New Forest District Council (NFDC) is this month celebrating half a century of public service.

Governance of the New Forest, known for its quiet villages, idyllic scenery, and its wild ponies, was previously divided between three rural councils – Lymington, New Forest Rural and Ringwood and Fordingbridge.

In April 1974, as part of a nationwide restructuring of local government that reduced the number of local authorities from 1245 to 412, the three New Forest councils merged to form the NFDC.

Council leader Jill Cleary said that for all that has changed since 1974, what holds true is the NFDC’s role in “supporting our communities; the extraordinary people, the special place, and our drive to see the area prosper".

To mark the milestone, councillors have compiled a list of 50 facts about the NFDC, which can be found on their website.

Cllr Cleary said: “Understandably, people not in the world of local government don’t always realise the vast range and variety of things a council gets involved in…from building homes to licensing zoos, providing public toilets to looking after stray dogs, and from running elections to measuring air quality – I don’t know of any other organisation with quite the range of topics a local authority has.”

As well as the 50 facts, NFDC have released a special 50th anniversary logo.

Typically, the NFDC crest displays the motto ‘old yet ever new’, a message that Cllr Cleary interprets as “respecting our heritage yet continuing to evolve".

At a recent council meeting Council Chairman Neville Penman praised the council for its historic role in “supporting the communities of this unique and special place".

He went on to say that “it is only right that we pause to look back and celebrate what has been achieved, but perhaps more importantly look forward to what the council plans to deliver, as we continue to provide for our communities".

As a further part of the anniversary celebrations, Cllr Penman will host his annual civic service on Sunday, April 28 at St Wins Church in Totton.