FREE TheNew Forest EssentialGuide Includes: to the National Park 2017 Events guide Maps Places to explore Walking & cycling

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The New Forest Essential Guide is brought to you by the Forestry Commission and the New Forest National Park Authority Welcome to the New Forest A place of ancient history, fascinating wildlife and stunning beauty.

William the Conqueror set aside the Today it is a wonderful area to visit forest for hunting more than 900 years and explore by walking, cycling and on Special offer! ago as his ‘Nova Foresta’ or ‘New Forest’ horseback. Whether you live locally and Save 10% off Blackwood Forest with Forest Holidays and centuries of grazing by deer, ponies want to know more about the area in and cattle have shaped the landscape. which you live, or are visiting from further Escape to a luxury self-catering designed with romance in mind, or William would probably still recognise afield there is always something new to woodland cabin, many with hot a luxurious Golden Oak Treehouse much of the forest as the same place see and do. Within this guide you’ll find tubs, this year with Forest Holidays, which can accommodate up to ten Identifying he hunted wild deer and boar. tips on where to go, events listings and hidden deep in a breath-taking people. a map to help you explore, as well as The landscape of the New Forest National 500-acre beech forest on Forestry fallow dear: a snapshot of the cultural history and Commission land between Enter FORESTESSENTIALS to save Park is beautiful, rare and fragile. It is present day management of the forest. Winchester and Basingstoke. 10% at forestholidays.co.uk • Antlers shaped like the palm of a hand a mosaic of ancient and ornamental with a series of small points called ‘spellers’ woodland, open heather-covered heaths, Enjoy your visit and please Blackwood Forest is the perfect Terms and conditions. • Black horseshoe marking around rump The code must be entered at the time of booking rivers and valley mires, a coastline of help us to keep the New Forest getaway for families, couples, • Dark strip on tail mudflats and salt marshes, and pretty, National Park a special place. and cannot be used in conjunction with any other The Forestry Commission information cabin groups of friends and even your offers. The offer is valid for 10% off the price of • Longer tail than other forest deer species historic villages. Lowland heath once cabins at Blackwood Forest only. Offer expires dog with our specific pet-friendly covered much of southern England but 31/12/17, holidays to be taken by 31/12/2018. located at Bolderwood is the perfect place Find out more at cabins. The cabins will delight you, Forest Holidays reserve the right to withdraw the New Forest National Park is now or amend this code at any time. Discovery Pass Buck newforestnpa.gov.uk whether you choose a decadent to start your New Forest adventures. Doe the largest area that remains. It is a Golden Oak Hideaway for two holders are entitled to a 15% discount; please Height: 84-94cm refer to your exclusive code communicated to Height: 73-91cm landscape shaped by man, by history and newforestnpa you via e-newsletter. Weight: 46-94kg Situated near the site of Edward III’s Weight: 35-56kg by the animals that still graze it nowadays. Age: 8-10 years hunting lodge built in 1358, today the area Age: 8-10 years is best known for its picnics, ponies and sightings of deer enjoyed by visitors. Food Have your say and WIN a forest Calls Rangers are often present at the information Grazers of grass Rutting bucks cabin throughout the spring and summer, and herbs, can cabin break at Blackwood Forest make a loud and there is a deer viewing platform where be seen feeding groaning sound, with Forest Holidays! you can regularly spot fallow deer. day and night does with fawns We’d like to hear what you think give short barks Fun in the forest about this publication, and when scared While you’re visiting the New Forest, why not make how you’d like to find out more information. Whether you’re a a visit to nearby Moors Valley Country Park or visitor or a local resident, please try out the tree-to-tree crossing at Go Ape? complete one of our surveys at: englandconsult.forestry.gov. Moors Valley is an award winning (ideal for 6-12 year olds) with awesome uk/forest-districts/new-forest- Wild Play 1,000-acre Country Park and forest tree-to-tree crossings and an epic zip wire essential-guide and be in for a offering something for everyone... finale. No one loves adventure like kids! chance to win a great prize! ideas Explore waymarked footpaths and cycle Alternatively get off the beaten track T&Cs apply - see online routes – you can hire a bike or bring your and explore the forest on two wheels. Mini crafty rafts own. For a more leisurely journey take Jump on board a Forest Segway – it’s Whether it is den building, Collect different natural materials and see ‘Mini crafty raft’ a trip on the narrow-gauge steam train. a totally unique way to tackle the trails which ones float. Will they be strong enough Children will love the adventure play areas and enjoy the stunning surroundings. balancing on logs or tracing to float a feather, an acorn or a conker? Can and the ‘Play Trail’ with its huge wooden Back at the Moors Valley Visitor Centre you weave grasses or twigs to make a mat? play structures. And, new for this summer Spend the night animal tracks, the options for you can enjoy a home-cooked meal Camping Or use a leaf for a sail? Safety tips - make you can discover our Gruffalo character and refreshments. Disabled access amongst the trees playing and exploring in the sure you access shallow gravel streams from and more seekers find the hiding space, it will sculptures in the deep dark wood - meet There are ten campsites in the New gentle slopes ( is deep). Use natural get more cramped and squashed … a bit like and facilities are provided including Camping in the Forest offers Fox, Squirrel, Owl, Mouse and Snake! Forest, run by Camping in the Forest, materials and never play by water alone. a can of sardines! The last seeker to find the wheelchair and mobility scooter hire. 16 campsites in idyllic locations New Forest are endless. as well as a number of private sites. hiding spot is the hider in the next round. If you’d rather live life more adventurously on Forestry Commission land, Sardines Moors Valley is open all year round, Please note that camping in the However the number of So the National Park why not try Go Ape, the UK’s number including ten within the New Sardines is the opposite of hide and seek because Chain hide and seek with a full programme of events wild and overnight parking is not children playing in wild Authority’s Wild Play Officer one forest adventure? Swing by Moors Forest. At a Camping in the Forest there is one hider and the rest of the group This game is very similar to traditional hide and for adults and children. For more allowed in the New Forest. spaces has more than Claire Pearce has picked Valley Country Park and you’ll find three site, you can pitch up wherever seek. The hider is given an agreed amount of seek as you have one seeker and everyone else information visit moors-valley.co.uk halved in a generation, out some of her favourite Go Ape adventures guaranteeing fun for you choose and take off in any time to find a hiding space and after this, all of hides. The twist is that when the seeker finds with only 10% playing in wild play activities and the everyone! So come on, get back in touch direction to explore the outdoor the seekers spread out and look for the hider. someone, they join the seeker to form a chain. As natural spaces such as best places to try them out. with your inner ape. Conquer the famous activities and adventures the forest Book your forest escape today Once a seeker finds the hider, they join the more and more hiders are discovered the chain woodlands and heaths. Tree Top Adventure, with over 1,000 metres has to offer, or simply sit back and at campingintheforest.co.uk hider in their hiding space. As time goes on increases in size and often noise and laughter! of exhilarating crossings, a 166-metre long enjoy the peace and tranquillity. or by calling 024 7642 3008. zip wire and giant Tarzan swing. Release your little monkeys on Tree Top Junior Camping in the Forest offers unrivalled access to the forest, Best places to play it one of the best places in the forest to spot deer, with no boundaries. Complete For even more great play areas in the it also has some of the tallest trees in the forest. Claire Pearce immersion within the environment forest, see the map on the centre pages. ensures that you’ll discover new Lepe Country Park experiences, disconnect from the Blackwater Situated in the south east of the New Forest, mania and monotony of modern Ticks You will find Blackwater between Lepe Country Park is just a few miles outside life and reconnect with your and the A35, along Rhinefield Ornamental of Beaulieu. Set right on the coast, with views surroundings and each other. Check your children, Drive. But did you know that it’s home to the over the Isle of Wight, Lepe Country Park has dog and yourself for tallest and oldest Douglas fir trees in Britain? beaches, woodland, wildflower meadows Discounts are available for ticks when you get and grassy areas waiting to be explored. family bookings, solo campers, Bolderwood back – they can lead backpackers and over 60s. Set in the heart of the New Forest, Bolderwood Visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/wildplay to Lyme Disease. can be found along Ornamental Drive. Not only is for more ideas. 2 3 Our Past,

Our Future Education huts, Foxbury Our Past, Our Future is a Landscape The five-year scheme is led by the New Scything, Minstead Partnership Scheme for the New Forest Forest National Park Authority working which, supported by Heritage Lottery alongside several delivery and funding Funding, is undertaking a range of projects partners, including the Forestry Commission. to restore lost habitats, develop forest For more information on Our Past, skills and inspire a new generation to Our Future visit newforestnpa.gov. champion and care for the New Forest. uk/landscapepartnership The partnership focuses on the enclosed Hedgelaying, Linwood lands which surround the Open Forest. A look inside the “The forest and ponies are inter dependent. Without the Verderers’ Court Architects ponies the forest would be very different. Without them The Verderers’ Hall, home to the ancient In 1388, a building in which the New Forest courts could meet was constructed the forest would simply be Verderers’ Court stands at the top of within or beside Lyndhurst’s old overgrown, with fewer rare manor house, the building which Inside the Verderers’ Court birds and flowers.” Lyndhurst High Street in the centre of later became Queen’s House and of the forest (after restoration) the New Forest. The Hall is an active is now the office of the Forestry Commission. The current Verderers’ Hall is believed to The New Forest National Park covers 219 square Dionis Macnair, Verderer court and plays an important role in occupy the same site as the original. miles. About one-third of this is known as the Open The Hall is where the Verderers’ public This is one of the two remaining Verderers’ the commoning community, so it’s the Courts left in England , the other being in the meetings are held and where Commoners Forest – the woodland, heath, boggy areas and ideal place to tell the New Forest story. make presentments for the consideration Forest of Dean. Originally part of medieval forest of the Court on matters related to government, once found all over the country, it grassland where commoners’ animals graze. commoning in the New Forest. was reconstituted under the New Forest Act 1877. The Open Forest looks like it does and browsing habits have created because the animals eating and the environment that you see trampling keep the habitats in good today. To date the New Forest is the condition. New Forest ponies are home of the largest semi-feral herd You will find five kinds of animals roaming What do the often referred to as ’architects of of native ponies in Great Britain free: cattle, ponies, donkeys, sheep and pigs. Verderers A closer look the forest’ as their grazing patterns and all belong to commoners. Quarry tiles, timber features and paintwork have been restored. We are also improving access, of the security and information about the history of the Court to allow increased future access for visitors. Check here for opening times: forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents Commoners Did you know? New Forest do? Each pony tends to stay in 1 Flooring – quarry tiles date from 1904 or 4 Rufus’ Stirrup – the symbol of the Court There are about 700 one area, which we call a • Regulate activities and development earlier, those broken have been replaced (and frequently of the forest). Thought to commoners who own the haunt. Here it finds all the on the forest and the floor re-laid. be of Tudor date. Dogs small enough to animals – each commoner natural food it needs. pass through were considered harmless to owns or rents land to which 2 Decoration – Until around 1970, the • Preserve the traditional landscape, wildlife deer in the forest; larger dogs were not. Rights of Common are courtroom was painted white with existing and aesthetic character of the forest attached, including the right You can tell who owns the dark oak panelling. In 1970, the walls were On the walls are the mounted heads 5 to graze stock on the Open ponies as each commoner • Conserve the grazing, and protect and repainted to mimic a medieval room, but the of deer, reminders of the New Forest’s Forest. It has been a way of has a brand, often inherited Court is not of medieval origin so white wall original role as a royal hunting ground. administer the New Forest’s unique life in the New Forest since from their family, which paint has been reapplied. The story of two displayed fallow deer agricultural commoning practices medieval times. Commoning you can see on the pony’s heads found with antlers hopelessly 3 Windows – The stained glass windows is continued by many today hip, shoulder or saddle. entangled was recalled by Peter Evening • Safeguard a viable future for commoning reflect the period of construction and are a as a traditional way of in the 1974 book New Forest Walks. feature of the court. The stone mullions are forest life, even though it no in fact mortar. Substantial reconstruction was Tree-ring dating (‘dendrochronology’) longer provides a living. required in the west bay. has been carried out on the original oak fittings and validate historical records, ageing some timbers to the 17th Century. 40 Slow down! 3 5 You may meet animals on If you witness or are involved 1 4 or near the road, so please in an accident involving a 2 drive slowly and carefully. pony, donkey, cow, pig or Ponies, donkeys, sheep, call the police (999 Animal emergency hotline for an emergency or 101 if cattle, pigs & sheep cards give you the numbers it’s not an emergency). to call if you see sick, injured For their safety and your own please leave the or distressed animals. Cards animals alone - although owned and cared Animal IT’S THE LAW: are available from garages accident cards New Forest Animal Report all accidents for by local people called commoners, they are Rufus’ stirrup and Local Information Points involving a pony, cow, Emergency Hotlines donkey, dog, pig or unpredictable and best treated as wild. Please Stone mullions sheep to the Police as Fallow deer heads with across the New Forest. To soon as possible, and Original stained glass within 24 hours. don’t feed or pet them; there is plenty of natural reconstructed entangled antlers request a card contact the windows before restoration food and it’s best that they don’t come to rely on New Forest National Park Quarry tiled floor people’s attention. They may look friendly but they Authority at enquiries@ after restoration Court room walls painted can bite and kick, especially ponies with foals. to reflect original colour newforestnpa.gov.uk

4 5 Sit back, relax and experience more of the New Forest National Park. Discover more Soak up the sun this summer on the open-top New Forest Tour, take a of the forest trip to the seaside on the Beach Bus, or find out the best places to visit from the friendly Travel Concierge. Walking

Radnor Trail 7 Whitefield Moor or Puttles Dogs Follow our 3km/2 miles Bridge car parks A longer route which takes you into The New Forest is great for dogs but waymarked the heart of the forest and across the Ober Water Trails to minimise disturbance to wildlife, Bratley Water stream. Benches and 2.5km/1.5 miles (red trail) livestock and other people, please walks and trails picnic benches are located along the 1.5km/1 mile (yellow trail) keep your dogs close by you and The following trails are marked by wooden trail. The path is a moderately smooth Two circular routes follow the Ober visible at all times - if necessary use See more on the marker posts with coloured bands. An gravelled surface with two short Water midway between its source a lead. Pick up after your dog, overview map of each route is displayed but fairly steep slopes and frequent and the sea. Close to this meandering especially around car parks, on paths New Forest Tour Tips from the at the start point in the car park. All routes resting places. The trail is accessed stream is the open grassy expanse and where people play or picnic. via a gate which has a low catch. The New Forest Tour is the perfect excuse to leave are circular and will bring you back to your of Whitefield Moor. The paths are Hop on the Travel Concierge starting point. moderately smooth gravelled surfaces your car at home, jump on board and explore 6 From Blackwater or If you are looking for ideas on how to and compacted grassy ground with some more of the New Forest National Park. The Tour Numbers refer to map locations Beach Bus make the most of your visit to the New 1 Brockhill car parks: gentle slopes and few resting places. 5 Knightwood car park offers unrivalled treetop views of free-roaming on centre pages. ponies, ancient forests and picturesque villages. Climb on board the Beach Bus and head down to Forest National Park then look no further. Tall Trees Trail Can be muddy after wet weather. the National Park’s lesser-known coastline and Knightwood Oak The friendly Travel Concierge team, mainly 3 There are three beautiful routes to choose from; picturesque countryside this summer. Make the 2 From Bolderwood car park: 2.5km/1.5 miles Reptile Centre car park Less than 0.25 miles based at Brockenhurst railway station red, green and blue – and you can hop on and off most of the coast and head to Lepe Country Park, Follow the marker posts and you will be A short stroll to one of the most famous and The New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, Deer Watch Trail Reptile Trail where you like and switch routes – all on the same where the beach is more than a mile long with guided along on a shady path beneath trees in the New Forest. Believed will welcome you to their pedal powered 1.5km/1 mile ticket. You can even bring your bikes (carried free) panoramic views of and Isle of Wight. 0.8km/0.5 miles mighty Douglas firs and redwoods that to have been planted before 1600, and listen to audio commentary that brings the mobile unit full of information on car-free A short stroll leading you to a deer were planted during the reign of Queen Enjoy a circular walk through the this tree is still going strong and is a history and characters of the New Forest to life. The Beach Bus runs from Hythe Ferry to the experiences and the best places to visit. viewing platform overlooking fields where Victoria. The path has a fairly smooth woods. The trail mainly follows a fairly spectacular example of the ancient seaside market town of , stopping at wild herds of fallow deer are regularly gravelled surface. The trail is flat with smooth gravelled surface although the The perks don’t stop there, as you can enjoy a Stop by and say hello from practice of pollarding. Benches are popular attractions such as Exbury Gardens, seen. The path is a moderately smooth frequent resting places and no gates. final section is a grassy path that can free ferry ride from Southampton to Hythe, as 8 July to 10 September. located throughout. The path has a Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Buckler’s gravelled surface with gentle slopes become muddy during wet weather. well as great discounts at attractions including fairly smooth gravelled surface. Hard. Your ticket comes with some great Find out more at and benches along the way. The trail is Blackwater Arboretum Trail Exbury Gardens, New Forest Wildlife Park Please note that part of this discounts, including a free ice cream at Lepe. newforestnpa.gov.uk/travel_concierge accessed by a gate which has a low catch. 0.8km/0.5 miles trail is on a cycle route. and Beaulieu National Motor Museum. A circular route which leads you past You can even buy your Beach Bus ticket at Jubilee Grove Trail 8 Wilverley car parks The Tour runs hourly seven days a week Hythe Ferry in Southampton and sail across @newforesttravel tree species from around the world. Birds from 8 July to 10 September (see free to Hythe to join the Beach Bus. /newforesttravel 1.5km/1 mile By following instructions on the unique Wilverley Wander map on centre pages for routes). Including the deer fields, this meandering panels you can use your senses to To help ground nesting The Beach Bus runs hourly seven days route leads you past some majestic discover the secrets that these trees hold. 3km/2 miles birds rear their young For more information and online discounts a week from 23 July to 2 September trees, the oldest of which date back to Benches are located along the walk. A longer and more informal trail safely, keep yourself, visit thenewforesttour.info (see map on centre pages for route). 1860. Benches from which to admire The path has a fairly smooth gravelled which winds through this diverse dogs and horses on i and working woodland. The their beauty can be found along the surface with one very gentle slope. the main tracks from @NewForestTour Find out more at thebeachbus.info way. The path is a moderately smooth paths are moderately smooth the beginning of March /NewForestTour Where to stay gravelled surface with two short gravelled surfaces with some to the end of July. @ridethebeachbus For more information on where but fairly steep slopes and frequent short, steep slopes. /ridethebeachbus to stay, what to see and do in the resting places. The trail is accessed Please note that part of this New Forest visit thenewforest.co.uk trail is on a cycle route. via a gate which has a low catch. Dartford Warbler @mynewforest /mynewforest New Forest A date One-stop-shop Food that hits Walking for New Forest walks and bike rides Explore the woods, heathland with nature 2017 and coast of the New Forest the Marque 1 April to 3 September Festival The New Forest is home National Park on 50 easy to If you are looking for genuine New follow routes. to all six cold-blooded Forest food, drink and crafts then keep The online New Forest routes finder an eye out for the New Forest Marque UK native reptile species allows you to search by distance, location including the rare or even whether there is a pub near the as you shop and eat locally. route! Once you find the route for you smooth snake and all just print off the directions or download The Marque represents more are available to see at This autumn join local experts for 100 of the New the trails to your smartphone for free. than 100 local producers who are Routes include seaside strolls at passionate about their products. the New Forest Reptile Forest’s best walks at the fifth annual walking festival. Lepe or , cultural interest Buying a Marque product Centre, near Lyndhurst. Walkers of all ages and interests can go Nearly 2,000 people attended last walks around Minstead or Burley and behind the scenes and discover more about year’s festival, enjoying behind the means you know you are off-road bike rides from Brokenhurst. getting authentic New Forest While walking around the special these birds from egg hatching to the New Forest on wildlife walks, history scenes access and experiences. hikes, food trails and family strolls. The trails have step-by-step instructions fare and supporting the local reptile ‘pods’ you can search for these sibling rivalry to their first flight. Meet This year the festival has expanded as well as videos and images of some economy. Look out for the blue elusive lizards, snakes, frogs and and chat to our friendly volunteers again to offer the widest and most of the walk and ride highlights. symbol when visiting and you’ll toads and also watch the live camera who are there to answer your wildlife interesting range of walks yet. know you’re eating local food footage of birds busy feeding. questions. Browse and download routes now at: Parking Prices vary between walks, with or buying gifts made locally. newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes The Date with Nature project, run by Find out more and watch the nest-cam family and car-free discounts for Visit newforestmarque.co.uk the Forestry Commission, New Forest live at: Please park only in designated car parks , many walks. The festival is suitable National Park Authority, RSPB and newforestnpa.gov.uk/datewithnature not on a verge or in gateways. Lock your car, for all abilities and interests. @NewForestMarque Carnyx Wild gives you the opportunity taking any valuables with you and leave to watch live footage from the nest Booking is essential, browse the walks NewForestMarque Forestry Commission car parks by dusk. of a bird of prey. Follow the lives of and book from July onwards at: New Forest Marque member Lyburn Cheese newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival

6 7 Pull out ? nidentified U Litter.  Local Information Points & keep objects Local shops, businesses Your food and litter Hythe Herald Discover and tearooms throughout could harm the ponies Publishing: 02380 845700 the New Forest with Areas of the New Forest were used and donkeys. Please Whiteparish friendly staff and Landford Landford to test bombs in World War I and II. take your litter home Come and explore information points stocked Village Stores: Please keep away from objects that if bins are full. Moors Valley might be dangerous and notify the N with maps, leaflets 01794 390242 New Country Park police immediately on 999. and publications: Milford-on-Sea The The Village News: Beaulieu New 01590 645595 Downton Forest Activities Booking Centre: 01590 612377 Minstead Minstead Village Shop: 02380 813134 Forest Romsey Burley Burley Post

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l Bartley fenced picnic areas at Anderwood and Wilverley B Eling Inclosure! All of these sites have toilets and parking Ocknell Woodlands and some have BBQ facilities (see map and key). North Gorley Minstead A35 Lepe Country Park A337 2 Bolderwood New Forest Barbeques & fire Wildlife Park Ashurst Linwood New Forest Centre A326 To reduce the risk of damaging wildfires,campfires Hythe Ferry 3 Reptile Centre are not allowed without the landowner’s permission. A31 Matley Disposable BBQs are welcome at Bolderwood, Wood Blackwater and Wilverley where stands and water are Hythe B3056 available. Raised non-disposable BBQs are allowed on 5 Knightwood Oak the hard-standing areas of car parks, providing water is available. You can hire fixed stand party-sized BBQs Lyndhurst Denny Wood Moors Valley from the Forestry Commission (call 0300 067 4645) and 6 Blackwater Arboretum Beaulieu Road Country Park A337 from County Council at Lepe Country Park Anderwood (hants.gov.uk/lepe or call 023 8089 9108 in advance). A35 Crow B3054 Aldridge Hill Hollands Wood 7 Whitefield Moor Beaulieu St Leonards Ober Water Finding out more Motor Holbury Museum A31 Hatchet Pond Calshot There are lots of places to learn more about the Brockenhurst New Forest. Why not start at the New Forest Burley Blackfield Centre in Lyndhurst. Here in the heart of the New Creature features 8 Wilverley Plain B3055 Beaulieu Forest, you’ll find a fascinating museum, gift and Inclosure shop and gallery newforestcentre.org.uk B337 If you’re looking for wildlife in the New Forest, you’re Roundhill sure to see something if you visit the New Forest Or, perhaps you’d prefer to let the information come to A338

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animals in the wild. Mainly fallow deer gather An information cabin located at Bolderwood in r Sway animals. Slow down A Norleywood Avon Water here to feed and they can often be seen at very the New Forest is staffed by Forestry Commission v and give walkers, o St. Barbe n close quarters during the summer months. Rangers and volunteers regularly throughout the cyclists, horse-riders Museum spring and summer seasons. You can also drop in & Gallery and animals a wide Lymington Pier during half-term holidays, and weekends during berth. Be especially & Ferry Teminal Perfect for paddling October to find maps, information, activities and even careful at night. handle artefacts from the New Forest. See page 3. Lymington Beaches are popular at Calshot, Milford-on-Sea Hinton and Barton-on-Sea as these are among the Marine Admiral A337 Conservation Society’s recommended beaches 2016. The Solent Fungi Highcliffe Barton-on-Sea All three have a Solent Water Quality Award and are featured in the Good Beach Guide, which can Please leave fungi for other people Christchurch Wightlink be viewed online at goodbeachguide.co.uk. Only to enjoy. Fungi are essential to Milford-on-Sea Isle of Wight beaches which achieve the highest standard for clean the New Forest’s internationally Christchurch Bay bathing water are recommended in the guide. protected ecosystem. The beach at Lepe Country Park in the New Forest, Foray leaders must apply for Wee for free! managed by Hampshire County Council, is also a permission for educational Hurst Castle Look out for these signs in pubs, shops and recommended beach. Here you can enjoy Ranger-led excursions from the Forestry Key to map 0 1 2 3 km other places across the New Forest that let activities and events throughout the year. Lepe boasts Commission in advance. If you you use their toilet facilities for free. pine fringed cliffs and stunning views across the Accessible Barbeque Town/Village car parking suspect or see commercial Information  1 2 miles Solent and the Isle of Wight. Wildflower meadows picking please call the Forestry Toilets Barbeque (need to book) New Forest Tour* (see page 6) Local information and historic D-Day remains can be explored. Cafe Commission on 0300 067 4600. Cycle network New Forest Tour* Not to scale: This map is a representation of the New Forest National Campsite Picnic area Fishing (by permit) Park area and is not intended to be used as a sole means of navigation. New Forest Tour* Wildlife area For a map of all Forestry Commission Please consult relevant Ordnance Survey maps or visitor guides. Play area Fishing (see page 6) Castle Beach Bus car parks, scan the QR code or visit: forestry.gov.uk/newforest * Subject to change, see thenewforesttour.info for confirmed routes. Walking trails National Park area 88 Toilets 99 Cut out & keep New Forest What’s on?2017 Exhibitions in the New Forest Gallery Wild Wednesdays at New Forest Reptile Centre Gallery open daily 10am to Cycling 4.30pm from 1 April to 29 October (10am-3.30pm at all other times). Cycling is allowed only on the New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, Wild Wednesday MAY Wild Wednesday waymarked tracks and other SO43 7NY Wed 19 April, 10.30am-4pm, Wed 31 May, 10.30am-4pm, designated routes. When The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst Festival at Large Walk- The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst approaching people and animals, SU271 071 Ramble with a Ranger SU271 071 Cycling See Wed 12 April for event details. See Wed 12 April for event details. please call out a warning and Sat 6 May, 10am-12pm,

pass slowly and wide. Try to leave Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs welcome on leads. No booking welcome on leads. No booking gaps for overtaking vehicles and Bolderwood required. Enquiries: SU271 071 required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 We’ve got the trails, MARCH 0300 067 4601. never ride more than two abreast. Eggstravaganza Explore Woosons and Mark Ash, one of the oldest woods of Lepe Into Action Keep to a safe speed, wear bright Tue 11 Apr, 11am–3pm, Exhibition: Creative Forest Wild Play Day the New Forest, with a Forestry colours to be visible and always Bolderwood SU243 086 Wed 31 May, 10am-4pm, are you ready to ride? For New Forest Sat 14 Jan - Sun 2 April, at the Beach Commission Ranger. Lepe Country Park SZ457 986 use lights in the dark. Thank you. As part of the Our Past, Our New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst Thu 20 April, drop-in between £5.50pp. 12 years +. This The event is open to all and Centre-led events, SO43 7NY Future Landscape Partnership 10am–3pm, Hurst Spit, event is not suitable for dogs. 5 Scheme, Bolderwood Information miles. Booking required. Please includes archery, cycling, boules, A new selling exhibition of artwork SZ293 913 Explore the National Park on two wheels, with please book using Unit has had a makeover! book online: forestry.gov.uk/ orienteering and more. This is a in partnership with Creative Join us to discover fun ways to newforestevents details included Help us celebrate at our Easter joint event with Hampshire Coverage. explore, play and get creative Enquiries: 0300 068 0400 more than 100 miles of waymarked family- Eggstravaganza event. Explore County Council. in the outdoors. Come and try with listings. the newly refurbished information No booking required. Free event. Pick Adult Workshop: crabbing, beach art, seashore Walkies Workshop Parking charges apply (free for blue friendly cycle routes, much of it off the public unit, meet the Rangers and scavenging and much more. badge holders). Suitable for all. Forest Lino Prints celebrate Bolderwood and the Mon 8 May, 10am-12pm, ‘Swap some screen time for wild Enquiries: 02380 899 108 highway and traffic-free. For the more me up Cycle map Sat 4 Mar, 10am–12pm, Deer that live here. Take part in Burbush Hill car park near time out in the New Forest.’ Wear For Forestry New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst the Easter Trail - if you manage to Burley SU200 018 some old, warm clothes. Wellies JUNE for £1 Grab a cycle trail map and code before Commission events, SO43 7NY solve all the clues you can claim See 21 April for full event details. adventurous, mountain biking and skills heading out on your adventure. It shows recommended! Join community artist Sam Lewis your chocolate egg prize. Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs please book using £1 suggested donation per child. Wild about Ponies both off-road and road-based cycle £1 per trail entry. (Prize per welcome. No booking required. and make a forest-related lino Parking charges apply. Suitable for areas are offered in our forests and woodlands entrant subject to availability). Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Thu 1 Jun, 1-2pm, Hatchet Pond networks across the New Forest, plus details included with print. all (children must be accompanied Suitable for all. Dogs welcome on car park SU369 017 by an adult). No booking required. details of bike hire outlets. listings or visit £18 per person, book on: leads. No booking required. Walkies Workshop in neighbouring Dorset. Enquiries: 01590 646600 See Thu 20 Apr for event details. 02380 283 444 Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Available to buy at outlets across forestry.gov.uk/ Sat 27 May, 1pm-3pm, Wilverley Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs The network is easily accessible from the National Park, including Local newforestevents APRIL Wild Wednesday Wild about Ponies car park near Sway SU254 010 welcome on leads. No booking Adventure Cycling Thu 20 Apr, 1-2pm, Bolderwood See 21 April for full event details. required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 railway stations at Ashurst, Brockenhurst Information Points and Visitor Information Wed 12 April 10.30am-4pm, SU243 086 and Sway and links the main For more adventurous cyclists, there Centre (see map on centre pages). Gruffalo Spotters The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs National Volunteer New Forest Ponies. Why are they welcome. No booking required. New Forest villages. are purpose-built mountain bike skills Sat 8 Apr - Sun 23 Apr, 11am- SU271 071 Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Week- Off the here? Why are they important? circuits at Moors Valley Country Park, 4pm, Bolderwood SU242 086 Enjoy a date with nature at the Beaten Track Visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes for all Who owns them? Come along to For National Park Follow the clues into the deep dark Reptile Centre, with fun activities Ident-A-Tree Trail Ringwood. Here you will find a network a fun, free information session Sun 4 Jun, 9.30am-3pm, the best trails. There are plenty of places wood to see what you can spot! for the whole family. Quiz trail and of forest road graded trails, as well as Authority events, and learn all the answers to your Sat 27 May - Sun 3 Sept, High Corner Inn car park Pick up an activity pack from the ‘making’ activities for children. to hire bikes before and during your stay. questions about the four-legged Blackwater SU267 046 SU196 107 blue graded single track. A cycle map is please book using information unit. Visit forestry.gov. Come and see the ‘live’ video of icons of the New Forest. Let our self-guided trail lead you Explore the stunning Ashley Walk available from the visitor centre onsite. details included uk/newforestevents to download birds on their nests as well as the Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs around the stunning Blackwater area of the forest with two of the the augmented reality app before reptiles and amphibians. welcome on leads. No booking trees, whilst testing your tree Forestry Commission’s Volunteer with listings or visit you arrive. Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 identification skills. Visit Ranger team. Discover the history £3 per activity pack. Suitable for welcome on leads. No booking newforestnpa.gov. forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents of this unique landscape and how all. Dogs welcome if kept on a lead. required. Enquiries: Walkies Workshop uk/events No booking required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601. to try the downloadable activity it is managed and protected. 0300 067 4601 Fri 21 April, 10am-12pm, pack and to enter the £5.50pp. 16 years +. This event Easter Toddle Deerleap car park near Leaf Callenge is not suitable for dogs. 8 miles. Exhibition: All Trees are Tue 18 April, drop in between Ashurst SU353 094 Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Booking required. Please book online forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents Clocks by Professor Adrian 10am-1pm, Blackwater Car Park Join in our dog-friendly activities welcome. No booking required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Enquiries: 0300 068 0400 Newton of Bournemouth SU268 047 including temptation alley and University Look out for babes in the wood on weave poles, all whilst learning Gruffalo Spotters Walkies Workshop some tips on being a forest- Sat 8 Apr - Sun 9 Jul, New Forest this fun activity trail for very young Wed 7 June, 10am-12pm, friendly dog owner. Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, 11am- Centre, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY children and their families, either 4pm, Bolderwood SU242 086 Longdown car park near Ashurst around the Arboretum (0.3 miles) Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs A multimedia exhibition of art and SU360 088 or along the Tall Trees Trail (1.5 welcome. No booking required. See Sat 8 Apr for event details. science profiling the results of Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 See 21 April for full event details. miles). All paths are wheelchair £3 per activity pack. Suitable or recent research into the ecology of New Forest inclusive cycling Moors Valley Country Park and buggy-friendly. all. Dogs welcome if kept on a lead. Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs the New Forest and the potential No booking required. Enquiries: welcome. No booking required. £1 suggested donation per child. 0300 067 4601 Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 impacts of climate change. Part of Suitable for all (children must be the Forest Arts Festival. accompanied by an adult). Dogs welcome on leads. No booking required. Horse riding Become a... Horse riders have open access to the New Forest, but to reduce damage to the Family Discovery Days Gruffalo

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Wild about Ponies Lymington-Keyhaven New Forest Nature Reserve Open Day Thu 24 Aug, 1-2pm, Bolton’s Bench SU304 081 Sun 17 Sept, 10-30am-4pm, See Thu 20 Apr for event details Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Reserve, Normandy Lane welcome on leads. No booking SZ330 943 Autumn in the Forest Lymington-Keyhaven Nature required. Enquiries 0300 067 4601 Come to Hampshire’s premier Reserve Open Day Hurst Castle, Milford-on-Sea Rock up and Explore coastal reserve and enjoy the spectacle of birds as they stop off Tue 29 Aug, 2pm-3.30pm, 2017 on their annual migrations. Exhibition: From the Awesome Autumn at streams and heaths. Come and Bolderwood SU242 086 Stalls, crafts, guided walks, family Charter of the Forest Bolderwood try deer-spotting, forest crafts and What’s on? See Tue 1 Aug for event details. activities, wildlife viewing and more. much more on our wild woodland This is a joint event with Hampshire to the present day Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Sat 21 Oct - Sun 29 Oct, County Council, Hampshire and Isle trail. ‘Swap some screen time for welcome on leads. 3.5 miles. No Sat 14 Oct - Sun 14 Jan 2018, 10.30am-4pm, Bolderwood Wild about Ponies of Wight Wildlife Trust and RSPB. wild time out in the New Forest.’ booking required. Enquiries: New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, SU242 086 Wear old clothes and wellies! 0300 067 4601 Festival at Large - SO43 7NY A whole week of activities for No booking required. £1 Wild Wednesday Milkham Meander On Mon 6 November 2017 it children during autumn half suggested donation per child. is the 800th anniversary of the term, with trails and crafts at Suitable for all (children must be Sat 23 Sept, 10am - 12pm, accompanied by an adult). Wed 30 Aug 10.30am-4pm, historic Charter of the Forest, Bolderwood. Milkham car park SU216 101 Enquiries: 01590 646 600 Wild about Ponies be ready for forest funtime! Suitable for all (children must be The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst which established rights of access Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs accompanied by an adult). Enquiries: SU271 071 Thu 3 Aug, 1-2pm, Bolton’s No booking required. £1 Join a Forestry Commission and use for the Royal Forests in welcome on leads. No booking suggested donation per child. 01590 646 600 required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Autumn through a lens Bench SU304 081 See Wed 12 April for event details. Ranger to explore the secret England. The date also marks Suitable for all (children must be Thu 26 Oct, 10am-3pm, Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs history of Milkham, King’s Garden the launch of a new Charter for See Thu 20 Apr for event details. accompanied by an adult). Wild about Ponies Autumn in the Forest Anderwood car park SU248 058 Enquiries: 01590 646 600 welcome on leads. No booking and Roe Inclosure. Trees, Woods and People. This Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Thu 17 Aug, 1-2pm, Hatchet required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 £5.50pp. 12 years +. This event fun and family friendly exhibition Sun 22 Oct, 9.30am-2pm, A gentle 4-5 mile walk with plenty welcome on leads. No booking Pond SU369 017 is not suitable for dogs. 5 miles. Eyeworth Pond SU228 146 Walkies Workshop required. Enquiries 0300 067 4601 Wild about Ponies will explore the Charter of the of opportunities to photograph the See Thu 20 Apr for event details. SEPTEMBER Booking required. Please book online beautiful Autumn scenery of the Thu 10 Aug, 1-2pm, forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents Forest, what is was and how it still Spend the morning with two of the New Forest. Rock up and Explore Whitefield Moor SU275 026 Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Enquiries: 0300 068 0400 resonates today. This exhibition is Forestry Commission’s Volunteers welcome on leads. No booking Lepe Into History part of the Heritage Lottery funded Rangers on an autumnal walk as £5.50pp. 12 years +. This event Tue 8 Aug, 2pm-3.30pm, See Thu 20 Apr for event details. required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Sat 9 & Sun 10 Sept 10am–4pm, OCTOBER Our Past, Our Future Landscape part of this year’s Walking Festival. is not suitable for dogs. Booking Blackwater SU267 046 Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs required. Please book online: Lepe Country Park SZ457 986 Partnership Scheme. Savour the colour, sights and See Tue 1 Aug for event details welcome on leads. No booking Rock up and Explore forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents Walkies Workshop Walkies Workshop required. Enquiries 0300 067 4601 A Heritage Open Days event: New Forest sounds of the forest at this special Enquiries: 0300 068 0400 Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Tue 22 Aug, 2pm-3.30pm, Explorer Walk time of the year. welcome on leads. 3.5 miles. No discover our wartime past, the role Walking Festival Sat 17 June, 1pm-3pm, Beaulieu Mon 17 July, 10am-12pm, Blackwater SU267 046 £5.50pp. 16 years +. This event booking required. Enquiries Rock up and Explore we played in Operation Overlord Mon 16 Oct, 10am-1pm, For New Forest Heath car park SU358 004 Godshill Cricket car park Sat 14 - Sun 29 Oct, various is not suitable for dogs. 6 miles. 0300 067 4601 See Tue 1 Aug for event details. and how we helped protect Britain Hatchet Pond SU369 016 See 21 April for full event details. SU180 151 Tue 15 Aug, 2pm-3.30pm, times and locations. Booking required. Centre-led events, Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs from nuclear attack during the Please book online: See 21 April for full event details. Bolderwood SU242 086 Enjoy a three hour guided Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Marine Wonders welcome on leads. 3.5 miles. No Cold War. Exhibition, children’s Join local experts for 100 of the forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents please book using welcome. No booking required. See Tue 1 Aug for event details. booking required. walk with an introduction to Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Tue 8 & Wed 9 Aug, 10am-4pm, trails & guided walk. More New Forest’s best walks at the fifth Enquiries: 0300 068 0400 Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 welcome. No booking required. Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Commoning, the heathlands and details included Lepe Country Park SZ457 986 information at hants.gov.uk/lepe annual walking festival. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 welcome on leads. 3.5 miles. No woodlands, and the animals that Autumn Wild Play Day with listings. New Forest Come to Lepe for two days of booking required. Enquiries: Wild Wednesday Free event, donations for craft Walkers of all ages and interests inhabit them. 0300 067 4601 activities welcomed. Guided walks can go behind the scenes and Wed 25 Oct, drop-in between Arts Festival Gruffalo Spotters marine-themed fun: the ever Wed 23 Aug 10.30am-4pm, £5.50pp. 12 years +. Dogs bookings via website. Parking discover more about the New welcome on leads. 5.5 miles. 10am-3pm, Bolderwood car park Sat 29 Jul - Sun 3 Sept, 11am- popular seashore safaris, arts The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst Sat 10 - Sun 25 June, Wild Wednesday charges apply (free for blue badge Forest on wildlife walks, history Booking required. SU242 085 various times 4pm, Bolderwood SU242 086 and crafts, storytelling and much SU271 071 holders). Suitable for all. Enquiries: Please book online: For Forestry more…Sustainable fishy fare for Wed 16 Aug 10.30am-4pm, 02380 899 108 hikes, food trails and family strolls. Join us to discover fun ways to and locations See Sat 8 Apr for event details. See Wed 12 April for event details. forestry.gov.uk/newforestevents sale in the café on both days. The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst Prices vary, booking essential Enquiries: 0300 068 0400 explore, play and get creative Commission events, Join us in celebrating the New £3 per activity pack. Suitable SU271 071 Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs from July onwards at: in the outdoors, from your back or all. Dogs welcome on leads. No Free event, donations for craft welcome on leads. No booking newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival please book using Forest’s landscape, culture and activities welcome. No booking garden to the New Forest woods, arts community at exciting events booking required. Enquiries: See Wed 12 April for event details. required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Enquiries: 01590 646 650 New Forest Walking Festival stroll near Beaulieu Road 0300 067 4601 required. Parking charges apply (free details included with across the forest! for blue badge holders). Suitable for Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs all. Enquiries: 02380 899 108 welcome on leads. No booking Fun in the Forest This festival is your chance to required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 listings or visit AUGUST Thu 24 Aug, drop in between experience a wide range of art in Wild Wednesday 10am-3pm. Wilverley Inclosure forestry.gov.uk/ unusual spaces, with last year’s Summer Wild Play Day Rock up and Explore Wed 9 August, 10.30am-4pm, car park, Brockenhurst (signed to newforestevents locations including a tree house, Wed 16 Aug, drop in between Tue 1 Aug, 2pm-3.30pm, The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst Scout Camp) SU253 006 castle, beach hut and pub. 10am-3pm, Whitefield Moor car Bolderwood SU242 086 SU271 071 Catch up with the New Forest Be the first to hear about this park, Brockenhurst SU275 027 year’s events by visiting: Join a Forestry Commission See Wed 12 April for event details. Rangers for a host of activities Join us to discover fun ways to newforestnpa.gov.uk/artsfestival Ranger on a short guided walk such as bug hunts, scavenger Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs explore, play and get creative and discover more about the welcome on leads. No booking hunts, colouring and crafts. Escape to the Isle of Wight For National Park in the outdoors, from your back New Forest and what makes it required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601. Wear old clothes and be ready garden to the New Forest woods, with Red Funnel and Authority events, JULY so special. for forest funtime! streams and heaths. Come and Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs Fun in the Forest No booking required. £1 discover your Pure Island please book using create some forest art, sail leaf Exhibition: New Forest welcome on leads. 3.5 miles. No Thu 10 Aug, drop in between suggested donation per child. details included booking required. Enquiries: boats, explore with scavenger Suitable for all (children must be Watching the sunset Happiness. Open Art Exhibition 10am-3pm, Anderwood car park 0300 067 4601 hunts and much more…’Swap accompanied by an adult). near Burley SU249 058 with listings or visit Sat 15 July - Sun 8 Oct, New some screen time for wild time Enquiries: 01590 646 600 newforestnpa.gov. Forest Centre, Lyndhurst, Wild Wednesday Catch up with the New Forest out in the New Forest’. Wear old Enjoy everything from SO43 7NY Rangers for activities such as bug Wed 2 August, 10.30am-4pm, clothes and wellies! uk/events hunts, scavenger hunts, colouring stunning scenery to rich The ever popular Open Art The Reptile Centre, Lyndhurst No booking required. £1 over the Needles and crafts. Wear old clothes and Exhibition returns for another SU271 071 suggested donation per child. heritage, relaxation and season to showcase the best of Pure Island Happiness. Endless ways to find it. See Wed 12 April for event details. the creative New Forest. delicious local produce. Free event. Suitable for all. Dogs One way to get there. welcome on leads. No booking required. Enquiries: Perfect for a day trip 0300 067 4601. from the New Forest, Fun in the Forest or for a longer stay. Thu 3 August, drop in between 10am-3pm, Puttles Bridge car park, Brockenhurst SU271 029 So leave the mainland (or short walk from Whitefield Love the behind and head to Moor car park SU275 027) Catch up with the New Forest happiness with Rangers for a host of activities Red Funnel Ferries. such as bug hunts, scavenger hunts, colouring and crafts. Wear forest old clothes and wellies and be ready for forest funtime! If you are looking to do your bit to ensure the redfunnel.co.uk No booking required. £1 * suggested donation per child. 0844 844 9988 Suitable for all (children must be New Forest stays special then why not contribute accompanied by an adult). Enquiries: 01590 646 600 to the Love the Forest visitor gift scheme? The charity - which raises funds to Find out more about the valuable work of support the protection and improvement Love the Forest, the businesses that are of the unique New Forest landscape supporting it and how you can help at: and way of life - is supported by many newforesttrust.org.uk/love-the-forest local businesses and their customers. You can show your support by donating directly or adding a small donation to your bill when you stay at one of our participating businesses. *Calls to this number cost 7 pence per minute plus your service provider’s access charge. Wild Play Day

12 13 *3 for 2 Admission offer! ...history on There’s nothing like... Enjoy 15% off your food bill* wheels in the Forest’s finest pubs Step back in time to the 18th century village Join us where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built ...a country mansion New Forest for A Full Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst SO40 7AA Days Fun! www.newforestashurst.co.uk 023 8029 2721 More rooms Oak Inn NOW OPEN ...peaceful Pinkney Lane, Lyndhurst SO43 7FD Whatever the Weather.... Guaranteed Fun! gardens www.oakinnlyndhurst.co.uk 023 8028 2350 Maritime Museum & The Buckler’s Hard Story Quote 18th Century Cottages • Woodland Trail • St Mary’s Chapel ‘FOREST’ Tea Rooms • Cruise the (seasonal) The Alice Lisle at our Buckler’s Hard | New Forest | SO42 7XB Open daily from 10am Rockford Green, Ringwood BH24 3NA ticket booth Tel 01590 616203 bucklershard.co.uk www.alice-lisle-ringwood.co.uk 01425 474700 and get *3 for 2 ...a Reliant Robin NEW! Fox and Hounds space shuttle Pitchfork & Putt Crazy Golf Course 22 High Street, Lyndhurst SO43 7BG admission! Get hands-on with scheduled to www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk 023 8028 2098 *Cheapest free. Terms apply. NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM our full schedule of fun open Easter PALACE HOUSE & GARDENS activities. Meet friendly 2017. WORLD OF TOP GEAR farm animals. Plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas. BEAULIEU ABBEY Farm shop with local produce and gift shop. Pilgrim Inn Open Daily 11 FEB To 29 Oct Hythe Road, Marchwood, Southampton SO40 4WU ...a ride on a 10am to 5pm (closed at 4.30pm in Oct) www.pilgriminnmarchwood.co.uk 023 8086 7752 OVER 30 Off A35 • Ashurst • New Forest skytrain Tel. 023 8029 2837 Rides and For event details & much more click onto: Attractions! www.longdownfarm.co.uk *Terms & conditions apply. Quote 'Essential Guide' or show this advert Booking advisable ...travelling back in time

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14 To advertise in the 2018 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Brian Seeney (Media 3) on 023 9235 1920 or email [email protected] To advertise in the 2018 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Brian Seeney (Media 3) on 023 9235 1920 or email [email protected] 15 Managing your New Forest

The New Forest may seem like a wild place if you travel through it and don’t take a closer look. But like most of our cherished woodlands and forests, they are managed.

This long history of management for fuel lands of the New Forest (nearly half of the and other forest products has created the National Park area) are managed and diverse habitats that you see today, and maintained by the Forestry Commission. where wildlife thrives. Today, the Crown New Forest habitats Timber inclosures Woodland rides The forest industry in the Woodland ‘rides’ (open increase in insects, small New Forest dates back to pathways) allow access mammals and birds of the first inclosure in 1483, for machinery but are also prey over recent years. timber being produced important for recreation Each year, a programme was of national value for and conservation. An of ride restoration is put the ship building industry. active programme of together to ensure that any Today, timber production is ride restoration has seen damage made by forestry centred on 9,000 hectares Open Forest heathers and turves the re-establishment machinery is rectified as which are protected by many generations. of forest flora and an soon as conditions allow. The Open Forest covers from grazing animals, Today, the Forestry 3 two thirds of the New producing 50,000m Commission undertakes Forest Crown lands and of timber each year. many of these traditional is made up of a variety activities to secure the of habitats including future of heathland. forest ‘lawns’ (open grassy areas), valley Work includes controlled Working mires (boggy habitats), burning, gorse cutting forest heathland and ancient and and bracken harvesting ornamental woodlands. as well as restoring of Stay safe by valley mires and removing These habitats have obeying warning invasive species, such been sustained by signs and keeping as rhododendron. grazing, burning and the away from work gathering of bracken, sites and vehicles.

The pearl-bordered Wildlife focus fritillary

The pearl-bordered fritillary is one of the fastest declining

butterflies in the UK and pests, diseases and other of the woodland floor beautiful sights to be the New Forest is one of threats, such as climate quickly becoming home found amongst the change, to help future- to plants and vegetation, forest in high summer. proof the New Forest. such as dog violets, bugle, the last strongholds in This is a two-year project, and brambles. These The pearl-bordered funded by Biffa Award and South East England. plants are a good source of fritillary and other declining the Dulverton Trust with the food for insects, especially woodland butterflies active help and support of The Forestry Commission and create new areas for butterflies, which will be depend on dynamic the national wildlife charity is able to manage land this rare and threatened able to use these areas to forests, with areas of open Butterfly Conservation at a truly landscape- butterfly. This fits well with lay their eggs and provide ground that shift in both and Hampshire and Isle scale and is working to our New Forest Inclosures food for caterpillars. space and time, connected of Wight Wildlife Trust. link-up local populations Forest Design Plan, which by woodland corridors. From early May to of threatened butterflies. is designed to enhance the mid-June pearl-bordered forest’s special habitats Many plants and animals A project is underway to fritillaries are in flight and features by making benefit from active improve existing habitat and it’s one of the most them more resilient to management, with areas

16 Designed by FC Design/1802/Jan 2017/Forestry Commission © Crown copyright