The New Forest Essential Guide - FREE - Forestry England
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FREE
The New Forest
Essential Guide
to the National Park 2021
Maps
Events guide
Places to explore
Walking & cycling
Front cover image by Nick Whittle
The New Forest Essential Guide
is brought to you by:
New Forest
commoners
One of the first things you notice here in the New
Forest are the free-roaming animals. The ponies,
cattle, pigs, donkeys and, in certain areas, sheep
graze and forage on unfenced open areas. These
animals are owned by local families using their
commoning rights.
Welcome
The members of these families have helped shaped the landscape Horse riders have always
are called ‘commoners’ – ordinary for centuries. This traditional enjoyed open access in the New
people with an extraordinary practice of commoning is vital in Forest, which has lots of suitable
commitment to this special place. supporting our rare habitats which tracks. When leaving Forestry
They have commoning rights from are a world capital for wildlife. England land, remember to use
land they own, rent or share that bridleways. On private land riders
allows them to graze their animals must keep to the bridleways.
on the Open Forest. All year round These are shown on the
commoners have to tend to their Ordnance Survey maps and are
livestock, so you might see them,
The New Forest National Park is a spectacular, yet fragile with trailers, rounding up their
usually indicated by fingerposts
and/or blue arrows or dots.
landscape made up of a unique mix of forest and open ponies, or checking on their cows.
It’s all part of the New Forest’s long
heathland that’s a haven for rare wildlife species - with a range history as a working forest.
of organisations working together to care for this special place. The iconic New Forest ponies are
the real architects of the Forest and
Forestry England looks after as possible, and by buying from
1,500 of the nation’s woods local food producers. forestryengland.uk/newforest
and forests, including much of engnewforest
The Forest is a special place that
the best-known open land and Sadly, many ponies and other 2. Please don’t feed the animals.
can be enjoyed all year round, newforestnpa.gov.uk
productive woodlands in the New livestock are killed or injured It is vital that they graze naturally,
but please help us look after it by newforestnpa
Forest. It works closely with other on the roads of the New Forest both for their own survival all year
following the New Forest Code.
organisations in the area including each year. Every animal killed is round and for the benefits grazing
Hampshire County Council, the a great loss to the Forest, and to brings to the landscape.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight its owner, so if you enjoy seeing
3. Please don’t leave water out
Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, the animals in the National Park
for the animals at any time of the
New Forest District Council and then please help us protect them
year. There is always natural water
the New Forest Verderers. How to report a problem through some simple actions:
available, and it is important for
As guardians of the National Park with a Forest animal 1. Please #keepyourdistance from the Forest that the grazing shifts
the New Forest National Park Road traffic accident involving the animals. However tame they The area
naturally in which
according to theaweather.
may appear they are unpredictable, pony
Pleaselives is known
Authority ensures this outstanding a pony, cow, pig, sheep or 4. help reduce animal
landscape has the highest level donkey call: 999 and can bite and kick. Take
of protection to preserve it for the particular care around ponies and
as its haunt.
accidents by driving with extra care,
Sick, injured or dead pony, particularly in poor visibility. Just
nation to enjoy for generations cattle with young, especially if you The ponies move around their
cow, pig, sheep or donkey call: #add3minutes to your journey
to come. have a dog with you. haunt according to the seasons
02380 282 050 (office hours) across the New Forest to keep
and weather. In the summer
You can help nature and reduce 0300 067 4600 (after hours). yourself and the commoners’
ponies often go to shade under
your carbon footprint on your visit animals safe newforestnpa.gov.
Please see: newforestnpa. the same trees each day,
by walking, cycling and using the uk/add3minutes.
gov.uk/report-a-problem commoners have names for
New Forest Tour as much
for more information each of these ‘shades’ and will
search them out when looking
Please #BeForestFriendly for their ponies.
and follow the New Forest Code
2 3
FREE
Walking Walking p
ack
Subscribe
email new to our
Free walking
in the
newfores sletter at
tnp
and receiv a.gov.uk
e a free
routes app
online wa
lking pack
of routes
and
New Forest
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
meandering route leads you past
some majestic trees, the oldest
A circular route which leads you
past tree species from around the
trail is on a cycle route.
5 Knightwood car park:
Walking wildlife, history and
culture of the New
and Cycling
of which date back to 1860. world. By following the unique
Benches from which to admire panels you can use your senses Knightwood Oak
their beauty can be found along to discover the secrets that these Less than 0.25 miles Forest during this
Festival
Cotswold
Farm Park
popular festival.
Cheltenham
the way. The path is a moderately trees hold. Benches are located A short stroll to one of the most
Gloucester
Cotswolds
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
smooth, gravelled surface with two along the walk. The path has a famous trees in the New Forest. Cotswold Water Park
2021
short ‘but fairly steep’ slopes and fairly smooth, gravelled surface Believed to have been planted Hoburne
Hoburne
As well as dozens of guided
walks led by knowledgeable local
Blue Anchor Bristol
frequent resting places. The trail with one very gentle slope. before 1600, this tree is still
Bristol
Zoo Cotswold
Bath
experts, this year there’ll also
Channel
Ilfracombe Adventure Weston-super-Mare
is accessed via a gate which has going strong and is a spectacular
Centre
Woolacombe
7 From Whitefield Moor or
Minehead
West Cheddar Mendip Hills
be guided rides to encourage
Somerset Dunster Gorge
Railway
a low catch. example of the ancient practice of
Castle Wells
Barnstaple Glastonbury
Exmoor
Puttles Bridge car parks:
National Park
responsible cycling in the
Quantock
pollarding. Benches are located
Hills
Somerset
North Wessex
Downs
Radnor Trail
approved
Ober Water Trails National Park. Themes typically
Hoburne
throughout. The path has a fairly St Mabyn
Holiday Park
for the sale of leisure homes
www.approvedholidayparks.co.uk
Hoburne Hampshire
Bashley
3km/2 miles
Okehampton
1.5km/1 mile (red trail) Devon
include birdwatching, fungi
Blackdown
smooth, gravelled surface.
Cranborne
Tintagel Hills Chase
A longer route which takes you
Port Isaac New Forest Marwell
2.5km/1.5miles (yellow trail) spotting, hidden histories, bark
Polzeath
National Zoo
Padstow
Dartmoor
National Park
Exeter East
Devon Lyme Regis
Dorset Moors Valley
Country Park Park
Southampton
South Downs
Bodmin National Park
into the heart of the Forest and
Moor West Bay
Beaulieu
Two circular routes follow the ranger walks for pooches and
Newquay Cornwall Exmouth
Monkey
World
Motor Museum
Miles of waymarked
Poole
Newquay Portsmouth
Zoo
Abbotsbury Bournemouth Hurst Castle
Isle of
across the Bratley Water stream.
Tamar
Eden Purbeck
woodland wild play events for
Valley
Ober Water midway between its
Project Weymouth
Torquay
Dart Valley Railway Studland
St Austell
Paignton Zoo Lulworth
Looe
trails to explore!
The Roseland Fowey Paignton Cove
Hoburne
St Ives Plymouth Dartmoor
Heritage Coast Totnes
Benches and picnic benches are
Zoo
children. The Festival, which
Penwith
source and the sea. Close to this
Heritage Coast Hoburne Naish
South
Penzance
Falmouth
Hoburne Devon
Dartmouth
Park
located along the trail. The path
Land’s End Featured holiday home ABI Ambleside
meandering stream is the open will return from 16 October to
Doublebois
Hoburne
is a moderately smooth, gravelled grassy expanse of Whitefield Moor. Welcome to your family’s special holiday place Devon Bay
7 November 2021, is sponsored
surface with two short ‘but fairly The paths are moderately smooth, Imagine being able to get away and make special family holiday memories by Hoburne Holidays, one of
steep’ slopes and frequent resting gravelled surfaces and compacted
any time you want – all year round! When you’ve got your very own safe
holiday place, it’s so easy. Hoburne has brand new luxury holiday homes the south’s largest and most
places. The trail is accessed via a grassy ground with some gentle ready for 2021 to choose from, in and around the New Forest. successful family-owned tourism
gate which has a low catch. slopes and a few resting places. To find more about holiday home ownership, visit businesses with three wonderful
This trail can be muddy after hoburne.com/ownership family holiday parks local to the
wet weather. Hoburne Limited. Registered Office: 10 Hoburne Lane, Christchurch, New Forest. newforest.gov.uk/
walkingfestival
Dorset, England. BH23 4HP. Company Number: 1102096. Holiday Home Ownership
4 5
Are you Forest Thank yo
helping u
the New
u for
s to prote
ct
plant life
Forest’s
ready
habitats
fro
damaging m the
impacts
of parkin
g alo
road verg ng
es.
to ride?
The New Forest is home to many wild plants and flowers that provide
Explore the National Park by bike with over food and nectar for insects. If you tread carefully through the Forest in
100 miles of family-friendly cycle routes.
The off-road routes are marked Visit: newforestnpa.gov.uk/
Adventure spring and summer you’ll find it’s bursting with colourful wildflowers,
including foxgloves, bog asphodel, wild gladioli, different species
with numbered wooden posts.
You can navigate your way
routes for all the best trails.
Please follow both the
cycling of orchids and many more flowers. Remember that these flowers
around the tracks by referencing
Highway Code and the are protected by law and should be left for everyone to enjoy.
these numbers to our cycle trail For more adventurous cyclists,
New Forest Cycling Code:
map or following the Ordnance there are purpose-built mountain
newforestnpa.gov.uk/cycling
!
Survey grid references also on bike skills circuits at Moors Valley The common dog violet (Viola riviniana)
You’d be forgiven for not noticing the Forest
the markers. Country Park, Ringwood. Here edges as you drive through the landscape.
The network is easily accessible Off-road cycling is you will find a network of forest They often look like muddy or grassy areas
from railway stations at Ashurst, only allowed on the road graded trails, as well as blue that simply link the Forest to the road. In
Brockenhurst and Sway and links waymarked routes. graded single track. A cycle map is fact, these verges are incredibly important
the main New Forest villages. It’s important that cyclists stick available from the visitor habitats supporting many different plant
to marked trails all year round. centre on-site. species such as chamomile, harebell, small
fleabane, field gentian and pennyroyal.
We urge drivers not to park on the verges
Cycle code of the Forest, as this can really damage the
Forest as the vegetation gets worn away,
and map
tree roots become exposed and the ground
impacted. Over time, this starts to reduce
the footprint of the Forest, gradually eroding Thrives in sunny sites and like other small plants
Grab a cycle trail map before and reducing it. that grow in the woodland areas, are helped
heading out on your adventure. by hungry ponies grazing on the competing
It shows both off-road and road- vegetation. This means that the violet can
based cycle networks across the bloom and set seed, which is good news for the
New Forest, plus details of bike rare pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly whose
£1
hire outlets. caterpillar feeds only on the leaves of violets.
Available to pick up at outlets
across the New Forest National
Park, including local
information points. only Early purple orchid/bell heather/bog asphodel
6 7
See the best The sign of true
of the Forest local produce
View the New Forest National Park from
a different perspective this summer.
Experience the best views of the Forest on
the open-top New Forest Tour and hop
on and off where you like.
Where to stay? Look out for
For more information on the New Forest
where to stay, what to see Marque on:
and do in the New Forest
visit: thenewforest.co.uk • Forest-reared meat
• Local cheeses
When you’re in the New throughout the year. There
are campsites, self-catering • Seasonal fruit and veg
Forest, look out for the establishments, family-run bed
• Beer, cider, gin, wine
New Forest Marque & breakfasts, boutique guest
and soft drinks
houses and larger hotels all
which is the sign of proud to support local produce. • Cakes, pastries, pies
true local produce. Many retail outlets stock fantastic and other sweet and
local eats, drinks and treats savoury treats
Everything you see with the
distinctive blue logo has so you can take a taste of the • Jams and chutneys
been grown, brewed, reared, New Forest home with you or
enjoy it during your stay. • Artisan-produced soaps
produced, or made right
and skincare products
here in the New Forest. Not forgetting beautiful arts
and crafts such as photography, • Bespoke hampers
Not only will you be getting
fantastic local produce, but you’ll textiles and paintings inspired • Woodcrafts
be supporting local businesses by the New Forest, as well
• Paintings and photography
New Forest Tour and ensuring New Forest
traditions continue to thrive.
as woodcrafts using local
sustainable timber. • Handcrafted gifts, jewellery
and knitted goods
You’ll find the stamp of approval on There are also no less than five
The New Forest Tour gives The perks don’t stop there, as you By donating to the New Forest cosy pubs, quaint tea rooms, and vineyards in the New Forest, • Accommodation
you the best views of the can enjoy a free ferry ride from Trust, you’re supporting high-end restaurants – all offering as well as beer brewers, cider and food outlets
New Forest National Park Southampton to Hythe, as well conservation, education and a selection of menus bursting makers and gin distillers.
and is the perfect excuse to as great discounts at attractions commoning projects to help secure with locally-sourced ingredients. There’s so much to choose from!
leave your car at home. including New Forest Wildlife Park, the future of the New Forest.
Looking for a place to stay? All Visit newforestmarque.co.uk
Ringwood Brewery and Beaulieu You can do this by choosing to see the fantastic array
The Tour offers unrivalled treetop the New Forest Marque members
National Motor Museum. restaurants and hotels which of produce on offer.
views of free-roaming ponies, look forward to welcoming you
ancient forests and picturesque The Tour runs hourly seven days support the charity; through local
villages. There are three beautiful a week in peak season. donation boxes; or by donating
Shop local
routes to choose from: red, green See thenewforesttour.info online at: newforesttrust.org.
and blue – and you can hop on for dates and times. Take a look uk/donate
and off where you like and switch at the map on the centre pages
Eat local
routes – all on the same ticket. of this guide for routes.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome
Stay local
and you can even bring your bikes Tour information
(carried free). Listen to audio thenewforesttour.info
commentary that brings the history
Give local
and characters of the New Forest newforesttour
to life.
Enjoy local
e.co.uk
newforestmarqu
que
@NewForestMar
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 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
Tour sponsor:
Furzley 3
Landford
Sandy Balls
2
Children will love the enjoy delicious food in
Holiday Village
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 Minstead
more adventurously Disabled access and Bartley Community Shop
why not try Go Ape’s facilities are provided A337 Woodlands
Eling
Sway
Ocknell
new Nets Adventures including wheelchair and North Gorley Deli and Coffee Shop
A35
at Moors Valley? It’s a mobility scooter hire. Minstead
wonderworld of treetop New Forest Woodgreen
For more info visit 2 Bolderwood Wildlife Park Community Shop
nets, trampolines and moors-valley.co.uk New Forest
netted tunnels. With
Ashurst
Hythe and Post Office
follow us on @MoorsValley Linwood
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 Calshot
Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd Hatchet
Burley Pond Blackfield
Tour sponsor:
B3055 Beaulieu
Burley Fudge
Shop 8 Wilverley New
B337 Forest
Finding out more...
Roundhill
Activities 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 Cycle network
New Forest Reptile A337
The New Forest
Centre, Lyndhurst Highcliffe Barton-on-Sea Lymington Campsite Fishing (by permit) Tour*
Wildlife area Fishing New Forest
forestryengland.uk/
Christchurch Wightlink Castle
try Car parking Tour*
of all Fores
new-forest-reptile-centre
For a map
Milford-on-Sea Toilets National Park * The Tour runs
:
r parks visit Christchurch Bay
Bolderwood Accessible toilets hourly 7 days a week
Information Unit
England ca / Cafe in peak season. See:
gland.uk
forestryen
forestryengland.uk/ Picnic area thenewforesttour.info
for dates and times.
bolderwood Hurst Castle
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.
Coral necklace
Meet your
New Forest
Rangers
Coral necklace is a rare flowering
plant with long trailing red stems and
clusters of white flowers resembling
beads threaded along a necklace. It
can only be found in a few areas of the
UK including here in the New Forest.
Both Forestry England and the National Park Authority employ
rangers, who you’ll often meet out and about in the New Forest. Pillwort
Here, you’ll meet some of the team as they answer some of the most
commonly asked questions by visitors to the New Forest.
Can walking in the New Forest improve my mood?
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, The New Forest is one
of the most important
lose weight and become healthier. Walking also does wonders for
your mental health by reducing stress, reducing anxiety and releasing Pillwort is a small creeping fern with
endorphins. If you join a walking group like Walking For Health or the grass-like leaves. In decline across
freshwater and coastal
Ramblers then you can socialise and meet some new friends along Western Europe and lost from nearly
the way. Download our free New Forest Walking App and see what half of its known locations in the UK,
amazing walks await you. it is widespread in the New Forest
landscapes in the UK.
Adam Vasey, New Forest National Park Authority Access Ranger making it one of the most important
populations in Europe.
Can we stroke and feed the New Forest Ponies?
Great crested
The New Forest is famous for the ponies who roam freely here but There are over a dozen individual rivers, newt
many people don’t understand that they are semi-wild and find all of
the food they need on the Forest. Feeding them foods they do not eat
streams and their tributaries flowing through
naturally, even fresh vegetables or fruit (like apples and pumpkins) the Forest on their way out to the Solent,
can make them really unwell and it also encourages them to come
too close to people and roads. To keep them, and yourselves, safe
Southampton Water and River Avon.
please keep your distance and avoid feeding or petting them.
Across the Forest there are Pond. This small, shallow lake is
Amy Howells, Forestry England Ranger
also several lakes, hundreds of the most wildlife rich of its kind Ponds in the New Forest are home to
ponds and a network of bogs remaining in lowland England, great crested newts, the UK’s largest
How can I help protect the coastline? that hold and store water. These and home to almost 90% of the newt species with adults growing up to
We’ve seen greater numbers of people from all walks of life being boggy areas, or mires as they are rarest wetland plants in the UK. 17cms long. Known as warty newts or
drawn to the coastline for a sense of space, freedom and an escape. known, are some of the last left little dinosaurs due to their distinctive
Unfortunately, this special place
However, many coastal habitats are fragile and easily damaged while in Europe. In fact, 75% of areas crest, they are a protected and priority
is now under threat from over-
wildlife can be frequently disturbed by us and our dogs. It’s important like this left in North West Europe species across Europe.
use and pollution. An action
to check where you can walk, swim, canoe, or launch a boat before are here in the New Forest.
plan is in place to restore the
you go. Please also take your litter home to dispose of responsibly.
The incredible plants and animals pond and visitors are being Medicinal leech
Gillie Molland, New Forest National Park Authority Lead Ranger that live at the heart of the asked to play their part in this.
New Forest are all dependant
Is there a fire risk in the New Forest? To help protect streams and
on these different sources of
ponds in the New Forest please
Fire is a major risk in the New Forest and is increasing each year, fresh, clean water for food,
remember swimming and water
as we experience hotter and drier conditions, as a result of climate shelter and as places to breed.
sports are strictly prohibited and
change. Wildfires can be devastating and quickly destroy huge These waterways also play a
are much more suited to nearby
amounts of forest and wildlife. A fire can so easily be started from fundamental role in addressing
beaches in the local area. We
a single spark, a careless action that could take many decades for climate change by storing carbon The mighty medicinal leech is found
also ask that dogs are kept out
nature to recover. We ask everyone visiting to help us reduce the risk and preventing flooding for in just five water bodies in the New
of the water to avoid disturbing
of a wildfire by not using BBQs, campfires or fire of any kind on the communities further downstream. Forest. The largest of all leeches it
wildlife, stirring up damaging
Forest during their visit. can grow up to 20cms long. It uses its
One of the most notable and chemicals in the sediment, and
Martin Rea, Forestry England Seasonal Ranger three jaws and 100 teeth to feed on
well-known stretches of water carrying material into the water
in the New Forest is Hatchet with may cause pollution. amphibians and the occasional snack
on a New Forest pony!
Forestry England rangers New Forest National Park Authority rangers
0300 067 4601/southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk 01590 646 600/rangers@newforestnpa.gov.uk
Forestry England, The Queen’s House, Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Authority, Lymington
Hampshire, SO43 7NH Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG
12 13
Goshawk
An important
place for
wildlife Goshawks These large hawks nest in the
canopy of some of the Forest’s
Known as the ‘phantoms of
tallest trees and often return to
the forest’, goshawks are one
the same nest several years in a
of the most elusive birds of
row. Their wings are tailor made
prey. Once on the brink of
for skilfully and silently flying
extinction nationally, they are a
through the woodland. They can
real conservation success in the
be identified by the white feathers
New Forest. With support from
with horizontal grey stripes on
Forestry England Wildlife Rangers
their fronts and darker grey
their population has grown from
feathers on their backs and wings.
just two in 2002 to around 40
pairs of these amazing birds
living and breeding here today.
You can still find creatures here long since lost from
many other parts of the UK and Europe. This is just
one of the reasons why the New Forest has the highest
possible conservation status and protections available. Adder Sand lizard Dragonflies and damselflies
The New Forest is home to 75%
From rare birds on the brink of extinction travelling here of all the species of dragonflies
from Africa to breed, to Britain’s largest mammal the red and damselflies, including the
extremely rare southern damselfly
deer, calling it home, and all of the UK’s native reptiles - only found in the New Forest and
the New Forest is truly a haven for wildlife. three other areas of the UK. Other
species to look out for include the
emperor dragonfly and the golden-
ringed damselfly. The network of
freshwater ponds, streams and
Ground nesting birds Disturbing them can highlight the boggy areas across the New Forest
Curlew are essential breeding grounds
location of the nests and cause
The New Forest is a Special Reptiles As the weather improves the for these beautiful creatures.
the parents to flee exposing their
Protection Area for birds, and one UK’s only venomous snake
eggs and chicks to predators. The Forest is home to all six UK
of the last places in the UK where can sometimes be spotted
native reptiles: sand lizards,
rare and endangered species Their nesting season runs from basking in the sun to warm Damselfly
adders, slow worms, grass
including the nightjar, woodlark, March through to the end up. A protected species, the
snakes, smooth snakes,
Dartford warbler, and the curlew of summer. During this time adder can be easily identified
and common lizards.
– now globally threatened with please help us protect them by by the distinctive zig zag pattern
extinction, come to breed. staying on the main tracks and Sand lizards have been declining along its back and can reach
ensuring dogs do the same, across the UK and are now one lengths of around 80cms.
These birds rely on the open,
using a lead where necessary to of its rarest reptiles - only found
damp heathland and boggy
avoid them disturbing nests on in a handful of places across
areas of the forest. Nesting
the open areas of the Forest. the country. The New Forest is a
not in trees but on the ground,
stronghold for this species and
they are extremely vulnerable.
an important breeding ground.
14 15
New Forest
Red stag
Deer
First introduced for Royal hunting
parties in medieval times,
woodlands
today there are around 3,000
deer roaming freely across the
Forest. The five species found
here are fallow, sika, muntjac
and the only two species native
to Britain – roe and red.
As Britain’s largest mammal the
male red deer can reach a height New Forest woodlands have impressive
of 140cms and weigh as much
as 190kgs! Their numbers have displays of vibrant autumn colours.
declined over the centuries, but Enjoy a walk in the woods and see what
reintroductions have ensured
the future of the herds. different types of fungi you can spot.
The Forest is a great place to see This is a wonderful place to see fungi, the New Forest
deer in their natural environment, is a stronghold for many rare and endangered species,
but it is important to remember New Forest pigs and even some still being discovered that are new
Livestock
that they are wild animals and to science. Fungi are essential to the New Forest’s
should be treated with respect. There are of course some other ecosystem and ‘web of life’ – which is why we ask you
This is particularly the case very famous animals here in the not to pick fungi from this special place.
during rutting season in the New Forest…the ponies, cattle,
Besides being essential rotters and recyclers, they
autumn when stags are fighting donkeys, pigs, and sheep who
provide food for some animals and are vital to many
for territory, and in the spring roam across the landscape. Every
insects, to enable them to complete their life cycles.
and summer when mothers one of these animals is owned by
Also, fungi are great to just admire and they are
are with their newly born a commoner, people who exercise
marvellously photogenic too.
young. Throughout the year rights from their land to graze
please do not allow dogs to animals on the open forest. They
chase or get close to deer. are not pets and their behaviour
can be unpredictable so please
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give them space and do not feed
or touch them.
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16 17
Visit the New Forest
More Trees help us to breathe, they’re home to
Heritage Centre
than
a wonderful variety of wildlife and they
supply home-grown timber for the nation.
We love trees, they have a key role to play
in addressing climate change, but of course
trees
planting them is only really a first step.
All trees need to be looked after to ensure
they can reach maturity.
Open daily • Dog friendly
Here in the New Forest, Forestry it’s hard to appreciate their value. Free entry, donations welcome
England’s local teams tend to the In fact, our wet heathland stores With our New Forest museum, family fun tree, special exhibition
young trees planted inside the carbon, reduces the impacts of gallery and reference library - there’s something for everyone!
inclosures, stopping them from floods, provides cleaner water
becoming overgrown, ensuring and habitat for wildlife. If we
they get the right amount of light, don’t protect these heathland
and guarding them against damage areas as well, we will not only newforestheritage.org.uk
from deer, rabbits and other lose these remnant habitats nfheritage newforestheritage newforestheritage
animals. from our landscapes, but also
the nature they support.
As our climate changes, the trees
in our forests must be fit for the Over many centuries some of FOR DELICIOUS
Fa rm ya rd
future and we are actively taking
part in research to learn how to
these open habitats have become
naturally colonised with trees. If
FUN FOR LOCAL PRODUCE
Ev er yo VISIT OUR
ne
best help them to adapt. Our we are to protect these precious FARM
work doesn’t stop there, ensuring open habitats and their unique SHOP
healthy and resilient forests is wildlife, there will be times when
Open DAILY
about much, much more than just trees that have encroached onto
trees. It also means we must work heathland need to be removed. In
hard to look after the wider nature other areas we are encouraging A farm-tastic day for the whole family to
and critical habitats they support. greater number of trees and enjoy, with a full schedule of animal activities
helping them become fit for a which run throughout the day.
Here in the New Forest, we Farm produce shop and gift shop.
future climate. It’s very much about
have a unique landscape and Tel. 023 8029 2837
the right tree in the right place.
mixture of habitats that are For LATEST UPDATES VISIT:
www.longdownfarm.co.uk
simply not found anywhere else Only in this way can we truly
on this scale. An incredible 75% support a healthy forest that FULLY COMPLIANT With Covid-19 Safety Measures
of lowland heaths left in North can thrive long into the future
Western Europe are here in this and help us all address the
one small corner of the UK. challenges of a changing climate.
These open areas of the Forest
often look bare and on first glance
18 To advertise in the 2022 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email brian.seeney@media3.co.uk
19Caring for
the Forest
Ponies, donkeys,
Cycling Ticks
cattle, pigs & sheep Cycling is allowed only on Check your children, dog and
For their safety and your own please the waymarked tracks and other yourself for ticks when you get back
leave the animals alone – although designated routes. When approaching – they can lead to Lyme disease.
owned and cared for by local people and animals, please call out
people called commoners, they are a warning and pass slowly and wide. Driving
unpredictable and best treated as wild. Try to leave gaps for overtaking
Please don’t feed or pet them; there vehicles and never ride more than The speed limits on unfenced
is plenty of natural food and it’s best two abreast. Keep to a safe speed, roads greatly reduce the number
that they don’t come to rely on people’s wear bright colours to be visible of accidents involving animals.
attention. They may look friendly but and always use lights in the dark. Slow down and give walkers, cyclists,
they can bite and kick, especially horse-riders and animals a wide
ponies with foals. berth. Be especially careful at night.
Fungi
Please leave fungi for other Parking
Dogs people to enjoy. Fungi are essential
The New Forest is great for dogs to the New Forest’s internationally Please park only in designated
but to minimise disturbance to wildlife, protected ecosystem. Foray leaders car parks, not on a verge or in
livestock and other people, please keep must apply for permission for gateways. Lock your car, taking
your dogs close by you and visible at all educational excursions from Forestry any valuables with you and leave
times – if necessary use a lead. Pick up England in advance. If you suspect Forestry England car parks by dusk.
after your dog, especially around car or see commercial picking please call
parks, on paths and where people Forestry England on 0300 067 4600. Unidentified objects
play or picnic. Areas of the New Forest were
Camping used to test bombs in World War I
Birds Only use designated campsites and II. Please keep away from objects
To help ground-nesting birds with proper facilities. No overnight that might be dangerous and notify
rear their young safely, keep yourself, parking is allowed in the car parks the police immediately on 999.
dogs and horses on the main tracks and wild camping is not permitted
from the beginning of March to the in the New Forest. Litter left behind Working forest
end of July. in the Forest, like glass bottles Stay safe by obeying warning
and plastic containers can cause signs and keeping away from work
Litter real harm to local wildlife. And sites and vehicles.
the human waste left by campers
Your food and litter could harm
isn’t good for the Forest either.
the ponies and donkeys. Please take
your litter home if bins are full. Horse riding
Horse riders have open access
Barbecues & fires to the New Forest, but to reduce
damage to the ground please
To reduce the risk of wildfires use tracks when it’s wet.
damaging the forest, no campfires,
BBQs or stoves are allowed.
The New Forest Essential Guide
is a joint publication with Forestry
England and the New Forest
newforestnpa.gov.uk/NFcode National Park Authority.You can also read
