The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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FREE The New Forest Essential Guide to the National Park 2020 Maps Events guide Places to explore Walking & cycling The New Forest Essential Guide is brought to you by:
Step into the spectacular New Emerald damselfly Forest - a world capital for wildife The New Forest is a wonderful place for wildlife with over half the National Park protected for its international importance for nature. New Forest pony Many rare species of plants and The vital habitats the Forest animals live among the unique provides are shaped by the free- mosaic of habitats ranging from roaming animals – ponies, cattle, ancient woodland to pristine donkeys, sheep and pigs. They’re wetlands, beautiful heathland known as the ‘architects of the and spectacular coast. Forest’ because it’s their grazing which keeps the scrub at bay The New Forest is one of only and creates the landscape we a handful of places in England know today. where you can find some of the Welcome UK’s most endangered and rare The Forest and the nature it onfly wildlife. These include several supports is not immune to Golden-ringed drag species of bat, insects such as the the global threats facing our large marsh grasshopper now environment. Everyone can only found in three places in play a part in helping to protect England, and the curlew: a this special place by following ground-nesting bird, now under our caring for the forest code threat of extinction globally. on page 13. The New Forest National Park is a spectacular, yet fragile landscape that is a haven for rare wildlife species - Cattle with a range of organisations working together to care Did you know? for this special place. • The Ne Forestry England looks after the nation’s Throughout this guide you’ll find ideas wF establish orest isn’t new! 1,500 woods and forests, including of what to do, where to go and things e It in 1079 a d by William the was much of the best-known open land and to see whether you’re a first time s his Nov Conquero hunting productive woodlands in the New Forest. visitor or you live within the New ground). a Foresta (new r • The Ne We work closely with other organisations Forest National Park. wF concentr orest has the hig a in the area including Hampshire County trees in tion of ancient a hest Council, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight western nd vetera than 1,0 E 00 record urope, with more n The Dartford warbler Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, New See our events pages (15-17) • An inc ed. Forest District Council and the New for more details, or find out redible 6 75% of a 3 % of Brita ll in Forest Verderers. more at: UK nativ dragonfly specie ’s insects, e reptile forestryengland.uk/newforest s are fou s, and all six The New Forest National Park Authority • There are five d nd here. ensures this outstanding landscape engnewforest which ro ifferent s am freely pecie has the highest level of protection to • Heath across th s of deer newforestnpa.gov.uk land is ra e Forest. preserve it for the nation to enjoy for the New rer newforestnpa Forest h than rainforest a generations to come. area of lo as the m os nd w These are land heath left t extensive a s attract in E birds su ch rare gro urope. nightjar, as the Dartford und nesting w w Africa ev hich fly here all arbler and ery year. the way from • A third The curlew grow in of British w the New ild flower specie Forest. s 2 3
FREE Walking in the Walking p ack Subscribe email new to our Free walking newfores sletter at tnp and receiv a.gov.uk e a free routes app New Forest online wa lking pack of routes and ranger tip s. There’s an easy way for you to follow the best walking routes in the New Forest this year – the National Park’s Follow our waymarked walks and trails... walking routes app. The following trails are marked on the ground by wooden marker posts Available for Android and iPhone, with coloured bands. An overview map of each route is displayed at the the app features 27 walking routes of various lengths from coastal start point in the car park. All routes are circular and will bring you back to strolls to woodland walks. your starting point. The numbers refer to map locations on centre pages. It makes following the routes easier than ever, with GPS navigation 2 From Bolderwood car park 6 From Blackwater or 3 Reptile Centre car park: allowing you to see your location Deer Watch Trail Brockhill car parks: Reptile Trail at all times. This removes the need 0.75km/0.5 miles Tall Trees Trail 2km/1.5 miles to read a map or decipher written A short stroll leading you to a 2.5km/1.5 miles Enjoy a circular walk through the directions, making it perfect for the deer-viewing platform overlooking Follow the marker posts and you woods. The trail mainly follows a casual walker. ut fields where wild herds of fallow will be guided along a shady path fairly smooth, gravelled surface. ore abo deer are frequently seen. The beneath mighty Douglas firs and Learn m ial qualities Each route on the app also features No smartphone? c 8 Wilverley car parks: the spe w Forest points of interest, where you can path is a moderately smooth, gravelled surface with gentle redwoods that were planted during the reign of Queen Victoria. Wilverley Wander N e of the joying a find out interesting history or No problem! n slopes and benches along the The path has a fairly smooth, 4.2km/2.5 miles while e troll. nature facts along the way. All walks are available to A longer and more informal trail t h y s way. The trail is accessed by a gravelled surface. The trail is flat which winds through this diverse heal Download for free at download and print at gate which has a low catch. with frequent resting places and newforestnpa.gov.uk/walksapp newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes no gates. and working woodland. The paths Jubilee Grove Trail are moderately smooth, gravelled 1.5km/1 mile Blackwater Arboretum Trail surfaces with some short, steep 0.75km/0.5 miles Including the deer fields, this slopes. Please note that part of this Learn more about The New meandering route leads you past A circular route which leads you trail is on a cycle route. some majestic trees, the oldest past tree species from around the the wildlife, history 5 Knightwood car park: of which date back to 1860. world. By following the unique and culture of the Benches from which to admire their beauty can be found along panels you can use your senses to discover the secrets that these Knightwood Oak Less than 0.25 miles Forest National Park during this popular two-week Walking the way. The path is a moderately trees hold. Benches are located A short stroll to one of the most smooth, gravelled surface with two along the walk. The path has a famous trees in the New Forest. short ‘but fairly steep’ slopes and fairly smooth, gravelled surface Believed to have been planted festival which hosts frequent resting places. The trail is accessed via a gate which has with one very gentle slope. 7 From Whitefield Moor or before 1600, this tree is still going strong and is a spectacular Festival dozens of guided walks led by knowledgeable 2020 a low catch. example of the ancient practice of Puttles Bridge car parks: Radnor Trail pollarding. Benches are located local experts. Ober Water Trails throughout. The path has a fairly 3km/2 miles 1.5km/1 mile (red trail) The wide range of themed walks smooth, gravelled surface. A longer route which takes you 2.5km/1.5miles (yellow trail) typically include birdwatching, into the heart of the Forest and Two circular routes follow the fungi spotting, hidden histories, across the Bratley Water stream. Miles of waymarked trails bark ranger walks for pooches Ober Water midway between its Benches and picnic benches are to explore! and woodland wild play events source and the sea. Close to this located along the trail. The path meandering stream is the open for children. is a moderately smooth, gravelled grassy expanse of Whitefield Moor. The Festival will return from surface with two short ‘but fairly The paths are moderately smooth, 17 October to 1 November with steep’ slopes and frequent resting gravelled surfaces and compacted walks announced by August 2020. places. The trail is accessed via a grassy ground with some gentle gate which has a low catch. slopes and a few resting places. This trail can be muddy after wet weather. 4 5
Forest rights We’ve One of the first things you notice here in the got the New Forest is the free-roaming animals. The ponies, cattle, pigs, donkeys and, in certain areas, are you ready sheep graze and forage on unfenced common land and are owned by local families using their trails... commoning rights. to ride? The members of these families are called ‘commoners’ – ordinary people with an extraordinary Horse riders have always enjoyed open access in the New Forest, which has lots of suitable tracks. When leaving Forestry commitment to this special place. England land, remember to use Explore the National Park by bike with over They have commoning rights from bridleways. On private land riders land they own, rent or share that 100 miles of family-friendly cycle routes. allows them to graze their animals must keep to the Public Rights of Way. These are shown on the The off-road routes are marked with numbered wooden posts. Visit: newforestnpa.gov.uk/ routes for all the best trails. Adventure on the Open Forest. All-year round Commoners have Ordnance Survey maps and are usually indicated by fingerposts cycling You can navigate your way and/or blue arrows or dots. Please follow both the to tend to their livestock, so you around the tracks by referencing might see them, with trailers, Highway Code and the these numbers to our cycle trail rounding up their ponies, or New Forest Cycling Code: map or following the Ordnance For more adventurous cyclists, checking on their cows. It’s all newforestnpa.gov.uk/cycling Survey grid references also on there are purpose-built mountain part of the New Forest’s long ! the markers. bike skills circuits at Moors Valley history as a working forest. Country Park, Ringwood. Here The network is easily accessible ff-road cycling in the O you will find a network of forest from railway stations at Ashurst, New Forest is permitted road graded trails, as well as blue Brockenhurst and Sway and links only on waymarked routes. graded single track. A cycle map is Sadly many ponies and other 3. Please don’t leave water out the main New Forest villages. Please take a look at our cycle trail available from the visitor livestock are killed or injured on the for the animals at any time of the map for more information. centre on-site. roads of the New Forest each year. year. There is always natural water Every animal killed is a great loss to available, and it is important for the Forest, and to its owner, so the Forest that the grazing shifts Cycle code if you enjoy seeing the animals in naturally according to the weather. the National Park then please help 4. Please help reduce animal us protect them through some and map accidents by driving with extra care, simple actions: particularly in poor visibility. Just 1. Please #keepyourdistance from The area in to #add3minutes which a your journey Grab a cycle trail map before the animals. However tame they pony lives is known across the New Forest to keep heading out on your adventure. may appear they are unpredictable, yourself and the commoners’ as its haunt. It shows both off-road and road- and can bite and kick. Take animals safe newforestnpa.gov. particular care around ponies and The ponies move around their uk/add3minutes. based cycle networks across the cattle with young, especially if you haunt according to the seasons New Forest, plus details of bike £1 have a dog with you. and weather. In the summer hire outlets. Animal emergency ponies often go to shade under Available to pick up at outlets 2. Please don’t feed the animals. the samecards hotline treesare each day, across the New Forest National It is vital that they graze naturally, commoners available fromhave names for Local only Park, including local both for their own survival all year each of thesePoints Information ‘shades’ andand will garages information points. round and for the benefits grazing search the across them out when Forest. Keeplooking one in your brings to the landscape. for their wallet soponies. you know what to do if you are involved in an accident. 6 7
See the best Where to stay? New Forest of the Forest Reptile Centre For more information on where to stay, what to see and do in the New Forest visit: thenewforest.co.uk View the New Forest National Park from a different perspective this summer. ‘A date with nature’ Experience the best views of the Forest on the open-top New Forest Tour or find out the best Did you know that amongst places to visit from the friendly Travel Concierge. trees and heathland here in the New Forest there are some very special residents? The New Forest is home to many reptiles and amphibians and if you want to see them up-close you should visit the Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst. As you look around the habitats, or ‘pods’ as we call them, see if you can spot the elusive smooth snake, adder, or the bright colours of the male sand lizard. There is also a self-guided discovery trail, which starts at the Reptile Centre. This route is easy to walk and takes you in a loop back to the centre. Download the trail map that shows you the best places to stop along the way and Tips from the look at wildlife as you walk. For dates and opening times visit: forestryengland.uk/new- New Forest Tour Travel Concierge forest-reptile-centre If you’re looking for ideas on how to make the The New Forest Tour gives you the best views of the New Forest National Park and is the perfect excuse to leave your car at home. most of your visit to the New Forest National Park then look no further. The sign of true The Tour offers unrivalled treetop views of free- roaming ponies, ancient forests and picturesque The friendly Travel Concierge team, based at Brockenhurst railway station, will welcome you to their pedal-powered mobile unit full of information local produce By donating to the New Forest Trust, you’re supporting villages. There are three beautiful routes to choose from: red, green and blue – and you can hop on on car-free experiences and the best places to visit. Supporting producers, growers, and retailers conservation, education and commoning projects to help secure and off where you like and switch routes – all on the Stop by and say hello from 11 July to who proudly use locally-sourced goods. the future of the New Forest. same ticket. 13 September. Find out more at newforestnpa.gov.uk/travel_concierge Look out for the New Forest It can help reduce waste, support You can do this by choosing Well-behaved dogs are welcome and you can even Marque as you shop and eat in the communities and boost the local restaurants and hotels which bring your bikes (carried free). Listen to audio National Park. Anything with the economy. As the time from field support the charity; through local commentary that brings the history and characters newforesttravel distinctive logo is guaranteed to to fork is shorter, our plates are donation boxes; or by donating of the New Forest to life. The perks don’t stop there, have been grown, reared, brewed, filled with tastier, fresher, more online at: newforesttrust.org. as you can enjoy a free ferry ride from Southampton produced or processed here in the nutritious food. uk/donate to Hythe, as well as great discounts at attractions New Forest. including New Forest Wildlife Park, Ringwood The Marque also helps preserve Brewery and Beaulieu National Motor Museum. The Marque has around 160 traditional farming practices, members, representing many rural skills and traditions which The Tour runs hourly areas of New Forest business, for centuries have shaped the seven days a week Tour information including food and drink; distinctive Forest landscape from 11 July to 13 thenewforesttour.info hospitality and retail; craft; and ecosystem. September art; trees and education. newforesttour (see map on centre pages for routes). The growing number of people choosing New Forest Marque newforestmarque.co.uk produce reflects the many benefits newforestmarque of buying local, seasonal and new_forest_marque sustainable goods. 8 9
Discover the The New Forest’s free tap Local water refill service, across the Forest. Download the Refill app, Information Points New Forest bring your own water bottle, Whiteparish look out for the window stickers and get a free tap water refill. Bashley refill.org.uk/newforest Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park Downton Beaulieu New Moors Valley Country Park Romsey Forest Activities and Forest is close-by Redlynch Booking Centre Eastleigh Brockenhurst Explore waymarked Treetop Adventure+ Riv Cyclexperience footpaths and cycle and Forest Segway all B er routes, hire a bike or thrill-seeking, family Burley R iver Te Landford West Wellow la bring your own. For a entertainment boxes are Shappen Stores ck B3080 Nomansland A36 wa M3 en more leisurely journey firmly ticked. And, when Woodgreen r Hythe te ch st take a trip on the narrow- you’re feeling hungry It 4 B3079 Herald Publishing er A338 5 gauge steam train. after all of that, you can B3078 Riv Furzley 3 Children will love the enjoy delicious food in 2 Landford Bramshaw adventure play areas Seasons restaurant. Fordingbridge B3078 M27 Landford Village and the ‘Play Trail’ with Newbridge M271 Stores Moors Valley is open all Fritham its huge wooden play Milford-on-Sea year round, with a full Godshill Totton B la c k Wate r structures. Longbeech Rufus The Village News programme of events Stone 1 If you’d rather live life for adults and children. Frogham Cadnam Southampton Sway more adventurously Disabled access and Bartley Deli and Coffee Shop why not try Go Ape’s facilities are provided A337 Woodlands Eling Woodgreen Ocknell new Nets Adventures including wheelchair and North Gorley Community Shop A35 at Moors Valley? It’s a mobility scooter hire. Minstead and Post Office wonderworld of treetop For more info visit 2 Bolderwood New Forest Wildlife Park nets, trampolines and moors-valley.co.uk Ashurst netted tunnels. With follow us on @MoorsValley Linwood New Forest Hythe 3 Reptile Heritage Centre A326 Ferry Treetop Challenge, Centre A31 Matley Wood Hythe So The Gruffalo B3056 Ringwood 5 KnightwoodOak ut Discover our beautifully Lyndhurst Denny Wood ha carved wooden Gruffalo m sculptures, one for each Moors Valley 6 Blackwater Arboretum Beaulieu Road pt on Country Park A337 Anderwood lovable character from the Crow A35 W at B3054 popular children’s story and Aldridge Hill see the Gruffalo brought to St Leonards Ringwood Ober Water 7 Whitefield Moor Hollands Wood National er Brewery Motor Holbury life in the Forest through a Museum ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. new augmented reality app. A31 Brockenhurst Hatchet Pond Calshot Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd Burley Blackfield B3055 Beaulieu 8 Wilverley B337 Finding out more... Roundhill Lepe A338 Country Park Bransgore Holmsley Exbury Gardens Lyming ton R ive Buckler’s & Steam Railway B3054 B e au l i e Lepe Country Park St Barbe Museum and Art Setthorns Hard hants.gov.uk/lepe Gallery, Lymington New Forest Heritage stbarbe-museum.org.uk Sway B3055 R iv u East End er B3058 R i ve r Sway Centre, Lyndhurst Ringwood Gateway Hoburne Norleywood newforestheritage.org.uk Ringwood.gov.uk/gateway St. Barbe r Bashley Av N Avo Museum on Holiday Park The National Park Fordingbridge & Gallery W New Forest at Key to map n er Mobile Information Information Centre Adventure Golf Unit, various locations fordingbridge.gov.uk/ Lymington Pier New Milton & Ferry Teminal newforestnpa. fordingbridge Visitor Play area New Forest gov.uk/visiting information-office Hinton information Walking trails Tour* (see page 8) Admiral S o l Local informatione nt Barbecue New Forest Reptile A337 The New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst Highcliffe Barton-on-Sea Lymington Campsite Barbecue (Booking required: Tour* Wildlife area New Forest forestryengland.uk/ Christchurch Wightlink Castle 0300 068 0400) try Tour* of all Fores new-forest-reptile-centre Cycle network For a map Milford-on-Sea Toilets * The Tour runs : Fishing (by permit) r parks visit Christchurch Bay Bolderwood Accessible toilets hourly, seven days England ca Information Unit Fishing gland.uk / Cafe a week, from forestryen forestryengland.uk/ Car parking 11 July – 13 September. Picnic area bolderwood Hurst Castle National Park Lepe newforest Not to scale: This map is a representation of the New Forest National Park area and is not intended to 10 11 Isle of Wight be used as a sole means of navigation. Please consult relevant Ordnance Survey maps or visitor guides.
Meet your New Forest Rangers Both Forestry England and the National Park Authority employ rangers, who you’ll often meet out and about in the New Forest. Here, you’ll meet some of the How to enjoy team as they answer some of the most commonly asked questions by visitors to the New Forest. Is it true that some birds nest on the ground here? Yes, that’s right and to help these birds survive we ask that from the start of the nesting season through to the end of and care for the New Forest July people should keep to the main paths when out walking, Horse riding Ponies, donkeys, cattle, Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley cycling or horse riding in the Forest and do not venture out where stands and water are available. pigs & sheep Horse riders have open access onto the open heath. We also ask dog walkers to please keep Raised non-disposable BBQs are to the New Forest, but to reduce For their safety and your own please their dog on the main tracks, and if necessary to use a lead, so leave the animals alone – although allowed on the hard-standing areas of damage to the ground please use that the birds and young chicks are not disturbed. car parks, providing water is available. tracks when it’s wet. owned and cared for by local You can hire fixed stand party-sized Gillie Molland, New Forest National Park Authority Lead Ranger people called commoners, they are BBQs from Forestry England (call unpredictable and best treated as wild. Ticks 0300 068 0400 in advance) and from Why can’t we feed New Forest ponies? Please don’t feed or pet them; there Hampshire County Council at Lepe Check your children, dog and is plenty of natural food and it’s best Everyone loves the ponies, as a horse owner myself I love them, Country Park (hants.gov.uk/lepe yourself for ticks when you get back – that they don’t come to rely on people’s but we all need to act responsibly and keep a safe distance for call 023 8089 9108 in advance). they can lead to Lyme disease. attention. They may look friendly but our own protection, as well as the ponies’. Many people don’t they can bite and kick, especially understand they are semi-wild and find all the natural food ponies with foals. Cycling Driving they need to survive from the Forest. Cycling is allowed only on The speed limits on unfenced Amy Howells, Forestry England South Walk Ranger Dogs the waymarked tracks and other roads greatly reduce the number designated routes. When approaching of accidents involving animals. The New Forest is great for dogs people and animals, please call out a Slow down and give walkers, cyclists, but to minimise disturbance to wildlife, How can I help to protect the New Forest? livestock and other people, please keep warning and pass slowly and wide. Try horse-riders and animals a wide to leave gaps for overtaking vehicles berth. Be especially careful at night. Litter can harm the local wildlife and grazing livestock. Large your dogs close by you and visible at all and never ride more than two abreast. bits of plastic can also break up into microplastics which find times – if necessary use a lead. Pick up Keep to a safe speed, wear bright Parking their way into our water courses and ultimately our beaches after your dog, especially around car colours to be visible and always use parks, on paths and where people Please park only in designated and oceans. lights in the dark. play or picnic. car parks, not on a verge or in Please carry a spare bag with you so if litter bins are full, or gateways. Lock your car, taking any there is not one nearby, you are able to take your rubbish Birds Fungi valuables with you and leave Forestry home with you to dispose of responsibly. To help ground-nesting birds Please leave fungi for other England car parks by dusk. Chris Marshall, New Forest National Park Authority Coastal Ranger rear their young safely, keep yourself, people to enjoy. Fungi are essential dogs and horses on the main tracks to the New Forest’s internationally Unidentified objects protected ecosystem. Foray leaders Are wildfires a big issue in the Forest? from the beginning of March to the must apply for permission for Areas of the New Forest were end of July. used to test bombs in World War I Disposable barbecues pose a particular fire risk, but we educational excursions from Forestry and II. Please keep away from objects want everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoors. However, England in advance. If you suspect Litter or see commercial picking please call that might be dangerous and notify dry conditions increase the risk of fires, so people should the police immediately on 999. Your food and litter could harm Forestry England on 0300 067 4600. not have open camp fires or barbeques (unless in a the ponies and donkeys. Please take designated area) and extinguish cigarettes properly. your litter home if bins are full. Working forest Camping Martin Rea, Forestry England Seasonal Ranger Stay safe by obeying warning There are 10 campsites in the signs and keeping away from work Barbecues & fires New Forest run by Camping in the sites and vehicles. To reduce the risk of damaging Forest, as well as a number of private Forestry England rangers wildfires, campfires are not allowed sites. Please note that camping in 0300 067 4601/enquiries.southern@forestryengland.uk without the landowner’s permission. the wild and overnight parking is not Forestry England, The Queen’s House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7NH Disposable BBQs are only allowed at allowed in the New Forest. New Forest National Park Authority rangers 01590 646 600/rangers@newforestnpa.gov.uk New Forest National Park Authority, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, newforestnpa.gov.uk/caringfor Lymington SO41 9ZG 12 13
Take a breath of What’s Camping in the Forest is a chance to immerse yourself fresh forest air in nature and enjoy on? 2020 the special qualities New Forest Heritage Centre of the New Forest. Forestry England Choose from 10 different sites across the National Park, offering New Forest National Park Authority something for every visitor, including tranquil wooded nooks to flat, green open spaces shaped over centuries by free-roaming animals. Whether you want to pitch a tent for a short stay in simple surroundings or are bringing a touring caravan for a longer visit, all sites offer an excellent base to explore the local area either by car, bike or on foot. Book today: campingintheforest.co.uk 024 7767 0208 Family Discovery Days Learn about the New Forest and have fun with our family-friendly activities. No need to book, just drop in between 10am and 3pm – different activities each day. Be extra (Museum entry is free, donation per craft activity.) e fu l . . . Tues 7 Apr Thur 9 Apr Tues 14 Apr Tues 26 May ca r Thur 28 May Tues 4 Aug Thur 6 Aug Tues 11 Aug Thur 13 Aug Tues 18 Aug Thur 20 Aug Tues 25 Aug Thur 27 Aug Tues 27 Oct Thur 29 Oct New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY don’t The waterways in the New Forest are a vital resource for the wildlife h e March John Welsh - Art of Verderers Hall Open day Tree Tours ta k e t and it’s important that we all the New Forest and Mon 23 Mar, 10am-12pm, Mon 30 Mar, 10am-12pm, Forest Forge Theatre South Downs Verderers Hall SO43 7NH Blackwater Arboretum, respect the Forest while enjoying Company and Sat 14 Mar – Sun 31 May, Come and visit the Verderers SU268047 this special place safely. Hall, for an exclusive opportunity Take a tour around the e ! playwright David Lane - New Forest Heritage Centre, n g to visit this historic building arboretum to discover the lu SO43 7NY p ‘22 Miles of Sea’ and learn more about the hidden history and secrets of Artist John Welsh works in oils Over summer as temperatures begin to rise, it can Fri 14 Feb – Sun 8 Mar, and specialises in landscapes important role it plays in the this unique tree collection. be really tempting to cool off in the river – but we New Forest Heritage Centre, New Forest. Parking in main £2. Suitable for all. Dogs and portraits; his style is SO43 7NY Lyndhurst Town car park only. welcome on leads. No booking discourage people from swimming in the river at expressive, and realist and In partnership with The New required. Enquires: 0300 067 4601 Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst, and other natural water This pop-up exhibition captures his inspiration comes from the moving, entertaining and Forest Heritage Centre. the South Downs and the sources that may have potential dangers. often profound tales of people New Forest. Free. Suitable for all. Dogs not and places from the Waterside suitable on this event. No booking required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 stretch of the New Forest. 14 April 15
April Wild About Ponies Thur 9 Apr, 1pm-2pm, June July August Wild Wednesday Wed 12 Aug, 10.30am-4pm, Wild About Ponies Thur 27 Aug, 1pm-2pm, Verderers Hall Open day Tue 20 Oct, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Discovery Days Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 New Forest Show Sunset Safari New Forest Reptile Centre, Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH Mapping an adventure at Bolderwood Come and meet a New Forest Centenary Exhibition Thur 2 Jul, 8pm-10pm, SU271071 See Thur 9 Apr for details. See Mon 23 March for details. Tue 4 Aug, 10am-4pm, Ranger and learn about New Blackwater car park, SU268047 See Wed 8 Apr for details. Sat 4 Apr – Sun 19 Apr, Mon 1 Jun – Mon 13 July, New Forest Reptile Centre, Forest Ponies and other 10.30am-3.30pm, Bolderwood, livestock which live on the New Forest Heritage Centre, See Sat 13 Jun for details. SU271071 Discover the New Forest Walk with a Commoner SU242086 Forest. Come along to a fun, free SO43 7NY Join some Forestry England Discover the New Forest Thur 27 Aug, 11am-12pm, Thur 22 Oct, 10am-1pm, Come along and take part information session and learn all A fascinating overview of the Sunset Safari volunteer rangers to put your Thur 13 Aug, 11am-12pm, Beaulieu Road, SU350063 Bolderwood Information Unit, in seasonal activities at our the answers to your questions history and development of the map reading skills to the test. Bolderwood Information Unit, Wed 8 Jul, 8pm-10pm, SU242086 Enjoy a guided walk with a Bolderwood Information Unit. about the four-legged icons of New Forest Show from 1920 Orienteer yourselves along a 3 SU242086 Blackwater car park, SU268047 See Thur 6 Aug for details. Forestry England volunteer the New Forest. through to 2020. mile route through the forest. See Thur 6 Aug for details. Free. Suitable for all. Dogs See Sat 13 Jun for details. ranger who has ponies on welcome on leads. No booking £6 per person. 12 years+. the Forest. Free. Suitable for all. Dogs not suitable on this required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 1 mile. Dogs welcome on leads. Fruit Full – art and £10 per person. 10 years+. 2 miles. Dogs not suitable event. Please book online: Wild About Ponies £6 per person. 15 years+. No booking required. science project by on this event. Please book forestryengland.uk/ Thur 13 Aug, 1pm-2pm, 5 miles. Dogs welcome Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 on a lead. Please book National Parks Francoise Sergy online: forestryengland.uk/ newforestevents. Whitefield Moor, SU274026 online: forestryengland.uk/ newforestevents. Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Fortnight Sat 6 Jun – Sun 12 Jul, See Thur 9 Apr for details. newforestevents. Verderers Hall Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Sat 6 Apr – Sun 21 Apr, New Forest Heritage Centre, locations across the Open Day SO43 7NY Verderers Hall Open day Wild Wednesday New Forest Tues 14 Apr, 10am-12noon, Why do we like sugar so much? Autumn Alight Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH The art and science project Thur 16 Jul, 10am-12pm, Wed 19 Aug, 10.30am-4pm, Discover National Parks Thur 22 Oct, 9am-11.30am, Fruit Full wants to answer Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH New Forest Reptile Centre, fortnight - a two-week See Mon 23 March for details Bolderwood car park, this question. The project is a SU271071 celebration encouraging people See Mon 23 March for details. SU242086 See Wed 8 Apr for details. of all ages and interests to go partnership between an artist, Wild Wednesday nutrition scientists, fruit growers Experience the sights and outside, explore and learn more Wed 15 Apr, 10.30am-4pm, Wild About Ponies sounds of autumn on this about these special places. and jam makers. By celebrating Discover the New Forest Booking essential. See the website for details: New Forest Reptile Centre, SU271071 fruits and untangling sugar’s power and illusions from a truly Thur 23 Jul, 1pm-2pm, Hatchet Pond, SU369017 Thur 20 Aug, 11am-12pm, Bolderwood Information Unit, September morning walk. Listen out for deer, experience colours and newforestnpa.gov.uk/events. See Wed 8 Apr for details unusual perspective! See Thur 9 Apr for details. learn about the importance SU242086 Wild Wednesday of fungi and pannage to the See Thur 6 Aug for details. Wed 2 Sept, 10.30am-4pm, New Forest. Wild Play Day at Wild About Ponies Sunset Safari No Sat Nav required… New Forest Reptile Centre, £6 per person. 8 years+. the Beach Thur 16 Apr, 1pm-2pm, Sat 13 Jun, 8pm-10pm, Tue 28 Jul, 10am-4pm, SU271071 Dogs not suitable on this event. Blackwater car park, SU268047 Wild About Ponies- Hatchet Pond, SU369017 New Forest Reptile Centre, See Wed 8 Apr for details. Steep slopes along the way. Wed 8 Apr, drop in between See Thur 9 Apr for details. Experience New Forest wildlife SU271071 Beaulieu Road Special Please book online: 10am-3pm, Hurst Spit, Milford forestryengland.uk/ as the sun sets. Listen for Join some Forestry England Thur 20 Aug, 1pm-2pm, on Sea, SO41 0PY Beaulieu Road Sales Yard, Verderers Hall Open day newforestevents. Discover fun ways to explore, Nightjars; keep your eyes peeled volunteer rangers to learn map Wild Wednesday Enquires: 0300 068 0400 play and get creative in the outdoors. Come and try beach/ May for bats and watch out for deer. £10 per person. 10 years+. reading skills, then put your knowledge to the test on a Wed 5 Aug, 10.30am-4pm, New Forest Reptile Centre, SU350063 A unique opportunity to explore Mon 28 Sept, 2-4pm, Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH 2 miles. Dogs not suitable 1.5 mile walk. Beaulieu Road sales yard with See Mon 23 March for details. Autumn fun forest art, seashore/forest Tree Tours on this event. Please book SU271071 a New Forest ranger. Come scavenging and much more. £6 per person. 12 years+. See Wed 8 Apr for details. Wed 28 Oct, 10.30-12pm, Thur 14 May, 10am-12pm, online: forestryengland.uk/ along to a fun, free information Blackwater Arboretum, October Wear some weather-appropriate Dogs not suitable on this Blackwater Arboretum, newforestevents. session and learn all the old clothes and don’t forget your Enquires: 0300 068 0400 event. Please book online: SU268047 wellies if you like a splash! SU268047 forestryengland.uk/ Wild About Ponies answers to your questions Join us in the arboretum to See Mon 30 Mar for details newforestevents. Thur 6 Aug, 1pm-2pm, about the four-legged icons- Tree Tours experience the sounds, smells Suggested donation £1/child. Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Parking charges apply. Suitable Verderers Hall Open day Hatchet Pond, SU369017 New Forest ponies and other Wed 14 Oct, 10am-12pm, and colours of autumn. Get livestock which live on the forest. for all ages (children must be Verderers Hall Open day Wed 24 Jun, 10am-12pm, See Thur 9 Apr for details. Blackwater Arboretum, back to nature with hands on accompanied by an adult). Fri 22 May, 2pm-4pm, Verderers Hall SO43 7NH Wild Wednesday Free. Suitable for all. SU268047 activities to explore. No booking required. 1 mile. Dogs welcome on leads. See Mon 30 Mar for details. Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH See Mon 23 March for details. Wed 29 Jul, 10.30am-4pm, Discover the New Forest No booking required. £5 per child. 3 years+. 1 mile. Enquiries 01590 646600. Dogs not suitable on this event. See Mon 23 March for details New Forest Reptile Centre, Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 SU271071 Thur 6 Aug, 11am-12pm, No booking required. Sunset Safari Bolderwood Information Unit, New Forest Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Wild Wednesday See Wed 8 Apr for details. Walking Festival Wild Wednesday Fri 26 Jun, 8pm-10pm, SU242086 Verderers Hall Open day Wed 8 Apr, 10.30am-4pm, Blackwater car park, SU268047 Join a ranger on a short guided Sat 17 – Sun 1 Nov, locations New Forest Reptile Centre, Wed 27 May, 10.30am-4pm, Wild About Ponies Fri 21 Aug, 10am–12noon, Autumn Wild Play Day New Forest Reptile Centre, Experience New Forest wildlife. walk and discover what makes Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH across the Forest SU271071 Thur 30 Jul, 1pm-2pm, the New Forest so special. in the Forest SU271071 See Sat 13 Jun for details. See Mon 23 March for details Join local experts for fascinating A fun-filled day for all the family, Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 Learn about the history and New Forest walks at the seventh Wed 28 Oct, drop in between with crafty makes and badge See Wed 8 Apr for details See Thur 9 Apr for details. heritage of the Forest and its annual Walking Festival. 10am-3pm, Holmsley making. A celebration of the extraordinary diversity Fun in the Forest Includes wildlife walks, history Campsite, Forest Road, wildlife of the New Forest. Wild About Ponies – of wildlife. Tue 25 Aug, drop in between hikes and family strolls and so Burley BH23 8EB Free (suggested donation for My Haunt Free. Suitable for all. Dogs 10am–3pm. Wilverley much more! See 8 April for details. parking). Suitable for all. Dogs welcome on leads. Spaces limited. Inclosure car park, welcome on leads. No booking Thur 28 May, 1pm-2pm, Booking is essential. Browse Please book on day at Bolderwood Brockenhurst, BH25 5TZ the walks and book from August required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601. Tilery Road, SU308032 Information Unit. Catch up with the New Forest onwards at: newforestnpa.gov.uk/ See Thur 9 Apr for details rangers for a host of activities walkingfestival Fun in the Forest such as scavenger hunts, Tue 11 Aug, drop in between colouring and crafts. Wear Autumn in the Forest 10am-3pm. Whitefield Moor old clothes and be ready for Sun 18 Oct, 9.30am-2.30pm, car park, Brockenhurst, forest fun! Fritham car park, SU230140 SO42 7QD Suggested donation £1/child. Discover the colours, sounds Catch up with the New Forest Suitable for all (children must be accompanied by an adult). and ‘secrets’ of the Forest at Rangers for a host of activities No booking required. this special time of year. Join such as scavenger hunts, Enquiries 01590 646600 Forestry England Volunteer colouring and crafts. Wear old Rangers on an autumnal clothes and wellies and be ready walk as part of this year’s for forest fun! Wild Wednesday Walking Festival. Suggested donation £1/child. Wed 26 Aug, 10.30am–4pm, £6 per person. 16 years+. Suitable for all (children must New Forest Reptile Centre, Dogs not suitable on this be accompanied by an adult). SU271071 event. Please book online: No booking required. See Wed 8 Apr for details. forestryengland.uk/ Enquiries 01590 646600 newforestevents. Enquires: 0300 068 0400 16 17
18 To advertise in the 2021 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email brian.seeney@media3.co.uk To advertise in the 2021 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email brian.seeney@media3.co.uk 19
Lapwing New Forest heathlands are special Silver-studded blue butterfly Here in the New Forest we’re fortunate to have the largest area of lowland heath in western Europe. Our wet bogs that run through areas of heathland are home to many rare and specialised species. Rare sand lizards The heathlands owe much to fantastic balmy smell and the local geology and tradition uncommon species like bog of commoners grazing their orchid, cotton slender grass, livestock here. Also, the pale green sphagnum bog heathlands support a vital moss and bog sedge. resource of peat-based habitats The grasslands are home to such as mires and wet heathland birds with superb camouflage that has the capacity to store that nest on the ground. You Heath spotted-orchid as much or more carbon as an can help these birds, such as equivalent area of woodland. curlew and lapwing, by keeping The valley mires are filled to the main gravel tracks until with plants such as sundews, July. If you’re walking your dog bladderworts, butterworts, here, keep it on the tracks too – aromatic bog myrtle with its if necessary use a lead. Large marsh grasshopper There’s nowhere quite like the New Forest You’ll find a variety of native bracken on the heathland; remove creatures and plants which have regrowth and rhododendron, long since disappeared from the which smother many plants rest of England. Discover a large growing underneath. It is only marsh grasshopper, hear the through this ongoing forest Dartford warbler singing from management that we will protect the tops of gorse bushes, or spot the habitat at a landscape level, a sand lizard or the even rarer creating a mosaic of habitats for smooth snake – all in one location! wildlife while fostering one of the New Forest’s key features for the Forestry England’s local team take enjoyment of future generations. pride in maintaining and restoring this precious habitat. We manage the gorse breaks; control the The New Forest Essential Guide is a joint publication with Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority.
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