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