General Manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel, Michael Clitheroe, said: “There was so much anticipation for today so it was really nice to see who was on the board and so many independent and collective businesses in the New Forest were represented. Ella Gibbs, Customs Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, said: ‘It’s a board game for the ages – the past and the present – and features the great and the good of the New Forest.’ PERFECT FOR NEW FOREST LOVERS: This stunning New Forest edition of Hasbro's classic board game Monopoly is perfect for 2–6 players and makes a great gift for players aged 8 and up We are one of 30+ New Forest organisations to ‘Pass GO’ in the MONOPOLY: New Forest Edition game. This New Forest version of the world’s most popular board game features “the great and good” of the region - from the National Park, to Rufus Stone, to Bolton’s Bench .. and many more, including the New Forest Basics Bank!

The famous boot token has been replaced with a New Forest pony while a pig and tent also feature among the customised pieces. We can see from everyone here today that it has ended up being a lovely launch, everyone in loves being from the New Forest and everyone has loved the launch. Ms Gibbs added: "We would like to thank each and every person who sent in nominations. We feel that charities getting to feature on all of the game’s three Community Chest spaces is a great fit, bearing in mind the community aspect of these unique Monopoly spaces."

Part time receptionist

It was announced last year that the New Forest was getting its very own official version of Monopoly and the public was invited to send in suggestions. And in their place? A pony (replacing the Scottie dog), walking boots (rather than the plain boot) and several others which the public will decide on. The invitation] came in about a year ago and like so many people, we did wonder whether it was legitimate. The board has been produced by London-based games company Winning Moves UK, under licensing from global branded entertainment leader Hasbro, and is in shops now.

General Manager at Balmer Lawn Hotel Michael Clitheroe added: “With the New Forest being voted Europe’s best national park on TripAdvisor last year, we knew it was only a matter of time before the UK’s long-time favourite board game honoured the region this way. The new tokens (picture: Steve West) Spencers is one of 30 plus New Forest organisations to ‘Pass GO’ in the MONOPOLY: New Forest Edition game. The New Forest version of the world’s most popular board game features ‘the great and good’ of the region – from the New Forest National Park Authority to Rufus Stone, Exbury Gardens to Bolton’s Bench, and many more! What is the New Forest Monopoly? Richard Burke, District Recreation Manager, Forestry England, said: ‘The New Forest is one of the UK’s most important landscapes for conservation and wildlife. It’s also a special place for people to connect to nature. We want people to enjoy their time in the Forest, deepening their understanding of why it’s so special and providing practical ways they can help to care for it.’ Left to right): Launching the New Forest visitor welcome film are Aynsley Clinton, NFNPA; Richard Burke, Forestry England; Alison Wilson, Go New Forest; Jaqui and Eloise Oldfield, Red Shoot Camping Park, Linwood; Hilary Harper, Love the Forest treasurer. Serving up a treat to guests at the launch was New Forest Ice Cream, which also features on the game board with a specialist ice cream game token.Carol Seymour, business manager of Go New Forest, said: "We are absolutely thrilled at the news that we are having our very own Monopoly game based on the wonderful New Forest. Businesses across the National Park generously help raise the funds from their customers by adding a small donation to restaurant bills, accommodation, products and services. We get to star on a Love The Forest ‘chance’ space. New Forest Trust Chairman, William Ziegler at the official launch of MONOPOLY: New Forest Edition at Balmer Lawn Hotel She said: ‘Go New Forest is proud to have chosen Love the Forest as its charity of the year and members are keen to step up their support of visitor giving. It’s great that our first project together is helping to protect the very thing our visitors come to see – the spectacular landscape and the traditional way of life here.’ The New Forest National Park appears in the top spot (replacing Mayfair) and Marque member Burley Manor is showcased in the centre of the board.

We would also like to thank our partner businesses and their customers who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years to ensure the spectacular New Forest is not just protected but improved.’ Winning Moves is a leading world games company, which since 1992 has owned and produced TOP TRUMPS, producing and selling the ‘Cool, Card, Cult’ game in more than 30 countries across the world. Winning Moves also produces, with Hasbro, official versions of MONOPOLY based on cities and towns across the world, including in the UK, across Europe, the US, the Middle-East, Africa, the Far East, Australasia and many more places. Winning Moves as well owns and produces PASS THE PIGS, WADDINGTONS NUMBER 1 PLAYING CARDS and a host of other leading games, toy and card Brands. Landmarks expected to be nominated include Rufus Stone, Knightwood Oak, Bolton’s Bench, The Huff Duff, Bolderwood and Moors Valley. Pass GO, collect two hundred pounds and advance to The New Forest, which is getting its very own official MONOPOLY game. We have been wonderfully spoiled for choice putting this edition,” adds Ms Gibbs from Winning Moves UK.“Thank you to everyone who contributed during the public consultation process.”

The three successful charities must be New Forest-focused, the company is stipulating, as well as officially registered. General nominations close tonight at 11.59pm but the public has one further week to specifically nominate charities to feature on the Community Chest spaces in the game. Move your pony token from the Bolderwoodsquare to the Rufus Stone square… you have the chance to make a voteto suggest the landmarks, customised cardsand four of the tokensto feature in the game! Hiking boots and an ice cream cone are also the leading favourites to feature in place alongside the traditional top hat and ship.