure storytelling.
Passionate about community, environment, and equity, Nic brings energy, and collaboration to every role she takes on. Whether championing regenerative tourism or opening up cycling to more women and underrepresented groups, she is committed to creating positive, lasting impact.
