The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England

 
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The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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:
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
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     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
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     The New Forest National Park Authority                                                                                      • There
                                                                                                                                            are five d
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     ensures this outstanding landscape                  engnewforest                                                               which ro            ifferent s
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                                                   newforestnpa.gov.uk                                                                    land is ra                   e Forest.
     preserve it for the nation to enjoy for                                                                                      the New              rer
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2                                                                                                                                                                                                                 3
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 East End                                            er
                                                                                                                                                                                       B3058
                                                                                                          R i ve r

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Sway
     Centre, Lyndhurst                             Ringwood Gateway                                                                                                                            Hoburne                                                                                 Norleywood
     newforestheritage.org.uk                      Ringwood.gov.uk/gateway                                                                                                                                                         St. Barbe

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     The National Park                             Fordingbridge                                                                                                                                                                   & Gallery

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     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.
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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
The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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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