Nic Carass (she/her)
CEO
Nic joined the team in April 2024 after 14 years with Poole-based cosmetics company Lush, where she worked as a Global Retail Consultant supporting stores across the world.
With a background in growing values-led retail businesses, Nic made the move into tourism to combine her passion for creating unforgettable experiences with her love for supporting local communities and independent businesses.
She is also a Director of the New Forest Off Road Club—a women-led cycling community working to increase representation in the outdoors by funding ride leader qualifications in guiding and first aid.
A keen traveller, Nic relishes researching the places she visits—whether it’s diving into books by local authors, hunting down Lonely Planet recommendations, or using social media to uncover hidden gems and new hotspots.
Nic's favourite place in the Forest is The Elephant Tree, an ancient Oak in the Sloden inclosure. "I love walking to the Elephant Tree and then going to the Royal Oak for a pint afterwards. Park at Fritham and take a picnic to enjoy under the tree".
Connect with Nic on Linkedin here.
Rachael Rogers She / her
Marketing Manager
Rachael is New Forest born and bred, with a lifelong love for the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make this place so special. She joined the tourism team in 2016 and has grown with it ever since, working her way up to Marketing Manager over the past nine years. Along the way she’s built a wide range of skills, completed a Level 3 ITQ Apprenticeship, and brought fresh ideas and energy to promoting the destination. Before joining the team, she achieved A Levels in ICT, Business & Economics, Psychology and Photography.
When she’s not working, you’ll almost always find Rachael outdoors - on a board (whether it’s wakesurfing, snowboarding, surfing or skateboarding), climbing, rollerskating, playing tennis, running, cycling or hiking. She’s happiest by water, whether it’s the sea, a lake or a hidden New Forest stream. A lover of both indie and country music, she’s also into photography, has a passion for film, and is currently training in floristry. Travel is another big part of her life - she loves authentic cultural experiences and discovering new and unique places.
Rachael is also a devoted dog lover and rarely goes far without her black Labrador, Ebony, who at 11 years old is still her most loyal adventure buddy.
Her favourite corner of the New Forest is the north, where open heathland rolls into ancient woodland and deer can often be spotted. And when the day’s adventures are done, she’ll most likely be found at a local pub enjoying good food and a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. The Horse and Groom in Woodgreen is her favourite spot.
Connect with Rachael on Linkedin here.
Emma Senior
Admin and Marketing Assistant
Emma was born in Bournemouth and has lived adjacent to the New Forest her whole life.
She has a passion for the New Forest and its heritage, and likes to spend weekends exploring new hidden gems with her daughter.
Emma started her career in childcare and then moved on to work for a successful energy provider in Bournemouth. Sadly following redundancy just before COVID, she then went on to work in a busy café in Bournemouth, so she could spend more time with her daughter, whilst successfully completing a HR Course.
She was keen to find a career where she could use her office-based skills and knowledge, and she joined the Go New Forest team in December 2022, where she works part-time assisting with admin, social media, the New Forest Card and further digital marketing!
Emma enjoys reading, spending time socialising with friends & family and loves a roast dinner!
Connect with Emma on Linkedin here.
