FREE The Essential Guide to the National Park 2019

Maps Events guide Places to explore Walking & cycling

The New Forest Essential Guide is brought to you by: Welcome Meet Year of Green Action the locals! If you enjoy seeing the When you visit the New Forest one of the first in the New Forest commoners’ animals things you will notice is the free roaming animals. in the National Park It’s rare to travel more than a few miles without The New Forest National Park is a world-class landscape then help us protect of spectacular beauty, rare wildlife and ancient traditions - them through some coming across these famous Forest residents. thanks to a range of organisations working together. simple actions: The ponies, cattle, pigs, donkeys The ponies and cattle are and, in certain areas, sheep sometimes described as ‘the 1. Please #keepyourdistance Join us in celebrating UK National Parks’ 70th birthday graze and forage on unfenced architects of the Forest’. Their from the animals. However common land and are owned grazing creates the special qualities and the Forestry Commission’s 100th birthday with tame they may appear they are by local families using their of the New Forest, that we all love unpredictable, and can bite and exciting activities throughout 2019. commoning rights. and enjoy – the open landscape, kick. Take particular care around the close-cropped ‘lawns’ and the ponies with foals and cattle The members of these families distinctive ‘browse line’ on the especially if you have a dog are called ‘commoners’ – ordinary trees marking the highest point Celebrating 100 with you. people with an extraordinary they can reach. This supports commitment to this special place. years of forestry 2. Please don’t feed the animals. incredible biodiversity, making They have commoning rights from It is vital that they graze naturally, the New Forest a home for many land they own, rent or share that both for their own survival all year rare and threatened species. allows them to graze their animals The New Forest events are part A small grants scheme for groups round and for the benefits this on the Open Forest. of a nationwide Year of Green • to bid for financial support for brings to the landscape. Action - a year-long drive to get their green action ideas Please help reduce animal more people from all ages and 3. The Big Pedall Ride Out– an all- accidents by driving with backgrounds involved in improving •inclusive celebrity-led bike ride extra care, particularly in poor the natural world. Did you for all. visibility. Just #add3minutes The area in which a Many of the initiatives are to your journey across the New pony lives is known specifically aimed at those aged Forest to keep yourself and the know? Plenty more events are planned. as its haunt. 20 or under and include: Read on to see our events pages commoners’ animals safe. Fun wildlife activities for all ages or visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/ The ponies move around their • haunt according to the seasons at the New Forest Show in July YOGA for more details. Animal emergency hotline cards are and weather. In the summer Opportunities for hundreds Plus find out more at: available from Local ponies often go to shade under •of youngsters to take part in Information Points forestryengland.uk/newforest and garages across the same trees each day, outdoor experiences as part newforestnpa.gov.uk the Forest, keep one commoners have names for of the John Muir and National in your wallet so you know what to do if each of these ‘shades’ and will Citizenship Service schemes @newforestnpa you are involved in search them out when looking newforestnpa an accident. for their ponies.

2 3 FREE Walking pack Subscribe to our email newsletter at Walking in the newforestnpa.gov.uk and receive a free Free walking online walking pack of routes and New Forest routes app ranger tips. There’s an easy way for you to follow the best walks routes in the Follow our waymarked walks and trails... New Forest this year The following trails are marked on the ground by wooden marker posts –the National Park’s with coloured bands. An overview map of each route is displayed at the walking routes app. start point in the car park. All routes are circular and will bring you back to Available for Android and iPhone, your starting point. The numbers refer to map locations on centre pages. the app features 27 walking routes of various lengths from coastal strolls to woodland walks. 2 From Bolderwood car park 6 From Blackwater or 3 Reptile Centre car park: It makes following the routes easier Deer Watch Trail Brockhill car parks: Reptile Trail than ever, with GPS navigation 0.75km/0.5 miles Tall Trees Trail 2km/1.5 miles allowing you to see your location A short stroll leading you to a 2.5km/1.5 miles Enjoy a circular walk through the at all times. This removes the need deer viewing platform overlooking Follow the marker posts and you woods. The trail mainly follows a to read a map or decipher written fields where wild herds of fallow will be guided along a shady path fairly smooth, gravelled surface. directions, making it perfect for the deer are frequently seen. The beneath mighty Douglas firs and casual walker. 8 Wilverley car parks: path is a moderately smooth, redwoods that were planted Each route on the app also features Wilverley Wander No smartphone? gravelled surface with gentle during the reign of Queen Victoria. points of interest, where you can 4.2km/2.5 miles slopes and benches along the The path has a fairly smooth, find out about interesting history A longer and more informal trail No problem! way. The trail is accessed by a gravelled surface. The trail is flat or nature facts along the route. gate which has a low catch. with frequent resting places and which winds through this diverse Learn more about All walks are available to no gates. and working woodland. The paths the special qualities Download for free at download and print at Jubilee Grove Trail are moderately smooth, gravelled of the New Forest newforestnpa.gov.uk/walksapp newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes 1.5km/1 mile Blackwater Arboretum Trail surfaces with some short, steep while enjoying a Including the deer fields, this 0.75km/0.5 miles slopes. Please note that part of this healthy stroll. meandering route leads you past A circular route which leads you trail is on a cycle route. some majestic trees, the oldest past tree species from around the of which date back to 1860. world. By following the unique 5 Knightwood car park: Sample walks Benches from which to admire panels you can use your senses Knightwood Oak Marshes their beauty can be found along to discover the secrets that these Less than 0.25 miles A 3.5 mile walk with coastal the way. The path is a moderately trees hold. Benches are located A short stroll to one of the most birdlife and views of the Isle smooth, gravelled surface with two along the walk. The path has a famous trees in the New Forest. of Wight. short ‘but fairly steep’ slopes and fairly smooth, gravelled surface Believed to have been planted frequent resting places. The trail with one very gentle slope. before 1600, this tree is still Burley village is accessed via a gate which has going strong and is a spectacular A 4.2 mile walk full of stories 7 From Whitefield Moor or a low catch. example of the ancient practice of of folklore and smuggling. Puttles Bridge car parks: pollarding. Benches are located Radnor Trail Brook to Minstead village Ober Water Trails throughout. The path has a fairly 3km/2 miles A 7.2 mile walk to the Rufus 1.5km/1 mile (red trail) smooth, gravelled surface. A longer route which takes you 2.5km/1.5miles (yellow trail) Stone to discover the mystery into the heart of the forest and surrounding the death of Two circular routes follow the Miles of waymarked trails across the Bratley Water stream. Ober Water midway between its King William II. to explore! Benches and picnic benches are source and the sea. Close to this Godshill and Castle Hill located along the trail. The path meandering stream is the open A 2.6 mile walk along quiet field is a moderately smooth, gravelled grassy expanse of Whitefield Moor. and woodland paths to the site surface with two short ‘but fairly The paths are moderately smooth, of an Iron Age hill fort. steep’ slopes and frequent resting gravelled surfaces and compacted places. The trail is accessed via a grassy ground with some gentle gate which has a low catch. slopes and a few resting places. This trail can be muddy after wet weather.

4 5 We’ve got the trails are you ready to ride?

Explore the National Follow the New Park on two wheels, Forest Cycle Code Adventure with more than 100 The New Forest is a working cycling miles of waymarked forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow For more adventurous cyclists, family-friendly cycle roads and tracks. Ponies, cattle and there are purpose-built mountain routes, much of it off other animals are free to roam the bike skills circuits at Moors Valley forest and most of its roads. Country Park, . Here the public highway and you will find a network of forest traffic-free. Be aware that animals are easily road graded trails, as well as blue startled and may suddenly move graded single track. A cycle map is The network is easily accessible into your path. available from the visitor from railway stations at Ashurst, Please follow both the Highway centre on-site. and Sway and links Code and the New Forest the main New Forest villages. Cycling Code which is supported Off-road cycling in the There are plenty of places to hire by cycling groups and local bikes before and during your stay. New Forest is permitted ! organisations. only on waymarked routes. newforestnpa.gov.uk/cycling For all the best trails visit: Please take a look at our cycle trail newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes If you are cycling in an organised map for more information. event, follow the additional instructions to minimise your impact.

Horse riding Cycling in the in the New Forest The New Forest is a wonderful place to go horse riding. There are mature woods, shady streams, dappled glades and beautiful open heathland – New Forest what better way to see the landscape than from the back of a horse? You can walk quietly through magnificent oak woods, past tall conifers, or strike Cycle code across the heathland enjoying the views and the wild open country. and map Horse riders have always Grab a cycle trail map before enjoyed open access in heading out on your adventure. the forest, which has lots It shows both off-road and of suitable tracks. road-based cycle networks across the New Forest, plus When leaving Forestry details of bike hire outlets. England land, remember to use the bridleways. On private Available at outlets across land, riders must keep to the New Forest National Public Rights of Way. These Park, including local £1 are shown on Ordnance information points. Survey maps, and are usually only indicated by fingerposts and/ or blue arrows or dots.

6 7 Where to stay? For more information on The sign of where to stay, what to see and do in the New Forest See the best visit: thenewforest.co.uk true local produce of the Forest Immerse yourself in the New Forest when you visit by sampling its food, View the New Forest National Park from drink and crafts. a different perspective this summer. Experience the best views of the forest on To ensure you are getting genuine local produce look out for the New Forest Marque as you shop and eat in the open-top New Forest Tour or find out the National Park. the best places to visit from the friendly The Marque is the region’s leading authority on Travel Concierge. quality craftsmanship, food and drink. It is the sign of true, local produce that is guaranteed to have been produced in the New Forest. There are around 150 Marque businesses who are passionate about their local products. Look out for the blue symbol when visiting and you’ll know you’re eating local food or buying gifts made locally using local produce.

Love the Forest? Then help secure the future of its wildlife, young people and commoners by donating to the New Tips from the Forest Trust at newforesttrust.org.uk/donate newforestmarque.co.uk Travel Concierge New Forest Tour @NewForestMarque new-forest-marque If you’re looking for ideas on how to make the most The New Forest Tour gives you the best of your visit to the New Forest National Park then views of the New Forest National Park look no further. and is the perfect excuse to leave your car at home. The friendly Travel Concierge team, based at Brockenhurst railway station, will welcome you to The Tour offers unrivalled treetop views of their pedal-powered mobile unit full of information free-roaming ponies, ancient forests and on car-free experiences and the best places to visit. picturesque villages. There are three beautiful routes to choose from: red, green and blue – New Forest Stop by and say hello from Sat 6 July to and you can hop on and off where you like Sun 8 September. Find out more at and switch routes – all on the same ticket. newforestnpa.gov.uk/travel_concierge Reptile Centre You can even bring your bikes (carried free) and listen to audio commentary that brings the @NewForestTravel history and characters of the New Forest to life. ‘A date with nature’ NewForestTravel The perks don’t stop there, as you can enjoy a free ferry ride from Southampton to Hythe, as Did you know that amongst There is also a self-guided well as great discounts at attractions including trees and heathland here in the discovery trail, which starts at the ‘A Date With Nature’ New Forest Wildlife Park, Ringwood Brewery New Forest there are some very Reptile Centre. This route is easy is a joint venture and Beaulieu National Motor Museum. special residents? The New Forest to walk and takes you in a loop is home to many reptiles and back to the centre. Download the between the RSPB, The Tour runs hourly seven days a week amphibians and if you want to see trail map that shows you the best Forestry England, from Sat 6 July to Sun 8 September them up-close you should visit the places to stop along the way and (see map on centre pages for routes). Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst. look at wildlife as you walk. For New Forest National dates and opening times visits: Park Authority and As you look around the habitats, forestryengland.uk/new-forest- or ‘pods’ as we call them, see if you Carnyx Wild. Tour information reptile-centre can spot the elusive smooth snake, thenewforesttour.info adder, or the bright colours of the @NewForestTour male sand lizard. NewForestTour 8 9 Whiteparish

The New Forest’s free tap Local Downton water refill service, across Information the forest. Download the Refill Points Discover the app, bring your own water Romsey Redlynch bottle, look out for the window Bashley stickers and get a free tap water Eastleigh Hoburne Bashley refill. refill.org.uk/newforestR ive Holiday Park

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r hants.gov.uk/lepe Ringwood.gov.uk/ r Hoburne Avon Water Norleywood A Bashley St. Barbe gateway v o Holiday Park Museum New Forest Heritage n & Gallery New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst Fordingbridge Adventure Golf newforestcentre.org.uk Information Centre Pier fordingbridge.gov.uk/ The National Park & Ferry Teminal fordingbridge Hinton Mobile Information information-office Admiral N Unit, various locations A337 KeyThe to Solent map Barton-on-Sea Lymington newforestnpa. Lepe Highcliffe Visitor Play area New Forest gov.uk/visiting Christchurch Wightlink information Walking trails Tour* (see page 8) Local information New Forest Reptile Milford-on-Sea Barbecue New Forest Campsite Barbecue Tour* Centre, Lyndhurst Christchurch Bay Wildlife area (Booking required: 0300 067 4601) New Forest Castle Tour* Bolderwood Cycle network Toilets Information Unit Hurst Castle Fishing (by permit * The tour runs Accessible toilets hourly, seven days Fishing St Barbe Museum and For a map of all Forestry Cafe a week, from National Park Art Gallery, Lymington England car parks visit: Picnic area 6 July – 8 September. Isle of Wight Car parking stbarbe-museum.org.uk forestyengland.uk/

newforest Not to scale: This map is a representation of the New Forest National Park area and is not intended to 10 be used as a sole means of navigation. Please consult relevant Ordnance Survey maps or visitor guides. 11 Meet your New Caring for the Forest Forest rangers Both Forestry England and the National Park Authority How to enjoy and care for the New Forest employ rangers, who you’ll often meet out and about If you have a question in the New Forest. Here, you’ll meet some of the team or would like to speak to as they answer some of the most commonly asked one of the team, they can be Ponies, donkeys, cattle, where stands and water are available. Horse riding questions by visitors to the New Forest. Raised non-disposable BBQs are contacted via the details at pigs & sheep Horse riders have open access allowed on the hard-standing areas of For their safety and your own please to the New Forest, but to reduce the bottom of the page. car parks, providing water is available. leave the animals alone - although damage to the ground please use You can hire fixed stand party-sized owned and cared for by local tracks when it’s wet. BBQs from the Forestry England (call people called commoners, they are 0300 067 4601) and from Hampshire unpredictable and best treated as wild. County Council at Lepe Country Park Ticks Please don’t feed or pet them; there or call is plenty of natural food and it’s best hants.gov.uk/lepe Check your children, dog and 023 8089 9108 in advance). that they don’t come to rely on people’s yourself for ticks when you get back – attention. They may look friendly but they can lead to Lyme disease. they can bite and kick, especially ponies Cycling with foals. Cycling is allowed only on Driving the waymarked tracks and other The speed limits on unfenced Dogs designated routes. When approaching roads greatly reduce the number of people and animals, please call out a The New Forest is great for dogs accidents involving animals. Slow down warning and pass slowly and wide. Try but to minimise disturbance to wildlife, and give walkers, cyclists, horse-riders to leave gaps for overtaking vehicles livestock and other people, please keep and animals a wide berth. Be especially and never ride more than two abreast. your dogs close by you and visible at all careful at night. Keep to a safe speed, wear bright times - if necessary use a lead. Pick up colours to be visible and always use New Forest after your dog, especially around car Parking lights in the dark. National Park Authority parks, on paths and where people Please park only in designated Forestry England ranger team What are the most play or picnic. car parks, not on a verge or in rangers popular things to do for Fungi gateways. Lock your car, taking any free in the New Forest? Birds Please leave fungi for other valuables with you and leave Forestry The Forest is full of people to enjoy. Fungi are essential To help ground-nesting birds England car parks by dusk. walking and cycling trails to the New Forest’s internationally rear their young safely, keep yourself, of all distances, some protected ecosystem. Foray leaders of which can be started dogs and horses on the main tracks Unidentified objects must apply for permission for from Forestry England car from the beginning of March to the end educational excursions from the Areas of the New Forest were parks. There is also over of July. Forestry England in advance. used to test bombs in World War I and 26 miles of coastline to If you suspect or see commercial II. Please keep away from objects that be explored. If you want Litter might be dangerous and notify the to head to the beach picking please call the Forestry England while visiting the New Your food and litter could harm on 0300 067 4600. police immediately on 999. Forest, Lepe Country the ponies and donkeys. Please take Why can’t we feed New Park is perfect for walks, Working forest How can I help rare Forest ponies? your litter home if bins are full. Camping How can I get involved in ground-nesting birds? lunch and learning about Stay safe by obeying warning coastal wildlife and history There are 10 campsites in the conservation work in the Everyone loves the ponies, signs and keeping away from work sites New Forest? During spring and summer as a horse owner myself (parking charges apply). Barbecues & fires New Forest, run by Camping in the we urge you to keep and vehicles. I love them, but we all Chris Marshall, New To reduce the risk of damaging Forest, as well as a number of private There are many yourself and your dogs need to act responsibly wildfires, campfires are not allowed sites. Please note that camping in conservation groups which to the main gravel tracks Forest National Park and keep a safe distance Authority Coastal Ranger without the landowner’s permission. the wild and overnight parking is not work in and around the while you’re out walking, for our own protection, as Disposable BBQs are only allowed at allowed in the New Forest. New Forest. If you visit cycling or horse riding, so well as the ponies. Many newforestnpa.gov.uk/ the birds and young chicks Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley you can see people don’t understand volunteering are not disturbed. they are semi-wild and all the volunteer groups find all the natural food and find one that interests Martin Rea and Wendy Woodhouse, Forestry they need to survive from you on the days you are the Forest. free to join in. England Seasonal rangers Amy Howells, Craig Daters,New Forest South Walk Ranger, National Park Authority Forestry England North Ranger

New Forest National Park Authority rangers Forestry England rangers 01590 646 600 0300 067 4601 [email protected] [email protected] New Forest National Park Authority, Forestry England, The Queen’s House, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, newforestnpa.gov.uk/caringfor Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7NH Lymington SO41 9ZG

12 13 Easter Eggstravaganza March Fri 12 Apr 11am-3pm Bolderwood Information Unit, Talk: Hampshire – SU242086 Nature in Trust Meet our rangers, help spot Fri 29 Mar 7.30pm (doors the early signs of spring and open 7pm), New Forest celebrate our feathered friends. What’s Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, Take part in our Easter Trail at SO43 7NY Bolderwood and learn about Illustrated talk by photographer what special ground nesting Mike Read based on his visits birds we have here in the New to 12 of the Hampshire Wildlife Forest. If you manage to solve all Trust reserves. the clues you can claim a prize! 2019 £6 per person, £4 for friends. £2.00 per entrant. Suitable for on? Booking advised. Enquiries all ages, dogs welcome if kept on 02380 283444 a lead. New Forest Heritage Centre Wild Play Day at Forestry England April the Beach Tue 16 April drop in between Discovery Days at 10am – 3pm Hurst Spit, New Forest National Park Authority Bolderwood , SO41 0PY Sat 6 Apr- Sun 21 Apr Discover fun ways to explore, Year of Green Action events 10.30am-3.30pm play and get creative in the At home in to celebrate 70 years of Bolderwood SU242086 outdoors. Come and try beach/ Come along and take part forest art, seashore/forest National Parks in seasonal activities at our scavenging and much more. Bolderwood Information Unit. Wear some old clothes weather appropriate and don’t forget the forest Free. Suitable for all. Dogs your wellies if you like a splash! welcome on leads. No booking required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Suggested donation £1/child. Enjoy the peace and quiet Parking charges apply. Suitable Wild Wednesdays for all ages (children must be of the woods for longer with accompanied by an adult). Wed 10 April drop in between No booking required. Camping in the Forest. 10.30am – 3.30pm New Forest Enquiries 01590 646600. Reptile Centre, SU271071 Camping in the Forest offers a the experience. We are conscious Book today: Enjoy a date with nature at Wild Wednesdays place where you can disconnect of the wildlife that calls this area the Reptile Centre, with fun Wed 17 April drop in between activities for the whole family. from everyday life and the stresses home, aware of the measures in campingintheforest.co.uk 10.30am – 3.30pm New Forest Quiz trail and making activities Reptile Centre, SU271071 of modern day living. The forest place to protect them and their 024 7767 0208. Exhibitions in the New Forest Gallery for children. Come and see our See Wed 10 April for details. allows you to break free and surroundings, and we act on that Gallery open daily 10am to 4.30pm from 1 April to 27 nestcam video from a bird of reconnect with each other, with where necessary. prey’s nest as well as the reptiles October (10am-3.30pm at all other times). and amphibians. Wild About Ponies nature, but most importantly with All of our 15 campsites within Forestry Commission The Seventh Annual Thur 18 Apr 1pm-2pm yourself and a simpler way of Car parking donations Hatchet Pond SU369017 the UK are set amongst idyllic Centenary Year New Forest Open welcome. Suitable for all. Dogs life – leading to a calmer state of welcome on leads. No booking See Thur 11 Apr for details woodlands on Forestry England 16 Mar – 7 Jul, open daily Art Exhibition mind and a true sense of peace. required. Enquiries 0300 067 4601 land in National Park locations, Celebrating the Forestry 13 Jul – 7 Sept, open daily Easter Crafts day Commission’s achievements At Camping in the Forest, the including 10 within the New An exhibition showcasing the Wild about ponies Sat 20 Apr 10am – 2pm over the past century, this best of the creative New Forest. connection with nature is vital to Forest alone. exhibition also looks at the Thur 11 Apr 1pm-2pm New Forest Heritage Centre, importance of forests as New Forest Heritage Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 SO43 7NY biodiverse habitats. Centre, Lyndhurst, Come and meet a New Forest Have an ‘egg-citing’ time with SO43 7NY ranger and learn about ponies our children’s Easter crafts and other livestock which live on and make lots of fun things the forest. Come along to a fun, to take home. free information session and Cost £1 per craft. Suitable learn all the answers to your The New Forest has many picnic and barbecue for all ages (children must be questions about the four-legged accompanied by an adult). Be extra sites that you can use; we ask that you bear in icons of the New Forest. No booking required. Enquiries 02380 283444. Free. Suitable for all. 1 mile. mind some important guidance when you’re Dogs welcome on leads. No booking required. careful ... visiting this special landscape. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 The forest is particularly vulnerable forest lawns it damages the grass Family Discovery Days to the risk of wildfires; most and leaves behind unsightly scorch Learn about the New Forest and have fun with are started by arson, discarded marks. The grass will take many our family-friendly activities. No need to book, just cigarettes, barbecues and weeks to recover and causes a loss drop in between 10am and 3pm to try different campfires. Summer fires can of grazing for ponies. activities each day. (Museum entry is free, cause serious harm to wildlife and If you’re planning a barbecue in donation per craft activity.) destroy rare plants. the forest please take a look at the 19 Feb 18 Apr 6 Aug 22 Aug When the weather is glorious many following guidance and enjoy your 21 Feb 28 Apr 8 Aug 27 Aug people like to enjoy barbecuing sausages and burgers safely: 9 Apr 30 Apr 13 Aug 29 Aug in the beautiful surroundings of 11 Apr 30 Jul 15 Aug forestryengland.uk/ the forest. Unfortunately, if you 16 Apr 1 Aug 20 Aug barbecues-the-new-forest use disposable barbecues on our New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY

14 15 Verderers Hall The Castleman Roydon Wood Fair Discovery days at Discover the New Forest Wild Wednesdays Open Day Corkscrew: A History of Sun 9 June drop in between Bolderwood Thur 15 Aug 11am-12pm Wed 28 Aug drop in between Fri 26 Apr 11am-3pm the New Forest Railway 11am – 4.30pm Roydon Woods Sat 27 Jul- Sun 1 Sep Bolderwood Information Unit, 10.30 – 3.30pm Reptile Centre, Come and visit the Verderers Nature Reserve, Lymington, Bolderwood, SU242086 SU242086 SU271071 Wed 29 May 10am-1pm. SO41 8PN Hall, for an exclusive Burbush Car Park, SU202018 See Sat 6 Apr for details. See Thur 8 Aug for details. See Wed 10 April for details. opportunity to visit this historic Hampshire & Isle of Wight Follow the trackbed of Wildlife Trust is hosting the 10th building and learn more about the Castleman Railway to New Forest Show Wild about ponies Discover the New Forest the important role it plays in wood fair supported by the New Holmsley via open forest with Forest National Park Authority. Tue 30 July – Thu 1 August, Thur 15 Aug 1pm-2pm Thur 29 Aug 11am-12pm the New Forest. Parking in main panoramic views across the Whitefield Moor, SU274026 Bolderwood Information Unit, Lyndhurst Town car park only. Woodland products ranging New Park, Brockenhurst landscape, stopping for optional from charcoal to hurdles will be The New Forest Show offers See Thur 11 Apr for details. SU242086 refreshments at a local tea Free. Suitable for all. Dogs not on display on the day and there visitors 30 acres of showground See Thur 8 Aug for details. suitable on this event. No booking room. Learn about some of the will be plenty of opportunity to for the whole family to explore Fun in the Forest required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 history of this line and the forest have a go at woodland crafts. and is now rated among the Wild about ponies in general. Thur 15 Aug drop in Lots of locally produced food top 10 agricultural shows in between 10am – 3pm, Thur 29 Aug 1pm-2pm £6 per person. 10 years+. and products will be available the country. Wilverley Inclosure car park, Hatchet Pond, SU369017 May 4.5 miles. Dogs welcome and a wide variety of children’s Go to: newforestshow.co.uk Brockenhurst BH25 5TZ See Thur 11 Apr for details. on a lead. Please book activities will be laid on. Catch up with the New Forest Woodland Wander online: forestryengland.uk/ newforestevents. Free entry. Dogs welcome. Wild Wednesdays rangers for a host of activities Fun in the Forest Thur 9 May 10am-3pm such as scavenger hunts, Autumn in the Forest Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Please bring suitable clothing for Thur 29 Aug drop in between Acres Down, SU266097 Wed 31 July drop in between colouring and crafts. Wear October the weather. Children must be 10am – 3pm, Anderwood car Sun 20 Oct 9.30am-2pm A lovely walk through woodland accompanied by an adult. 10.30 – 3.30pm Reptile Centre, old clothes and be ready for Eyeworth Pond, SU228146 Wild Wednesdays SU271071 park, Lyndhurst Road, Burley New Forest and heath with insights into Plenty of parking at Roydon forest fun! Spend the morning with two of Wed 29 May drop in between Woods Nature Reserve, off Sandy BH24 4HS commoning and local history, Walking Festival the Forestry England’s Volunteer followed by an optional stop, 10.30am – 3.30pm New Forest Down, Setley, near Brockenhurst Suggested donation £1/child. Catch up with the New Forest (Map ref. SZ 313 995). Suitable for all (children must Sat 12 – Sun 27 Oct, locations Rangers on an autumnal walk in the heart of the forest. Reptile Centre, SU271071 August rangers for a host of activities be accompanied by an adult). such as bug and scavenger across the Forest as part of this year’s Walking See Wed 10 April for details. No booking required. Festival. Savour the colour, £6 per person. 11 years+. Family Fun Day Child of the Wild hunts, colouring and crafts. Join local experts for fascinating Enquiries: 01590 646600 New Forest walks at the seventh sights and sounds of the forest 6 miles. Dogs welcome Wild About Ponies – Sat 22 Jun drop in between Tues 6 Aug 10.30am-12pm Wear old clothes and be ready on a lead. Please book for some forest fun! annual walking festival. Includes at this special time of year. online: forestryengland.uk/ 10am – 2pm, New Forest Blackwater Arboretum, My Haunt wildlife walks, history hikes and £6 per person. 16 years+. newforestevents. Heritage Centre, SO43 7NY SU268047 Summer Wild Suggested donation £1/child. Thur 30 May 1pm-2pm family strolls and activity trails. Dogs not suitable on this Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Fun and entertaining activities Suitable for all ages (children must See Tues 28 May for details. Play Day event. Please book online: Tilery Road, SU308032 be accompanied by an adult). Booking is essential. Browse for all the family, all in aid of our forestryengland.uk/ See Thur 11 Apr for details Tue 20 Aug drop in between No booking required. the walks and book from August Talk: ‘A Forester’s museum and library. newforestevents. Marine Wonders 10am – 3pm Whitefield Moor, Enquiries 01590 646600. onwards at newforestnpa.gov.uk/ Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Career’ by Harry Oram Donations for activities. Wed 7 and Thu 8 Aug drop in Brockenhurst, SO42 7QB walkingfestival Wed 22 May 7pm New Forest June Suitable for all ages (children between 10am – 4pm, Lepe See Wed 10/17 April for details. Heritage Centre, SO43 7NY must be accompanied by an Country Park, SO45 1AD A Walk through Time adult). No booking required. Suggested donation £1/child. Autumn Through a Lens Harry Oram, former Chief Come to Lepe for two days of Donation for parking. Suitable Tues 15 Oct 10am-1pm Hedgerow Medicines Enquiries 02380 283444. Sun 27 Oct 10am-3pm Forester / Operations Manager marine-themed fun: seashore for all ages (children must be Setley Pond, SZ302993 Workshop Anderwood car park, SU249056 at the Forestry Commission, safaris, arts and crafts, accompanied by an adult). A walk of contrasts, learning Sat 8 June 10.30am – 3pm Sunset Safari No booking required. Bring your camera for a managed the timber enclosures storytelling and much more. about the Bronze Age people, New Forest Heritage Centre, Sat 22 Jun 8.30pm-10pm Enquiries 01590 646600. gentle 4 mile walk with lots of and the Open Forest. With help their burial customs and their SO43 7NY Blackwater, SU268047 Free event, donations for craft opportunities to photograph the from the collections here in activities welcome. No booking lasting impact on the New our museum, he will recall Kate Scott is educated in See Fri 7 Jun for details. autumn scenery. required. Parking charges apply Wild Wednesdays Forest landscape. how some of the forestry sustainable agriculture. She has (free for blue badge holders). £6 per person. 12 years+. tools were used. worked alongside her husband Suitable for all (children must Wild Wednesdays £ 6 per person. 10 years+. Dogs not suitable on this for 25 years in both forestry be accompanied by an adult). Wed 21 Aug drop in between 3.5 miles. Dogs welcome event. Please book online: July £6 per person, £4 for friends. and agriculture and will share Enquiries 023 8089 9108 10.30 – 3.30pm Reptile Centre, on a lead. Please book forestryengland.uk/ Booking advised. Enquiries her knowledge on how to use SU271071 online: forestryengland.uk/ newforestevents. 02380 283444 Sunset Safari newforestevents. hedgerow plants to create Wild Wednesdays Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Thur 4 Jul 8.30pm-10pm See Wed 10 April for details. Enquires: 0300 068 0400 simple remedies. Wed 7 Aug drop in between Discovery Days at Blackwater, SU268047 September Things you Might Cost £45pp, provide own lunch. See Fri 7 Jun for details. 10.30 – 3.30pm Reptile Centre, Discover the New Forest A Walk on the Wild Side Bolderwood SU271071 Not Know about the Booking essential. Enquiries Thur 22 Aug 11am-12pm Wed 16 Oct 10am-2pm Sat 25 May- Sun 2 June 02380 283444 See Wed 10 April for details. Verderers Hall New Forest Bolderwood, SU242086 Sunset Safari Bolderwood Information Unit, Wilverley Plain, SU253010 SU242086 Open Day See Sat 6 Apr for details. Wed 10 Jul 8.30pm-10pm Join a Forestry England Mon 28 Oct 10am-12pm Verderers Hall Discover the New Forest Fri 13 Sept Date 11am- 3pm Blackwater, SU268047 See Thur 8 Aug for details. Volunteer Ranger on this Verderers Hall, Lyndhurst, Open Day See Fri 26 Apr for details. SO43 7NH Child of the Wild See Fri 7 Jun for details. Thur 8 Aug 11am-12pm beautiful walk to learn more Fri 7 Jun 11am-3pm Bolderwood Information Unit, Wild about ponies- about the roles of the Verderers, Join one of our Volunteer Tues 28 May 10.30am-12pm See Fri 26 Apr for details. SU242086 Beaulieu Road Special Lymington - Keyhaven Agisters and Keepers, and the Rangers in the historic setting Blackwater Arboretum, Wild Wednesdays Join a Ranger on a short management of our four legged of the Verderers Hall for an SU268047 Thur 22 Aug 1pm-2pm Nature Reserve Sunset Safari Wed 24 July drop in between guided walk and discover architects- the NF ponies. illustrated talk for a general Get back to nature and explore 10.30am – 3.30pm, New Forest what makes the New Forest Beaulieu Road Sales Yard, Open Day introduction to the New Forest your senses with this fun and Fri 7 Jun 8.30pm-10pm Reptile Centre, SU271071 SU350063 £6 per person. 12 years+. so special. Learn about the Sun 15 Sept drop in between 7 miles. Dogs welcome interactive event. The morning Blackwater car park, SU268047 A unique opportunity to £6 per person. 10 years+. See Wed 4 Apr for details. history and heritage of the 10.30am - 4pm Lymington - on leads. Please book Dogs not suitable on this will be full of hands-on activities Experience New Forest wildlife Forest and its extraordinary explore Beaulieu Road sales Keyhaven Nature Reserve, online: forestryengland.uk/ event. Please book online: and a chance to explore with as the sun sets. Listen for Fun in the Forest diversity of wildlife. yard with a New Forest ranger. Normandy Lane, SO41 8AE, newforestevents. forestryengland.uk/ your senses. Nightjars; keep your eyes peeled Come along to a fun, free SZ330 943 Enquires: 0300 068 0400 newforestevents. Thur 25 Jul drop in between Free. Suitable for all. Dogs for bats and watch out for deer. information session and Come to Hampshire’s premiere Enquires: 0300 068 0400 £5 per child. 3 years+. 10am – 3pm Puttles Bridge car welcome on leads. Spaces limited. learn all the answers to your Please book on day at Bolderwood coastal reserve and enjoy the Walk with a Commoner 1 mile. Dogs not suitable £10 per person. 10 years+. park, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QB questions about the four-legged on this event. Please book 2 miles. Dogs not suitable Information Unit. spectacle of birds as they stop Autumn Wild Catch up with the New Forest icons- New Forest ponies and Thur 17 Oct 10am-1pm online: forestryengland.uk/ on this event. Please book off on their annual migrations. Beaulieu Road, SU350063 Play Day newforestevents. rangers for a host of activities other livestock which live on online: forestryengland.uk/ Wild About Ponies Stalls, crafts, guided walks, Enjoy a guided walk with a Enquires: 0300 068 0400 newforestevents. such as scavenger hunts, the forest. family activities, wildlife viewing Wed 30 October drop in Enquires: 0300 068 0400 colouring and crafts. Wear old Thur 8 Aug 1pm-2pm Forestry England volunteer between 10am – 3pm and more. clothes and wellies and be ready Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 Free. Suitable for all. ranger who has ponies on Holmsley Campsite, Forest 1 mile. Dogs welcome on leads. for forest fun! See Thur 11 Apr for details . This is a joint free event the forest. Road, Burley BH23 8EB No booking required. between Hampshire County £6 per person. 15 years+. See 16 April for details. Suggested donation £1/child. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Council, Hampshire & Isle of 5 miles. Dogs welcome Suitable for all (children must be Wild Wednesdays Wight Wildlife Trust and the New Suggested donation £1/child. on a lead. Please book accompanied by an adult). Forest National Park Authority. Suitable for all ages (children must Wed 14 Aug drop in between online: forestryengland.uk/ No booking required. Suitable for all (children must be be accompanied by an adult). 10.30 – 3.30pm Reptile Centre, newforestevents. Enquiries: 01590 6466000. accompanied by an adult). No booking required. SU271071 Enquires: 0300 068 0400 No booking required. Enquiries: Enquiries 01590 646600. See Wed 10 April for details. 01590 674 656

16 17 18 To advertise in the 2020 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email [email protected] To advertise in the 2020 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email [email protected] 19 A year in the New Forest The New Forest may seem like a wild place, but its diverse habitats have been created by a long history of grazing and management. Today, Forestry England, the National Park Authority and many other organisations look after this special place…

Spring Spring brings the arrival of foals. One of the great attractions of the New Forest is undoubtedly the ponies. Although the new-born donkeys and ponies look cute, avoid coming in between a mother and its foal, as they are very protective of their young.

Rare birds beneath your feet! The heathlands are home to birds with superb camouflage that take their chances nesting on the ground. You can help these birds thrive by keeping to the main tracks until July. If you have a dog, keep it on the tracks too – if necessary use a lead.

Summer In the summer you might spot a harvester mowing bracken on areas of heathland, by removing this potentially invasive species other plants are able to thrive.

Woodland ‘rides’ (open pathways) allow access for machinery but are also important for recreation and conservation. An active programme of ride restoration has seen forest plants re-establishing and an increase in insects, small mammals and birds of prey over recent years.

Autumn Autumn colours...October is the time of year when the golden autumn colours of the Forest look their best.

A working forest...The forest industry in the New Forest dates back to the first inclosure in 1483, timber being produced was of national value for the ship building industry. Today, timber production is centred on 9,000 hectares which are inclosed from grazing animals, producing 50,000m3 of timber each year.

Winter Winter burning...Today, work by Forestry England includes controlled burning, gorse cutting and bracken harvesting as well as restoring of valley mires and removing invasive species, such as rhododendron.

Open heaths need to be managed to control the vegetation and provide good habitats for birds and other wildlife, as well as grazing for ponies, cattle and deer.