Love The Pigs Walking Forest grants on parade Festival fun

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Autumn/Winter 2018 FREE!

Draft National Park New Forest ‘prehistoric planning policies to be examined proposed new suite and enhancing the Forest’s A of planning policies historic built environment. for the National Park It was submitted to the burial’ mystery unearthed will be reviewed at a Secretary of State in May public hearing. following several rounds of consultation which hundreds Work began on the review of people and organisations in 2015 and the draft Local responded to. Plan has been prepared Two Government-appointed within the context of Planning Inspectors will recent changes in national conduct the examination on planning policy. behalf of the Secretary of The draft Plan focusses State to determine whether on protecting the New the submitted Local Plan is Forest’s landscape and sound. habitats; meeting affordable The public examination housing needs for local takes place at people; supporting the local Town Hall from 6 to 15 economy; and conserving November. The timetable for the hearing sessions and list of people the Inspectors have invited to speak can be found at newforestnpa.gov.uk/localplan

Two adventure playgrounds!

National Park Community Archaeologist James Brown (centre) unearthing Flint neolithic flints with volunteers Ian Richardson and Sue Pinyoun from Beaulieu rchaeologists and volunteers He said the lack of evidence may be the excavation A have found an important result of the barrow being ploughed out, prehistoric burial site near Beaulieu or destroyed by the later field boundary and think the last person to pick that up dating back thousands of years. ditches that run through the middle. The was here thousands of years ago.’ site was fully metal-detected as part of A community dig in a field at East End National Park Senior Archaeologist the archaeological investigation with the set out to investigate what they thought Frank Green said: ‘The archaeologists only finds being modern metal work in was a Bronze Age barrow which had will now analyse the urns and soil and the topsoil. been ploughed over and they were use scientific techniques to date them, thrilled to find four cremation burial urns ‘It is always good to find conserve them and hopefully display them in the New Forest. Ongoing work dating from that period around 3,000 something when the day years ago. will attempt to try and fully understand has been spent moving what might prove to be an incredibly But as the excavation progressed further, important part of the New Forest’s the evidence began suggesting that the mud and stone!’ prehistoric past.’ site might have been an important place ‘However, there was evidence of human Thanks to the Beaulieu Estate and the for even older human activity which activity below the level of the urns’, Bronze Age settlers then adapted. tenant farmer, the dig provided a rare he said. ‘We also found two Neolithic chance to excavate on farmland in the New Forest National Park Authority flints from around 5,000 years ago, one New Forest. As the Forest doesn’t get Community Archaeologist James Brown of which probably would have been built on as much as other parts of the said: ‘We were elated to find the urns – attached to a wooden shaft and used as country there are fewer opportunities One acre of adventure playground fun! they were inverted in what we originally a spear. Geophysics scans showed that for excavation while sites are being thought was the ditch around the there may have been two entrances developed. barrow and one has a decorative band to the site. So the evidence is strongly • 4 species of Otter James said: ‘This often leads people to Open all • 12 species of Owls pattern on it that will help us to date hinting at a much earlier Neolithic year round • Deer • Lynx assume that the Forest didn’t see much Café and • European Wolves them. These urns were domestic pots and monument that was then re-used in the • Bison • Wild Boar early human activity – it’s probably there Gift Shop contain cremated human bone placed Bronze Age.’ • Wallaby but we just don’t get the chance to see Nature Trail • Foxes • Polecats into small pits. So we know this site was • Scottish wildcat Volunteer Ian Richardson, from , it. So the finds at this site are already a place of memorial for people in the said the volunteers were fascinated to adding to our knowledge in quite a Deerleap Lane, Near Ashurst, New Forest around 3,000 years ago. see what the site revealed. ‘It is always Visit our 023 8029 2408 , SO40 4UH substantial way of the story of people website ‘But we didn’t find any evidence of the good to find something when the day who have lived here in the past – the www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk barrow’s mound or any burial activity in has been spent moving mud and stone!’ residents, their lives and how they the middle as you might expect.’ he said. ‘You get in touch with the past exploited the Forest landscape.’ 2 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 3

Proposals to manage Helping New Forest communities Nature Club families enjoying a wild play session at Manor wild play area Community organisations and businesses can advertise their events free of charge on the redesigned National Park Authority website. recreation ‘on right track’ Visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/events for details.

Over 1,000 individuals and and nearly 60 per cent said they organisations gave their views The actions were based on had never taken part in a New on how recreation should be feedback received last year Forest consultation before. and ranged from developing managed in and around the New Forest National Park an agreed New Forest-wide New Forest National Park, Authority Chairman Oliver network of key visitor Crosthwaite-Eyre said: ‘We’re with nearly 80% agreeing sites and core walking and grateful to everyone who took with the proposed actions. cycling routes; to measures the time to give us their thoughts to protect against specific The Forestry Commission, Natural on how we can best manage activities that have an impact , County recreation in and around the on the Forest; and increasing Council, Forest. Other organisations tell the range of initiatives Council and the Verderers asked us that they often receive only designed to help people the National Park Authority a few hundred responses to understand why the Forest is to conduct the Future Forest consultations so we’re really so special. consultation on behalf of the pleased with the level of response. statutory bodies. ‘The fact that such a large The aim of the Future Forest Bruce Rothnie, Deputy Surveyor majority of people support the consultation is to help decide how at the Forestry Commission, actions means that were on the we should: said: ‘The knowledge and views right track and shows how much • protect the spectacular, gathered from this consultation people care for the New Forest. yet fragile, wildlife-rich will help us to make the right ‘We are now going through the landscape that people choices for the future benefit of comments and we hope to come come to see the New Forest. up with specific plans early next Children enjoying balancing games at the opening of the year showing how the actions will New Forest’s first wild play site at Holbury Manor in Holbury • manage recreation for ‘We all will need to take responsibility, share solutions be carried out.’ Bumper year local people and visitors use limited resources and celebrate passing on to our Families celebrate first wild play area in the wisely. descendants a Forest in better condition and more resilient to New Forest The online survey asked people future changes.’ their views on 25 draft proposed Around 200 people took part in den building, natural crafts and a for Love the Of 1,074 respondents including 40 actions. Most of the actions scavenger hunt at Holbury Manor, near Hythe, to open the first of organisations, nearly 700 provided received a very high level of three permanent wild play sites in the New Forest. additional comments. One of the support (on average 78% of aims of the survey was to hear The site will help families discover and connect with their surroundings people agreed or strongly agreed the views of a wide range of local Keep up to date and provide an area for children to explore nature and improve their with them). Forest scheme people and visitors, including at newforestnpa.gov.uk/ health and wellbeing. people who don’t normally get futureforest involved in public consultations fencing and wood products eople and businesses Authority. Grants of up to The families say they always Pwho ‘Love The Forest’ £5,000 are available and learn something and really have come out in force more organisations are enjoy it and look forward to Everton Nurseries to help fund projects encouraged to apply. coming each week. - Garden Centre - to keep the New Forest Calshot Nature Club is one ‘If we understand the New fencing and wood products special for years to come. of the projects to benefit Forest we’re more aware of from a recent Love The how to look after it – like The Love the Forest visitor Forest grant. why you don’t have fires gift scheme encourages fencing and wood products and don’t fly drones on the visitors to donate or adds Camellias Fencing SupplieFsree Forest – and can pass this on a pound to their hotel, ‘If we understand to other people too.’ COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT TRADE pRiCES Delivery! restaurant bills, or product FENCiNg AT Alison and Chris Wilson own ALL TypES OF sales which are then given the New Forest An ideal place to stop by for a coffee or a meal out in community grants for we’re more aware of the Balmer Lawn Hotel, conservation and education , which adds a u how to look after it‘ discretionary £1 to leisure Delicious range of light bites FenOcverilanp / gClo seSboaurd ppanpels lieFsree projects. Last financial year Fencing SupplieFsree visitors’ accommodation bills nearly £28,000 was raised. and homemade cakes available all day. u eboard Fencing Compo ipCnREeSinCtEsS Delivery! which it donates to the Love Clos ATT T TRRADAED pER Delivery! Over 30 businesses are EOSF O FFE FNENCCiiNNgg Club leader Viv Drake said the Forest scheme. They are Home cooked lunches available daily ALL TAyLLp TEySp taking part, including in stock & made to order the £720 funding provided celebrating reaching their u Greenclose Hotels (the between 12 noon and 2.30pm Trellis u& gates after-school sessions for £30,000 total. u Overlap / Culoseboard panels ts Montagu Arms Hotel, uOverlap / CloCseobnocarerdte p paonsels families to help them learn Decking Beaulieu, and Careys Manor, Alison said: ‘It’s surprising Or, if you fancy a treat, u Closeboard Fencing Componenuts more about New Forest Batten kitchens for every home Brockenhurst) which has how the one pounds add why not have Cream Tea u eboard Feuncgiantge Cpoomstpso n ents habitats, wildlife and u Clos ts in stock & made to order Designed and made by Howdens raised nearly £20,000 since up! We are very pleased to WuoTordelelins &p ogsates the commoning system. with freshly baked scones, tock & matdse to orde r Supplied and fitted by your local builders 2007; New Forest Ice Cream put something back into the u u inu sConucrTeetel epgorsaph poles Visits included meeting Turellis & gDeactkeisng which has raised £2,500 Forest – the tourism industry clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea. Wooden Sleepers u Battsten a Forest keeper, seeing uu gate posts u Wire through sales of peach relies on the Forest as part u u ts Conctorerete poBsarb charcoal made at Pondhead WoDoedecnk pimnogso n gery S melba ice cream since 2013; of our product. If we don’t u Large iron u u Book your free survey Community Woodland in u Telegratpsh polBesatten and the Balmer Lawn Hotel, support it and ensure it’s u Wooden Stlese perusg ate pos Lyndhurst and exploring u Wooden pos EqureesutrBiaanrb FWeirnec ing Brockenhurst, which raised looked after and cared for, u Stock Fencminogn g ery Sto and design today the reptile centre near we won’t have a business so u Large iron u Telegraph poles £30,000 over eight years. u uu Shovels/Rootbars Lyndhurst. we should protect it. We’re Woodeun SSlcereepwesrs Equestrian Fencing The scheme is part of the u NauilSst o ck Fencing u Wire 01590 689784 • [email protected] Nearly 20 adults and a family-owned business ore Barb New Forest Trust charity mongeryu SSthovels/Rootbars children attend the club. and we live in the Forest so u Laurge ironu SucreCwosn crete Repair Spurs and is administered u posNta iMls i x Viv said: ‘The sessions are the more support we can u u u ores with help from the New u CouncEreqtue eRsleitpnragiiar nS pFuLerosngc iSntg very informal and hands-on. give, the better.’ u Stocpko sFte uMnicLxi o nggs Kind u Stores Forest National Park u Woodchip u gs uuKindling L/oRgootbars uuNWaoilosd c huipS crLeows Shovels The New Forest’s leading garden centre, offering you the quality u Everton A337 Concrete RepaEvertionr SAp337 urs u Lymington Lymington Call on C0a7ll4 o9n6 0 75p479o063s 58t77 0M3 o87ri xo0r1 04124525 6 6229973399 Otter Otter and choice from our own 25 acre nursery. u LNuorseriegs NSursetrieos res u indling TimberTradTeimberTrade Email: [email protected] Open every Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm ∙ Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm Email: audmWino@otdimcbheirptr a deservices.co.uk Milford-on-Sea www.timbertradeservices.co.uk Milford-on-Sea www.timVisibt ues rint rthae dgreousndes rovf Oitcteer Nsu.rcseorie.su okn Milford Road, Lymington - follow the Timber Trade signs To support the Love the Forest scheme, find out more about the projects it supports www.evertonnurseries.co.uk ∙ 01590 642155 Visit us in the grounds of Otter Nurseries on Milford Road, Lymington - folloEvwert otnhe TimAb33e7r Trade signs Unit 110, Ampress Park SO41 8XN or apply for a grant, visit: newforesttrust.org.uk/love-the-forest Lymington Everton, on A337, Nr. Lymington, SO41 0JZ Otter Call on 07496 570387 or 01425 629739 Nurseries Email: [email protected] TimberTrade Milford-on-Sea www.timbertradeservices.co.uk Visit us in the grounds of Otter Nurseries on Milford Road, Lymington - follow the Timber Trade signs 4 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 5

Release the pigs! Wick Antiques was founded by Charles Wallrock By Matt Stroud 32 years ago. Having previously supplied Harrods estled in a quiet part of the With this year’s acorns falling fast, Local produce is clearly important to antiques department for 22 years, he o ers his N New Forest, down a long, pannage is upon us and today is the Andrew. He cannot compete on price ‘There are the tree-lined track, Storms Farm is day that Andrew releases his pigs from with larger farms so he rears high expertise and professional knowledge to help you certainly a challenge to find. his fields into the woodlands that quality livestock and places their New border his farm. Forest upbringing at the forefront of obvious benefits for The attractive stone farmhouse near buy and sell your antiques. He drives the trailer full of porkers his marketing. The fact that his pigs the ponies, protecting , with its ginger tom on the few hundred yards to the edge are turned out to gorge on acorns constant guard, seems a world away of the woodland (‘It’s easier that way, among the ancient woodlands of the them from the acorns, from the hustle and bustle of modern absolute chaos if I try to shepherd New Forest is unusual and makes their life. them round myself!’ he says) and I meat highly desirable. but a big reason is 2018 has been a very busy year and we are actively looking to purchase But venture within and you will find watch as he opens the trailer gates. This belief in local produce has led that this is no sleepy smallholding, cut After a few sniffs and some tentative Andrew to join the New Forest that it makes the pork antique mahogany pieces (brown furniture), as well as all works of art. off from the outside world. This is a steps, the young pigs clatter down Marque, an accreditation scheme that bustling, lively farm adapting ancient the ramp and snuffle off into the denotes genuine New Forest produce. taste fantastic’ Forest traditions for the present day. woodland fringes. ‘We joined the New Forest Marque Its owner, commoner Andrew Parry- Grunting to each other to ensure relatively recently and it’s been a real Norton, is tall, jocular and unstintingly they stay together, the pigs seem very benefit,’ Andrew says. ‘It proves that friendly. His passion and pride for his content to my untrained eyes. Pannage our produce is from the New Forest animals is infectious. As we trundle obviously makes them happy, but and people look for it, it’s a recognised round his farm on a super-charged golf what’s in it for Andrew? brand – it’s been a real help with our buggy, Andrew tells me his story. ‘There are the obvious benefits for marketing. We’ve also met a lot of Above the din of the engine, he the ponies, protecting them from like-minded producers through the recounts how his family have run this the acorns, but a big reason is that Marque, who are interested in our farm for four generations, that his it makes the pork taste fantastic,’ product and can help our business brother and he now own half each he says. ‘The diet of acorns gives grow.’ and the ways in which they have the pork a rich, full flavour that is With the pigs safely released, it’s time had to adapt. The family are proud unlike anything you will taste in the to leave Andrew to his never-ending commoners, turning sheep and cattle supermarkets.’ list of jobs around the farm. As he out onto the Open Forest to graze in a As the pigs wander off into the waves me off from his farmhouse door, tradition that stretches back hundreds woodland where they will stay for the I’m left with a sense that focusing on For more information please of years. next two or three months, we pack the New Forest provenance of their After a whistle-stop tour we screech to away the trailer and return to the meat is a smart move from this family visit our showroom at a halt and in front of us are dozens of farmhouse. farm. pigs; from hefty sows to their days-old He says: ‘It’s like no pork you’ve ever Meat from free-roaming animals Riverside Business Park piglets. It is an impressive and welcome tasted. Meaty, full of flavour and the that graze among some of the most sight, and this is what has brought me crackling is incredible. It’s a premium beautiful and precious land in the or call us on to Storms Farm – it’s pannage season. product – turning our pigs out means country – now that’s what I call a Pannage sees commoners practice their pork is a real speciality and a unique selling point. their right of mast and turn pigs out product unique to the New Forest. Look out for pannage pork 01590 677558 into the New Forest each autumn for There is a real demand among people, at local butchers and farm around six weeks. The pigs hoover up increasingly so, for local meat that is Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm fallen acorns that would otherwise traceable and local.’ shops or find out more at Andrew Parry-Norton outside prove poisonous to ponies and cattle. newforestmarque.co.uk Storms Farm farmhouse

Unit 2, Riverside Business Park, Wick Antiques Ltd [email protected] Gosport Street, Lymington Mobile: 07768 877069 www.wickantiques.co.uk Hampshire SO41 9BB

Lymington Restoration is a long-standing partner to Wick Antiques and is situated next door at Riverside Business Park, Lymington. As respected craftsmen, their experience is extensive and you are welcome to visit the workshops, which are open Monday to Friday Phone: 01590 677558 9am-1pm, 2pm-5pm and we will be delighted A Saddleback is released from the trailer to forage for acorns to provide you with an estimate. Email: [email protected] 6 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 7 Campaign underway Traditional to renovate ‘horse much-loved footpath power’ managing precious New Forest woodlands Toby Hoad, of Dorset Horse Logging, helping to revive a woodland at Pilley in the New Forest with one of his Comtois horses, Celine. Join the fundraising campaign to improve Lepe Loop footpath nce it was commonplace to see weight and width the equipment requires. and even after the hot and dry summer it plant as it attempts to regrow, but it needs working horses throughout the These heavy vehicles can damage the delicate is still boggy in places. The horses are very to be repeated for a few years to minimise fundraising push to reinvigorate one of the New Forest National O infrastructure and biodiversity of the Forest nimble, managing to weave in-between the regrowth.’ New Forest. A Park’s most popular walking routes is underway. floor which thrives in these small areas. trees, only scarifying the woodland floor. Landowner Lynne Truell said: ‘It was Now these old traditions are making a ‘So we’ve brought in a local horse logger Toby They are also great to use for selective felling wonderful to have Toby and his horses The Lepe Loop, on the New Forest’s southern One Million campaign, which is aiming to comeback and reclaiming their place in Hoad to take out the felled timber from a and thinning and come into their own when executing a critical part of the holistic coast, takes walkers across fields, through raise £1million to renovate footpaths in all modern forestry management. small wood in Pilley. It is amazing to watch working on a slope. woodland management plan created by the woodland and along shingle beaches with 15 of the UK’s National Parks. Around 40% of privately owned woodland these beautiful horses at work with the huge Working Woodlands Project.’ views of the Isle of Wight. Access Ranger Adam Vasey said: ‘We are Access Ranger Adam Vasey in the New Forest is currently unmanaged. benefit of them having minimal impact on the ‘It is amazing to watch To watch the horses in their full glory and There are three big areas that could hoping to raise enough money to make The New Forest Land Advice Service helps forest floor. This is of particular significance hear more about the benefits of horse logging benefit from improvement – the signage it easier for families and people with ‘We are hoping these beautiful horses at landowners to care for the woodlands so when restoring an ancient woodland site.’ watch the video on the New Forest National (interpretation), a series of bridges, and disabilities to access the Lepe Loop in to raise enough they’re better for wildlife and people and are Toby, owner of Dorset Horse Logging, says work with the huge benefit Park Authority’s YouTube channel. some sections of the path where surface off-road buggies and off-road mobility more economically viable. his two Comtois horses, Celine and Fleur, of them having minimal improvements would encourage more use. scooters. It’s just the boggy bits that would money to make it The Working Woodlands project is Gemma Stride, Project Co-ordinator for the love to work the Forest. He mainly uses voice impact on the forest floor.‘ The New Forest National Park Authority, need repairing, and we would also need to easier for families funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund Working Woodlands Project, said: ‘Many of commands to guide and direct the horses and Hampshire County Council and the Friends replace a few gates and bridges.’ and people with as part of the Our Past, Our Future these small private woodlands in the Forest it has taken over three years to trust, train and of Lepe have joined together on the Visit Lepe to buy a raffle ticket and ‘I also use them for bracken rolling which is landscape partnership scheme. It disabilities to access are not accessible to the big heavy machinery gain a relationship with them. fundraising drive. It is part of the British support the campaign, or donate online at done around mid to late summer. The horses involves 21 projects which will better the Lepe Loop’ as they don’t have pathways or large “rides” Toby said: ‘The woodland we are working in Mountaineering Council’s national Make mendmountains.thebmc.co.uk/new-forest Appeal aims to make the path accessible for all pull a special roller which bends and partially equip the New Forest to thrive through through the trees that would sustain the was extremely wet when we visited in May breaks the bracken fronds which weakens the change and modern-day pressures. Search is on for Forest’s best buildings New Forest partners visit ominations for the best new developments are successful schemes to Nneeded in the fourth New Forest Building Design Awards. improve the National Park The Awards recognise schemes with high quality design which enhance their communities in the n innovative visitor centre on stilts, a wild play area and a National Park. Previous winners have included a A river clean-up operation were some of the projects visited new-build housing scheme in the centre of Lyndhurst, by representatives of organisations who care for the New Forest. a traditional thatched cottage in and a The New Forest National and begin to think what the farmhouse extension in . Park Partnership Plan is the partnership needs to do through its Nominations can be made by anyone living in or management plan for the Forest plan for the five years from 2020. visiting the New Forest National Park and must be for which over 40 organisations are Cllr Roy Perry, Leader of Hampshire a high standard design that has been completed in the helping to put into practice. County Council, said: ‘Our resources last three years. The actions in it range from are stretched so working with the People are welcome to nominate their own buildings improving the Forest’s habitats; National Park Authority, district and awards will be given in the following categories: to encouraging more volunteers; councils and parish councils is restoring historic properties and • Best residential scheme very important. We want to keep helping more young people to • Non-residential Hampshire a prosperous and learn about the natural world. attractive environment and the • Best conservation project. The Plan is up for review next year role of the National Park in that is Nominations are open until 31 December 2018 and the so over 50 people took the chance crucial.’ winners will be chosen by a panel of members from to visit some of the recent successes the National Park Authority’s Planning Committee. Representatives from organisations working on the Submit your nomination at Find out more about the Partnership Plan for the New Forest New Forest Partnership Plan at Lepe Country Park sensory garden Winners of the 2018 Building Design Awards newforestnpa.gov.uk/designawards National Park at newforestnpa.gov.uk 8 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 9 Protecting the freshwaters of the New Forest

etween the hues of purple heather in the Living Waters project. They are creating and Bsummer, the fiery colours of ancient restoring habitats on a tributary of the Beaulieu woodlands in autumn and the native New River to benefit plants and animals, including Forest ponies grazing, it’s easy to forget declining species such as eel and the common that the New Forest is in fact a world class toad. freshwater landscape. They are also working with landowners and farmers to reduce the impact of nutrient Thanks to high quality habitats free from pollution. Around 35 dedicated local volunteers pollution from intensive land use, the New Forest are looking for changes in polluting phosphate boasts an incredible freshwater environment and nitrate levels by monitoring water quality at with exceptional wetland wildlife. Unrivalled in 60 sites in the River Beaulieu catchment area. terms of its quality and quantity, the New Forest is a stronghold for some of our most endangered Naomi Ewald, Coordinator of the New Forest plants and animals, such as the tadpole shrimp Catchment Partnership and Director of Research and coral necklace. and Development at Freshwater Habitats Trust, said: ‘Working with the local community is crucial in protecting the outstanding freshwaters of the ‘We have already installed New Forest. ‘We have already installed a range of measures, a range of measures, with with the fantastic support of landowners and the fantastic support of local farmers, which will help to improve the water environment; but there are many more landowners and local farmers’ opportunities and we hope to build on the momentum of Living Waters to continue this The tadpole shrimp is a rare species of freshwater work in future.’ crustacean that looks like a miniature horseshoe Find out more about Living Waters at crab. Coral necklace is a beautiful plant with long, newforestnpa.gov.uk/landscapepartnership trailing red stems and clusters of white flowers resembling beads threaded along a necklace. To help preserve and promote the Forest’s Volunteers helping to protect the Forest’s freshwater outstanding clean water, local volunteers are habitats. Credit Freshwater Habitats Trust working with the Freshwater Habitats Trust to run

Shakespeare Reveal ‘I keep Cooper in sight and close enough to call back on walks, especially as there may be cyclists using the tracks.’ no fear Our favourite your gardens autumn dog walk People & Wildlife Ranger, Dawn Rayment, and ‘Bark Ranger’ Cooper

e caught up with our People and Wildlife Ranger, After heading through the arboretum, this walk continues out WDawn Rayment, and ‘Bark Ranger’ Cooper the onto forestry tracks. If you turn right and then right again you spaniel, to find out what their favourite walk in the Forest join the Tall Trees Trail, where you can take a longer walk if you is at this time of year. Dawn and Cooper help keep the have more time or turn right and head back towards the car park. New Forest a special place for all to enjoy by encouraging Games keep Cooper interested in me and not wandering off responsible dog walking, reminding visitors to be mindful getting into trouble on our walks, why not try some of these on potential your next adventure? of the wildlife and the importance of protecting the Start / Finish environment. • Treats reward good behaviour and I also like Blackwater car park, between Many people assume walking a dog should be as long and far to sprinkle them in long grass or around Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst. as possible to wear their dog out, with plenty of space for long obstacles for Cooper to sniff out. Scent is really off-lead runs. I make sure that every walk is about the quality of important to dogs and just 20 minutes of nose Grid ref. SU 268 047 time I spend with Cooper, reinforcing his training and getting him work games can wear a dog out as much as one Open Mornings every term mentally tired, which is just as important. hour of walking Distance • The large redwoods on this walk are an excellent Independent co-educational preparatory day, exi and full-time boarding school, Blackwater Arboretum is a great place to walk your dog, taking place to try some hide-and-seek with him ages 2-13. Contact the school Registrar on 01590 613 303 or email Sales Under two miles in spectacular views of ornamental trees and some lovely new registrar@.com sculptures. • Old logs and fallen trees are great for a rustic Duration agility course. I get Cooper to jump over them WALHAMPTON SCHOOL, LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE SO41 5ZG. Service Beginning in the car park, it’s safer to start the walk on the lead Under one hour as this walk requires you to cross the road. and walk along them. www.walhampton.com Parts Heading up the gravel path, this route takes you straight through Registered charity Number: 307330 the arboretum, but if you have more time it’s worth walking Follow Cooper’s adventures on twitter www.spgmowers.co.uk Tel: 01590 628893 Hire around the circular path to take in even more stunning Forest @doggieranger scenery. 10 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 EVENTS DIARY Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 11 Autumn walking festival NOVEMBER

New Forest Connects exhibition OCTOBER Sat 3 November 2018 – Sunday 6 January 2019 explores the real New Forest New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst Car Park, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY New Forest Knowledge Commoning Conference 2018 Learn about commoners in the New Forest and explore their lives oin this year’s New Forest Walking Festival to Mon 29 October, 9.30am - 5pm and day to day challenges. Open daily, free entry. Jdiscover the real New Forest with the experts Lyndhurst Community Centre, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY New Forest Eats and Treats The New Forest is a prized area for endangered species and a beautiful landscape who know it best. Sun 4 November, 10am - 4pm for recreation. Commoning is crucial to its survival. From 13 to 28 October join guided walks to discover World War , Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZE II remains, try wild play activities and spot fascinating wildlife. Speakers include researchers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Try, buy and learn about local food, drink and craft. Come along to our unique We run the festival with support from other Forest organisations Foundation for Common Land, University of Southampton and Community event which will include a food and craft market, chef demos, live music and a and businesses and this year there are more than 70 walks to Research Institute. pop-up food court. It’s the perfect opportunity to buy high quality and unusual choose from. Price £15pp. Please book online at: nfknowledge.org/blog Christmas presents. The event is being organised in conjunction with Go New The festival has proved popular with residents and visitors Parking charges apply (free for blue badge holders). Forest as part of its Food and Drink Week 2018. Visit gonewforest.com and the since it began in 2013. More than 1,500 people attended last Enquiries: [email protected] New Forest Marque at newforestmarque.co.uk. year’s event, with 94% saying they learnt something new and Free event. Suitable for all ages. No booking required. Parking is free. interesting about the New Forest. Walks cover topics including: Enquiries: [email protected] • Free-roaming pigs, ponies and the traditional rights of Autumn Wild Play Day commoning Weds 24 October, drop in between 10am – 3pm New Forest Community Heritage Fair • Wild play activities for children Holmsley Campsite, Forest Road, Burley, BH23 8EB Tues 6 November 2018, 10am – 3pm • D-Day remains and a WWII bomb testing site Discover fun ways to explore, play and get creative in the outdoors, from your Lyndhurst Community Centre, Car Park, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY • Fungi spotting back garden to the New Forest woods, streams and heaths. Create some forest art, The New Forest Community Heritage Fair will see groups from around the Forest • Top tips for bird watching. explore with scavenger hunts and much more. Wear old clothes and don’t forget come together to share their current research and passion for the fascinating history of the New Forest. The event is a perfect opportunity to find out more Jim Mitchell, New Forest National Park Authority Interpretation your wellies! about heritage on your doorstep and chat with some local experts. and Outreach Manager, said: ‘With a wider range of walks that Suggested donation £1/child. Parking is free. Suitable for all ages (children must be ever, we are really looking forward to this year’s walking festival. accompanied by an adult). No booking required. Enquiries: 01590 646600 Please pop in during the day and see what you might discover! ‘Exploring with a knowledgeable guide is one of the best ways Free event. Suitable for all ages. No booking required. Parking charges apply to find out what is special about the Forest, while at the same Fascinating Fungi (free for blue badge holders). Enquiries: 01590 646600 time gaining all the health and social benefits a good walk can Fri 26 and Sat 27 10am - 4pm and Sun 28 October 10am - 2.30pm bring.’ Family Trees New Forest Reptile Centre, A337 near Lyndhurst, SO43 7GR. OS Grid ref: SU271071 Sat 24 November, 10am – 3pm The New Forest Walking Festival is funded by the £4.3m Our Past, Our Future Landscape Partnership Scheme backed by the Meet with local fungi enthusiasts from the Hampshire Fungus Recording Group. Bartley Park, Totton, SO40 7EA Heritage Lottery Fund to make the Forest fit for the future. There will be short walks to see what can be found in the Forest at this time of year Each year, families come together to celebrate a birth, marriage or life of a Book now at newforestnpa.gov.uk/festivalwalks or if you can’t from the fascinating kingdom of fungi. relative with the planting of community wildlife spaces in the New Forest. make the festival, visit the website to download a wide range of Book now at newforestnpa.gov.uk/festivalwalks Free. Suitable for all ages, Parking charges apply. No booking required. To be a part of this day please register your interest at newforestnpa.gov.uk/ walking routes you can follow yourself. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Dogs welcome on leads. Familytrees. Enquiries: [email protected] New Forest Christmas Fair Sat 24 November and Sun 25 November, 10am - 4pm Lots of Gardens & Steam Railway, Summer Lane, Exbury, SO45 1AZ friendly Feed Merchants & Saddlers The New Forest Christmas Fair is a traditional family day out, full of local produce and gifts and festive atmosphere. animals Keeping your animals Fit, Fed & Healthy PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling Adults £2.50, children are free. No booking required. Dogs welcome on leads. to meeT EDALL runs inclusive cycling sessions 2018 2019 AgriculturAl MerchAnts Parking is free. Enquiries: 023 8089 1203 Pfor people who need support so that 20 October 19 January country clothing & FootweAr they can enjoy cycling in the New Forest 24 November 9 February equestriAn clothing • shooting & Accessories National Park. Try out different cycles to 15 December Steven Orton & Associates find the right one for you. Learn how to 2 March Open throughout everything For horse & rider start, control the cycle and stop safely. 29 December 23 March DECEMBER half-term. Registered Osteopaths Bulk feed / bedding delivery service These sessions take place on the off-road Get hands-on with our full schedule Osteopathic treatments for all ages. We treat • We have a full range of turnout, stable, show and fly cycle network which is made up of wide New Forest Christmas Fair of fun activities, which run throughout rugs, coolers and fleeces. gravel tracks. the day. Meet friendly farm everday aches and pain including arthri� s, scia� ca, • Qualified Hat and Body Protector fitters Sat 1 December and Sun 2 December, 10am - 4pm animals. Indoor and outdoor sports injuries and circulatory problems or just to Starter sessions are held on Saturdays play areas. Farm produce keep you supple and mobile. As a registered Firearms dealer we stock a range of from 10am to 11.30am, are free of charge, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Summer Lane, Exbury, SO45 1AZ shop and gift shop. shooting equipment, clothing and cartridges and must be booked in advance at See Sat 24 November for details. Acupuncture and Podiatry are also available. pedall.org.uk. You can then come on It’s A Tel. 023 8029 2837 open 7 dAys A week: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm one of our guided rides. Off A35 • Ashurst, New Forest Sat 9am-5.30pm • Sun 10am-4pm Real Telephone: 01590 623311 The New Surgery, Brookley Orange – New Forest National Park Authority event Hands-On For event details & much more click onto: Road Car Park, Brockenhurst, Home Farm • Palace Lane • Beaulieu • SO42 7YG Inclusive cycling at Green – Forestry Commission Experience! www.thenewsurgery.com Hampshire, SO42 7RA www.longdownfarm.co.uk 01590 612215 • www.norrisofbeaulieu.co.uk Beaulieu Heath with PEDALL Blue – New Forest Heritage Centre NEW FOREST MOHAIR Home to your local ‘Mo’ Goats JANUARY Your one-stop shop Volunteer Fair Sun 27 January 2018, 10.30am – 4pm Visit our unique Tea Rooms for delicious Hand-dyed in Burley for Breakfasts, locally-sourced food. mohair yarns for Lyndhurst Community Centre, Car Park, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY Lunches and Cream Teas. Local meat, game, sausages, honey & jam, award-winning knitting, rovings The New Forest National Park Volunteer Fair will be bursting with volunteer We are open every day cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, mouth-watering cakes, for felting, opportunities to suit all tastes when it returns this January. dairy, our own free-range eggs, and so much more. from 9am. Needlefelt kits Visitors will have the chance to join more than 40 organisations working in and and supplies Booking required for our High Visit The Chicken Shack for a specialist around the National Park, helping them to inspire youngsters, record wildlife, range of poultry feed, equipment and Teas for that special occasion. Scarves, throws, restore landscapes and help communities. Volunteering is great fun, ideal for bedding. Includes small animal feed, socks and rugs. See our web site for details. bedding, and straw and hay bales. making new friends and proven to be good for you! New Forest Marque products Open Daily 10am - 5pm Check As well as browsing the display stands, visitors can gain further insight into Longdown Farm Shop, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst produced from our own goat fleeces. our website volunteering in the New Forest National Park through talks from local groups. 01425 402218 T: 023 8029 2837 ext 5 for winter and Come and take part in a Year of Green Action 2019! E: [email protected] At Linden, Jordans Lane, www.oldfarmhouseinburley.co.uk www.longdownfarmshop.co.uk Christmas Free event. Suitable for all ages. No booking required. Parking charges apply Pilley SO41 5QW opening (free for blue badge holders). Enquiries: 01590 646600 Road, Burley www.newforestmohair.co.uk dates. 12 Park Life Autumn/Winter 2018 #Add3Minutes to Forest car journeys this winter

Drivers are being urged to just #Add3Minutes as the nights draw in to make journeys safer.

When the clocks change in October and Reduction Group of local people have to drive home in the dark, there organisations. He said: ‘A range is a much higher risk of hitting one of the free- of initiatives is in place during this roaming animals. peak time for accidents – including In 2017 56 commoners’ animals were killed on new road warning signs, the police New Forest roads. Most of the accidents are mobile speed camera and social caused by local people on regular trips, with media activity. four main roads seeing the most accidents. ‘At night, the headlights of Forest organisations are appealing to people approaching vehicles sometimes to drive slowly and to just add three minutes make it difficult to see animals on or to their journey - the extra time it takes to near the road so it’s best to drive really drive some of the most dangerous routes in the slowly.’ Forest at 30mph rather than 40mph. The four main routes where accidents Tony Hockley, Chair of the Commoners’ occur are: Defence Association, whose members own the • Lymington — Beaulieu animals, said: ‘Local people let their animals — Purlieu graze the New Forest to keep it accessible for • Brockenhurst — Sway everyone to enjoy and to help threatened • Burley — wildlife to thrive. • Cadnam — Godshill ‘It is vital that the animals remain free to roam widely, which means they will be using Sue Westwood, Clerk to the Verderers, added: the roads and verges. They are unpredictable ‘It is really important to not only drive slowly and we all need to be ready for one to step past any animals that drivers see close to out. Every animal killed is a great loss to the the road, but also to move over and leave Forest, and to its owner. A small adjustment to sufficient room as they pass so that if the our winter journey times could make a huge animal does step into the road, they can difference.’ avoid a collision. Colliding with a large animal Nigel Matthews, of the New Forest National will add significantly more than three minutes Park Authority, convenes the Animal Accident to a journey!’ Be prepared for animals on or near the road and drive carefully, especially at night.

THE FRIENDLIEST PUBS IN THE NEW FOREST

THE NEW FOREST INN THE TRUSTY SERVANT ll of these stunning country pubs provide friendly first class service and all of the freshly prepared menus haveA a different slant on traditional pub food and all offer their own regularly changing personal chef specials. Well behaved dogs and children are welcome.

COMING SOON

Picturesque setting in the heart of The New Forest The Bold Forester Beautiful location in the heart of village LYNDHURST SO43 7DY Now being totally refurbished and re-opens in November Minstead, LYNDHURST SO43 7FY thenewforestinn.co.uk Serving fresh homemade food and providing a thetrustyservant.co.uk T: 023 8028 4690 ▪ E: [email protected] fantastic new menu with excellent service T: 023 8081 2137 ▪ E: [email protected]

THE ROYAL OAK, BEAULIEU THE MORTIMER ARMS THE ROYAL OAK, DOWNTON

Nestled above Beaulieu, is this cosy, traditional pub Country Inn located on the edge of the New Forest 18th Century Coach House Hilltop BEAULIEU SO42 7YR Romsey Road, SO51 6AF is a stunning Country Pub & Restaurant Christchurch Road, DOWNTON, Lymington SO41 0LA theroyaloakbeaulieu.com mortimerarms.co.uk theroyaloakdownton.com T: 01590 612228 ▪ E: [email protected] T: 023 8081 4379 ▪ E: [email protected] T: 01590 718104 ▪ E: [email protected]

Join our group by getting a Privilege Card which covers all 5 pubs and receive up to 10% back on the card and also our special offers for card holders only!