New Forest Faces Government Split, Sparking Soulful Protest

Local residents are fighting a UK government plan to split the administration of the historic New Forest. The change would tie part of the protected forest to the nearby city of Southampton. Thousands of people oppose the move as part of a local government reorganization. Della Keable, whose family has lived in the forest for centuries, became emotional discussing it. "The forest is part of our souls," she said. Many residents describe a deep, generational connection to the tight-knit community. Protesters argue the split will damage the unique character and management of the ancient woodland.