Coast Chirpy Meet the Path proposal outlook for apprentice grasshoppers rangers page 5 page 6 page 9

Spring/Summer 2018 FREE!

A secret forest will be habitats in a prime location ‘There are some woodland saved for the nation by adjacent to the Open Forest. areas which are so special Secret forest will be the RSPB with help from ‘We are pleased that the they have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific the National RSPB is keen to work with commoners and other local Interest and Special Area Park Authority. people to ensure that the site of Conservation, but we’re certain that more treasures saved for the nation Like the children’s classic is managed appropriately. This will be revealed as the RSPB book The Secret Garden, will bring the same benefits to investigates further and few people have been in the a wide range of species as it starts to manage the land 1,000-acre privately-owned does on the Open Forest and specifically for wildlife and for woodland at Franchises Lodge will ensure this important site people to enjoy.’ near Nomansland, which is flourishes for years to come. the size of over 1,300 football Julie Melin-Stubbs, Wildlife The land is valued at pitches. and Conservation Manager at around £5 million and RSPB ownership has been enabled The RSPB is only beginning the New Forest National Park by a gift in lieu of tax as part to discover the rare plants Authority, heard in 2013 that of a settlement with HMRC; and animals that live there Franchises had come onto the a legacy to the RSPB of £1.5 and the charity plans to work market and contacted the million; £200,000 from the closely with commoners to RSPB. New Forest National Park help improve the new nature She said: ‘This is an incredible Authority and £25,000 from reserve’s value for wildlife. opportunity for both wildlife Friends of New Forest. The spectacular woodland also and people. I will never forget A public appeal will be provides a bridge between the day I spoke to the RSPB launched in May to help two already internationally- and found to my delight they fund a 25 year vision being important wildlife areas were interested in exploring developed for the nature - Langley Wood National the opportunity of acquiring reserve. Nature Reserve to the north the land. and the Forestry Commission’s Crown lands to the south. Two It’s an extremely rare chance adventure to turn a huge piece of the playgrounds! The new Franchises Lodge nature reserve. Photo credit Terry Bagley RSPB north of the National Park into a special place for nature, making the Forest bigger, better for nature and more Award winning musical instrument joined-up. RSPB Chief Executive Mike maker in tune with the Forest Clarke said: ‘This is one of the most significant purchases in A maker of traditional musical instruments has fulfilled our 129 year history. It is also his ambition of moving to the New Forest and using our first nature reserve in the New Forest. We are delighted local wood to produce unique handcrafted guitars and to take on the land from its stringed instruments. previous owners who we Alex Potter moved to Sway opportunity. With the help know are passionate about last year and takes pride of organisations such as the site, its woodlands and in using New Forest grown the New Forest Marque and wildlife and we hope to build on their work over the years, timbers, such as yew and local conservationists, tree safeguarding it for future walnut. surgeons and small sawmill generations.’ Alex Potter Instruments is operators I now have access one of 24 new businesses to some of the beautiful The RSPB says it wants people to enjoy the site, but needs which joined the New ancient timbers cut each year Alex Potter Instruments uses to understand much more Forest Marque local as part of essential forestry locally sourced wood to about its nature and ecology produce scheme last year. work. produce unique handcrafted and consider the views of The scheme, now totalling ‘I’m looking forward to guitars and stringed local communities before 140 members, includes developing my skills further instruments. making any decisions about craftspeople, food and drink in an area surrounded by Photo credit: Nick Fleming access beyond the existing producers as well as hotels talented musicians, skilled rights of way. Any major and restaurants, and is craftspeople and old, old to ‘buy local’ and helps changes would be determined One acre of adventure playground fun! supported by the New Forest trees.’ support the New Forest through consultation with the National Park Authority. New Forest Marque economy. community and would need • 4 species of Otter Alex, 28, said: ‘Although Operations Manager Claire She said: ‘It’s fantastic to to go through the normal Open all • 12 species of Owls year round • Deer • Lynx I grew up in London, some Lee said the scheme gives see relationships being planning processes. Café and • European Wolves • Bison • Wild Boar of my earliest memories are businesses a distinctive forged between producers , New Forest National Park Gift Shop • Wallaby of walking under the huge ‘New Forest’ banner under Nature Trail • Foxes • Polecats makers and sellers, and the Authority Oliver Crosthwaite- • Scottish wildcat and ancient trees that can be which to sell their goods and support this gives the local Eyre said: ‘This is very good found here. It’s a place that services, encourages people community.’ news for the Forest. The Deerleap Lane, Near Ashurst, Visit our 023 8029 2408 Southampton, SO40 4UH has had a profound impact acquisition of this site by website on my life. the RSPB is significant as it www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk For details about the New Forest Marque ‘Working in the Forest gives us the opportunity to also presents a massive visit newforestmarque.co.uk undertake landscape-scale improvements to these 2 Spring/Summer 2018 Park Life Park Life Spring/Summer 2018 3 Forest organisations

work with Government on Seasonal snaps Destroying invading plants, cataloguing historic documents Big thanks and surveying rare wildlife are just some of the tasks 500 ‘Green Brexit’ for the future volunteers have undertaken to help the New Forest. Volunteers have contributed over 5,000 days during the of commoning and farming past two years and their hard work has been crucial to the success of 21 projects which make up a Heritage Lottery Consultation on Command Paper on agriculture – ‘Health and to volunteers Fund scheme, Our Past Our Future. harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit’ A new agricultural policy must support with the environment and the public the unique nature of the National good in mind. Now we must turn Park’s commoning and farming system this into a policy that can reflect the if the New Forest is to thrive, say Forest specific circumstances in the New Forest Woodland warriors organisations. to support commoners, farmers and The Government’s Command Paper landowners.’ There are many privately owned woods in the New Forest. Now volunteers and on agriculture states that a new The New Forest Future Farming Group the New Forest Land Advice Service are working with landowners to ensure environmental land management includes the Commoners Defence 120 hectares of this private woodland is brought back into active management. scheme will be the cornerstone of Association, Verderers, National Park agricultural policy in England and will Authority, New Forest Land Advice They are improving habitats for Land Advice Service Manager Julie Melin- fund environmental activities that all Service, Forestry Commission, CLA, NFU threatened wildlife, making woodlands Stubbs said: ‘Up to 15 people take part in farmers and land managers can do – and Natural England. more able to withstand pests and the task days and jobs can be found for diseases and training people in the skills any level of experience. There is often things like improving the health of soil The group presented a paper to Pictured is previous winner Matt Roseveare’s stunning image of a Roe deer at they need to look after them in the a roaring fi re to burn the scrub and hot and water quality – as well as more National Parks Minister Lord Gardiner (www.mattrphotography.co.uk). future. drinks and biscuits are provided to keep targeted activities like restoring wetland last summer, asking him to work with everyone fuelled! Volunteers fi nd the and woodlands. the group to ensure appropriate levels Volunteers have been helping to restore days really enjoyable as it’s a chance to New Forest National Park Authority and delivery of funding to support land woodlands by thinning trees, creating get some fresh air and exercise, meet Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre said: management after Britain leaves the EU. glades, and removing rhododendron and new people and get a great sense of ‘Commoning and farming are vital in other exotic plants which choke native This was followed by a visit from Defra achievement.’ maintaining the fragile New Forest Deputy Directors Marie Southgate (Land species. landscape, over 50% of which has the Use Policy), Guy Horsington (Future Why not enter your National Park photos in our Seasonal Snaps highest level of protection for its rare Farming Policy) and Sarah Severn (Rural Facebook competition for a chance to win great prizes? habitats and species. Policy Team) in January. ‘The Command paper is a very welcome They visited farms, commoners holdings, Our 2018 competitions Pictures must capture the addition to the conversation about the Beaulieu Road sales yard, a wetland dates are: season and have been taken Fighting plant invaders the future of environmental land restoration and the Verderers Court so within the National Park. management and reflects what Forest that they met and spoke to a wide range Spring: 25 April - 9 May Winners are chosen by a public landowners are already doing – working of relevant people and organisations. Summer: 8 - 22 August vote on the National Park Himalayan balsam was introduced to the The Government consultation on the Command paper on agriculture closes Autumn : 7 - 21 November Authority’s Facebook page. UK by the Victorians as an ornamental on 8 May 2018. garden plant. However it is highly invasive, spreads rapidly and out-competes our native wildlife, forming large colonies of plants sometimes up to fi ve metres tall. In 2017 alone, volunteers spent over 3,200 hours removing Himalayan balsam from New Forest waterways with the Jo Shorrocks Elizabeth Sharp Everton Nurseries & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. I love volunteering for the New I have now been volunteering for - Garden Centre - Regular volunteer Patsy Baverstock said: ‘I Forest National Park. I have worked the NFNPA archaeology team for volunteered to pull Himalayan balsam and on Working Woodland and the a little over a year now and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We Better Boundaries projects working to say I cannot think of a more went to many different places, some where outdoors with the National Park beautiful place to spend a few the balsam was very dense and other places Camellias offi cers enabling me to learn about hours of the day surveying with a where the impact of previous pulls could be the fl ora and fauna as they are great group of people. seen. I found the work satisfying and very COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT happy to pass on their knowledge. enjoyable, being on land the general public Volunteer Patsy Baverstock Plus I have loved working for all the don’t get to, with the peace and beauty of An ideal place to stop by for a coffee or a meal pulling Himalayan balsam other wonderful people who come the area being an added bonus.’ and volunteer their time. Delicious range of light bites and homemade cakes available all day. Home cooked lunches available daily between 12 noon and 2.30pm New Forest Knowledge Focus on freshwater habitats A new website providing access to the wealth of New Forest information held in museums, Or, if you fancy a treat, archives and libraries, both locally and nationally is now live thanks to the help of kitchens for every home why not have Cream Tea volunteers. Visit newforestknowledge.co.uk Designed and made by Howdens with freshly baked scones, Supplied and fitted by your local builders clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea. The New Forest’s rivers, lakes, ponds, ditches, bogs and streams, are home to wildlife of national and international importance. Book your free survey However there are still pockets of pollution and some species have declined, such as eel and design today and the common toad. 01590 689784 • @howdens.com The Freshwater Habitats Trust is working on NEW FOREST the River Beaulieu and its streams, teaming SIGN ME UP! NATIONAL PARK up with two farms and a plant nursery to VOLUNTEER reduce sediment and nutrient pollution, and Fancy getting involved in volunteering? installing eel brushes to help them move GUIDE 2018 upstream. Check out opportunities online at newforestnpa.gov.uk, pick up a Meanwhile 30 volunteers are monitoring the MAKE A volunteer guide and keep an eye out The New Forest’s leading garden centre, offering you the quality water quality using simple kits to measure FRESH START nitrates and phosphates in the water courses for our Volunteer Fair every January THIS YEAR! and choice from our own 25 acre nursery. every other month at 60 locations. With this with over 40 organisations baseline data, they’ll be able to see how and 700 visitors. Packed full of volunteering Open every Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm ∙ Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm opportunities from dozens Surveying rivers and streams effective the practical measures will help the of organisations in the New Forest. www.evertonnurseries.co.uk ∙ 01590 642155 Copyright Freshwater Habitats Trust river catchment in the long term. Unit 110, Ampress Park SO41 8XN Everton, on A337, Nr. Lymington, SO41 0JZ 4 Spring/Summer 2018 Park Life Park Life Spring/Summer 2018 5 TAP WAT EE ER Forest campaign to FR # England Coast Path proposals R e k f u i . l l About the N g

reduce plastic bottles r e w

o

.

l

F

Children help l

i

o

f

r

e

e England Coast Path r

Residents and visitors can Over 30 businesses in and s t in the New Forest National Park fill their water bottles with around the National Park The England Coast Path will be to save our free tap water in local have already signed up. AV E A R England’s longest, newest and businesses thanks to an You can find them by ILA HE BLE most challenging National Trail, innovative scheme to cut downloading the Refill app passing through some of our finest plastic waste. and look out for a window ‘plastic planet’ countryside and coastal locations. Refill New Forest is part of sticker on display. wellbeing and sustainability It will secure legal rights of public a national project to make The project is part-funded of local communities. access for the first time to coastal it easier for people to find by the New Forest National Businesses interested in A staggering 13,500 children land including foreshore, beaches, signing up can register free refills and reduce the Park Authority’s Sustainable dunes and cliffs. from over 60 primary schools are use of disposable plastic Communities Fund, which via the app or email looking at ways they can reduce bottles. aims to strengthen the [email protected]. The Marine and Coastal Access Act plastic waste in the New Forest, Ranger Chris Marshall talks to William Gilpin School, 2009 places a duty on the Secretary its rivers and sea. , about our ‘plastic planet’. of State and Natural England to secure a long distance walking trail The New Forest’s unspoilt pollution does not just affect Primary School is one of many Great British Spring Clean around the open coast of England, natural beauty is one of the the animals roaming the Open determined to discontinue the together with public access rights things that people value most Forest and how important it is use of plastic straws. to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy. about the National Park. to reduce, re-use and recycle, ‘All the children we have Sadly, some people deliberately and take litter home. met so far care about the Natural England is the throw food packaging from New Forest National Park environment, and are government’s independent adviser their cars, leave litter in parking Authority’s Lead Education considering ways in which they on the natural environment. areas and even deliberately Officer, Sue Palma, said: ‘The themselves can ensure that the It is working on the entire coastal dump quantities of waste response from schools has been world will be free of single use route, with new sections opened materials. so encouraging. Throughout the plastic before too long.’ in Cumbria, Norfolk and the North Now the New Forest National New Forest, from Southampton Jane Flood, Head of Learning, East. Park Authority’s two education to Bournemouth, schools are said her pupils at Netley The entire 2,700 mile route will be doing their best to eliminate Ponies on the National Park coast staff with help from rangers are Marsh Infant School, enjoyed Copyright Natural England completed and opened by 2020. visiting over 60 primary schools single use plastic from homes, the plastic planet assembly. classrooms and school kitchens. to teach children about the She said: ‘The children loved Natural England’s proposals to improve public access along a 35 mile this stage, for which we’re hugely ‘This should enable people to report on specified grounds, which impacts littering has on their ‘For example, cooks at the story of the plastic bag stretch of coast between Highcliffe to have been published. appreciative. We look forward to experience the wonderful New Forest will be considered by a Planning local environment. Primary School - Katie Whitcher in the New Forest and what hearing people’s views on these coast, whilst also protecting the Inspector before the Secretary of They’re demonstrating how and Adele Jackson - spoke can happen when the animals If approved, this route will become new route through this historic proposals for the new route along working landscape and the many State makes a final decision. easily plastic can go from the proudly of working with come across plastic in their part of the England Coast Path – the and environmentally-rich coastal this beautiful stretch of coast.’ wildlife species that thrive here.’ Copies of the report can be viewed in heathlands and woodlands school dinner providers HC3S environment. Thank you to the 2,700 mile long distance walking landscape, including a section on the New Forest National Park Authority Anyone can make representations to local libraries, at Lepe Country Park, to replace single use plastic education team for making this southern shore of the New Forest to the ocean and back again, Over 20 litter picks were arranged in March by New Forest communities, the Forestry route and England’s newest National Chairman, Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre, Natural England about the report by and in Council dishes and cups with reusable problem come alive. Maybe National Park. with potentially disastrous Commission, National Trust, and Hampshire County Council at Lepe Country Park and Trail currently being developed said: ‘When the Secretary of State midnight on Wednesday 9 May 2018. and the National Park Authority ones, and teaching the children these children can keep our around the entire English coast. consequences through each Lymington Nature Reserve as part of a national effort to tidy up our countryside. ‘Our proposals incorporate existing has decided the route, we will Owners and occupiers of affected offices. stage of its journey. to separate food waste from Forest beautiful.’ Fran Davies, Natural England’s Area and new access, giving people the be responsible for installing and land can make objections about the Pictured at the launch at are (left to right): New Forest District Council other waste. Redbridge Manager for Dorset, Hampshire and right of access to some parts of the maintaining the part that will be in From the Forest to the food Environment Portfolio Holder Cllr Alison Hoare; NPA Deputy Chairman Edward Heron; Nigel The full report, proposed route, and forms and guidance on how to Isle of Wight said: ‘We’re excited coast for the first time. We’ve worked the New Forest National Park to the chain and rare birds to marine Find out what is being done to tackle litter in the Forest at Matthews, NPA Head of Recreation Management and Learning; Forestry Commission Deputy to publish our thoughts on the closely with many landowners and highest standard. make a representation or objection are available at gov.uk. wildlife, pupils learn how plastic newforestnpa.gov.uk/litter. Surveyor Bruce Rothnie and Milford Parish Councillor Bob Bishop. partner organisations to get to fencing and wood products

The friendliesT pubs in The new foresT New Forest Mohair fencing and wood products The New ForesT INN The TrusTy servaNT fencing and wood products Fencing SupplieFsree ll of these stunning country pubs provide friendly first class service and take pride Home to your local ‘Mo’ Goats ADE pRiCES Delivery! in serving freshly prepared, homemade ES OF FENCiNg AT TR ALL Typ locallyA sourced food. All menus have a different slant on traditional pub food and all offer their own Fenu Ocverilanp / gClo seSboaurd ppanpels lieFsree regularly changing personal chef specials. Fencing SupplieFsree Farm to Yarn ‘Pop Up’ u Closeboard Fencing CoDAmED ppERo ipCnREeSinCtEDsSeliveDrey!livery! NNCCiiNNgg ATT T TRRA Picturesque setting in the heart of The New Forest well behaved dogs and children are welcome inside Beautiful location in the heart of village ALL TAyLLp TEySp EOSF O FFE FE tock & made to order u Trellis & gates in s Lyndhurst SO43 7DY the pubs and outside in the beautiful beer gardens. Minstead, Lyndhurst SO43 7FY Mohair Shop Hand-dyed mohair u Overlap / Closeboard panels ts thenewforestinn.co.uk uuOverlap / CuloCseobnocarerdte p paonsels thetrustyservant.co.uk yarns for knitting, u CDloescekbionagrd Fencing Componenuts t: 023 8028 4690 ▪ E: [email protected] Check out the websites and the Facebook pages. T: 023 8081 2137 ▪ E: [email protected] rovings for felting, u eboard Feuncgiantge Cpoomstpso n enBtastten u WuoColodsen posts in stock & made to order Needlefelt kits Trellis & gates ts u u inu sCtoonucckrTe et&el e pmgorsaadpeh t po oolredser and supplies TureWlloiso d&e ngD eaSctlkeeisnegp ers u The royal oak, beaulIeu The morTImer arms The royal oak, dowNToN uuCgoantec preosttes up oBsaatrtstbe nWire Scarves, throws, u uWoDoedecnk pinogst s g ery Store B u Large ironmon u Telegraph puolBesa tten socks and rugs. u Wooden Stlese puerusg ate posts uuWooden pos EqoureesutrBiaanrb FWeirnec ing StuoLcakrg Fe eirnocnminogn g ery uSt Telegraph poles u Woodeun Sleepersu u EqSuehsotrviaenl sF/eRncoinogtbars Open u NauilSst o ck FSecnrceinwgs u Barb Wire numongeryu SSthoorveels/Rootbars this Easter uuLpaurogsNeta iMlrso i x S ucreCwosn crete Repair Spurs Good Friday u CouncEreqtue eRsetpraiiar nSu pFuLerosngc iSntgores New Forest Marque products u u post Mix u Kindling Nestled above Beaulieu, is this cosy, traditional pub Country Inn located on the edge of the New Forest 18th Century Coach House to Easter Monday Stock FeuncLionggs u g Stores is a stunning Country Pub & Restaurant u Woodchip u u Kindling Lo Hilltop BeauLieu SO42 7YR Romsey Road, SO51 6AF produced from our own goat fleeces. 10.30am – 4pm u uip Logs u Shovels/Rootbars Christchurch Road, dOwntOn, Lymington SO41 0LA u Woodch Screws theroyaloakbeaulieu.com mortimerarms.co.uk Check website Nails theroyaloakdownton.com for other opening u Everton A337 T: 01590 612228 ▪ E: [email protected] T: 023 8081 4379 ▪ E: [email protected] T: 01590 718104 ▪ E: [email protected] Concrete RepaEvertionr SAp337 urs at Linden, Jordans Lane, Pilley so41 5Qw u Lymington Lymington times. Call on C0a7ll4 o9n6 0 75p479o063s 58t77 0M3 o87ri xo0r1 04124525 6 6229973399 Otter Otter u LNuorseriegs NSursetrieos res u ling TimberTrade www.newforestmohair.co.uk Email: [email protected] TimberTrade Email: audmWino@otdimcbheirptr a deservices.co.uk Milford-on-Sea www.timbertradeservices.co.uk Milford-on-Sea www.timVisibt ues rint rthae dgreousndes rovf Oitcteer Nsu.rcseorie.su okn Milford Road, Lymington - follow the Timber Trade signs Join our group by getting a privilege Card which covers all 5 pubs and receive Visit us in the grounds of Otter Nurseries on Milford Road, Lymington - folloEvwert otnhe TimAb33e7r Trade signs Lymington Otter up to 10% back on the card and also our special offers for card holders only! Call on 07496 570387 or 01425 629739 Nurseries Email: [email protected] TimberTrade Milford-on-Sea www.timbertradeservices.co.uk Visit us in the grounds of Otter Nurseries on Milford Road, Lymington - follow the Timber Trade signs 6 Spring/Summer 2018 Park Life Park Life Spring/Summer 2018 7 Chirpy outlook for Look out for rare birds New Forest grasshopper that nest on the ground

The New Forest is an important stronghold for rare birds that or chicks vulnerable to the cold, or to between March and July. The birds A new study has found that the UK’s largest grasshopper nest on the ground and we can all help them survive. predators such as crows or foxes. become accustomed to this, but are These predators are always quickly alarmed if we or our dogs is prospering in the New Forest despite a worrying Much of the National Park is and rare wetlands in Europe – as Much of the looking for a meal and will quickly stray into the heather or on the designated a ‘Special Protection much as 75% of the UK’s lowland investigate when the birds are narrow pony tracks. national decline. Area’ partly because of the breeding bog habitat. Wet valleys, or mires, National Park fl ushed from their nests. ‘You’ll see signs at key locations populations of three species - are essential for wading birds. Here These wet areas are home to thousands Nigel Matthews is the New Forest and rangers will be out and The results suggest that the Large This study was commissioned by the woodlark, nightjar and Dartford they probe for worms and other is designated about reminding people. Forest of species and are widely considered to warbler. invertebrates beneath the surface. National Park Authority’s Head Marsh Grasshopper remains widespread New Forest Higher Level Stewardship be internationally-important habitats. of Recreation Management and organisations have developed a dog Wading birds include the curlew, The main dangers are that these a ‘Special in the Forest, with few signs of Scheme (HLS) and shows that the New In fact, the National Park is home Learning. He said: ‘We can all help walking code and are working with redshank, snipe and lapwing, each ground nesting birds either can’t fi nd commercial dog walkers and even population change in the last 20 years. Forest is very special for wildlife that to 75% of the valley mires in north- Protection Area’ these rare species to survive by The species is one of the rarest in the isn’t found elsewhere. of which is becoming rare in the a quiet enough area to stake out making sure we stick to the wider at puppy training classes so owners western Europe. south of England. The National Park their territory, or they are frightened know how they can help save these country, only found in the New Forest Consultant entomologists Martin tracks when we’re out in the Forest and a small area of Dorset. Along with grasshoppers, this habitat contains some of the most important away from their nests, leaving eggs fascinating birds.’ Harvey and Paul Brock, who carried out supports plants such as mosses, bog Populations of the Large Marsh the survey for the Forestry Commission, asphodel and white beaked sedge as Grasshopper have declined dramatically said: ‘We were pleased to fi nd that well as numerous beetles, dragonfl ies in England during the past 50 years and Large Marsh Grasshopper remains and damselfl ies. Did you know? it has been lost from many areas. This widespread in suitable habitat across decline is largely due to the widespread the New Forest, on land managed For many years these habitats have drainage of wetlands and extensive under HLS. been disappearing across the south peat extraction. of England, but a wetland restoration The male snipe Incubation takes a The redshank is ‘Some strong populations were scheme has been working to reverse recorded, and there is no sign of displays by making a month, but within sometimes called this trend in the New Forest to sustain ‘drumming’ sound in hours of hatching the ‘warden of the decline in range since the last major and strengthen wildlife populations. survey in the 1990s. As long as its fl ight. It dives down the tiny curlew marsh’ because its preferred habitat of wet bogs with Since 2010 more than 10 miles of steeply so that the air chicks can run loud alarm plenty of Sphagnum moss continue waterways have been restored to vibrates its outer tail around. call alerts other birds to be maintained and restored, this reverse the damage caused by artifi cial feathers. to danger. straightening of streams since the spectacular insect should be able to Copyright Mike Read thrive into the future.’ Victorian era that drained mires. The grasshopper is usually found in The 10-year HLS agreement with these wet, marshy locations, making Natural England is held by the the New Forest’s extensive bogs and Verderers of the New Forest. The mires a perfect habitat. scheme is managed by them in partnership with the Forestry Commission and the New Forest Dartford warblers The male lapwing National Park Authority. Nightjars are summer are vulnerable to cold has a dramatic weather, so many visitors to the UK; swooping display they feed at night may have died during fl ight that shows the recent snow. on moths and other other lapwings insects and To fi nd out more about the work of the HLS scheme Their nest is close to where its breeding have a far-carrying in the New Forest and read the full Large Marsh the ground, in gorse territory is. churring song. Grasshopper report visit hlsnewforest.org.uk or heather.

Photo Credit: Dean Eades

See raptors like Make a date with this Goshawk female on the nature at the New nestcam DID YOU KNOW? Forest Reptile Centre

• Grasshoppers can jump about 25cm high and around Visit the Reptile Centre You can also see reptiles 1 metre long. Relatively speaking, if humans could and check out the and amphibians native to jump as far as grasshoppers do then we could leap cutting-edge ‘raptorcam’ the New Forest close up in technology which shows more than the length of a football fi eld. outdoor ‘pods’. birds of prey in their nests • The adult grasshoppers are also good fl yers, enabling as they breed, hatch eggs, A Date with Nature them to move between the many different wetland feed chicks and teach runs daily from 30 areas within the New Forest young how to fl y. March to 2 September, • The fossil record shows that primitive grasshoppers Staff and volunteers 10am to 4.30pm. Entry fi rst appeared during the Carboniferous period, more are on hand to explain to the Reptile Centre than 300 million years ago, long before dinosaurs. more about the birds’ on the A35 west of behaviour and answer • Only male grasshoppers ‘chirp’ – the sound is made by Lyndhurst is free, rubbing their hind leg against the edge of their wing, any questions, with the live webcam on show to although donations for known as stridulation. visitors. parking are welcome. • Grasshoppers ‘ears’ are found on their abdomen. 8 Spring/Summer 2018 Park Life Park Life Spring/Summer 2018 9 Individual building category winner: Building Mill Stream, Meet the apprentice rangers Mill Lane, Burley. Apprentice rangers Martyn Meaker, 27, and Peter Dovey, 38, have a passion for working in the outdoors. Owners: Anna Lawrence Over 12 months, they are gaining land management at Kingston How did you get onto the Design and Chris Walter. Architect: experience with ranger teams Maurwood College, Dorchester. apprenticeship scheme? Steve Sherlock of Sherlock from the New Forest National Park Martyn and Peter are two of seven I’ve lived in the New Forest my Architecture. Authority, Forestry Commission, apprentice rangers which the whole life and have my own National Trust, Hampshire County scheme, backed by the Heritage ponies out on the Forest. I saw Panel comment: Council and Hampshire and Isle Lottery Fund, plans to train over an advert for the role and it Awards ‘Everything about this of Wight Wildlife Trust. They four years. went from there. dwelling is finished to are also attending a course in The New Forest is well known for its free a high standard and is What have been the highlights of the roaming animals, wide open heathland understated.’ Why did you want to want to do and you’re absorbed apprenticeship so far? and ancient commoning traditions. become a ranger? by it. People at the Wildlife MARTYN It’s really the knowledge that Trust have an encyclopaedic I have now about the Forest, But the area’s distinctive and than 80% approved - and as It’s something I’ve always knowledge of wildlife which even though I’ve lived here for attractive buildings also make the planning authority we wanted to do. I was brought has been fascinating and our 27 years. Learning skills like an important contribution appreciate the importance of up on a farm but as a boy time with the National Trust has chain-sawing has been brilliant to its unique character. good design in the National was talked out of becoming and meeting the general The special character and Park. a gamekeeper as ‘there is no been more about how we care Extension public. I’m excited about the appearance of the New money in it’. Having been a for the land and practical tasks. ‘We are pleased to be future. Forest National Park can be category winner: carpenter for 15 years I decided rewarding buildings that What’s been your best PETER maintained and improved have been positively received I didn’t want to do it anymore. What’s the most unexpected through fresh and interesting Farm, wildlife encounter? by people and would like to I got sick of the materialistic thing you’ve learnt? building design. thank all the residents, parish Stuckton. side of things, people spending I was volunteering with the The biggest surprise has To celebrate this, the annual councils and architects for thousands on fitted kitchens, Wildlife Trust and asked what been how many people feed New Forest Building Design nominating projects for an and not thinking about the the funny noise was that I was Owner: Paul Allen. Architect: the ponies, which is bad for Awards recognise the best award. planet. So I moved back to hearing on an evening - it was Ivan Maughan of Maughan them. I also never knew how new developments from the Britain from New Zealand. It’s a nightjar which makes an eerie ‘We were pleased with the Architecture. endangered the heathland is previous three years. The hard to get into this line of churring sound. It was a brilliant quality of buildings put – it is rarer than rainforest and winners are chosen by a panel Panel comment: work and I kept getting turned moment to see such a rare bird forward and the panel felt we have it in abundance here of National Park Authority for the first time the next night. that the winning schemes ‘The conservatory down. So after two years of so we’re very lucky. members. make a positive contribution enhances the character trying and getting accepted What has surprised you Leo Randall, Chairman of to the character of the built of the building rather as an apprentice was quite an Which task have you the New Forest National environment of the New emotional time to be honest. about the New Forest? enjoyed most so far? Park Authority’s Planning Forest. Congratulations to all than detracts from it.’ Seeing how important Burning the gorse and heather Committee said: ‘Hundreds the winners.’ What do you like best about volunteers are to achieving to keep all the plants healthy of planning applications are the apprenticeship? good things for the area and and not too leggy so all the submitted in the National All of it. It’s easy to want to how many people do actually ponies and other animals can Park each year – with more learn about it, even in your own volunteer and turn up in all munch on the new shoots. time, when it’s something you weathers!

South Coast Contracting Business and community leaders have launched a Shakespeare & Developments Ltd Partnership launched to ensure new partnership aiming to ensure our most precious landscapes work in harmony with the economy. Building and Property Development The Green Halo Partnership Park Authority Chief business and the environment thrive brings together organisations Executive Alison Barnes no fear from across central southern said: ‘Companies and England to protect and organisations in the south enhance our ‘natural capital’ have shown that working - the benefits we derive with the environment in from nature such as clean air mind has benefits now and and water, protection from in the future. For example, flooding, food and healthy water saving measures outdoor activities. are not only good for our Architects, wildlife charities, environment but for a company’s bottom line; BEFORE AFTER councils, utility businesses, health bodies, universities designing eco buildings and civil engineering is not necessarily more New Builds, Extensions, Renovations, firms are among over 40 expensive and results in organisations already on energy savings and less use Orangeries and Garden Rooms, board. of natural resources; creating communities with green They have identified a range Loft Conversions, Plastering, Carpentry, space is good for wildlife of actions and projects which but also for our health and Decorating, Patios, Ground Works, taken together will help wellbeing. Landscaping and Driveways. maintain and enhance our natural resources and so help ‘These organisations have protect the unique character shown their commitment to and identity of the New working together to create a Forest and surrounding area. world class environment and New Forest National world class economy here in Open Mornings every term the south.’

Independent co-educational preparatory day, exi and full-time boarding school, Following the launch in November 2017, the partners are ages 2-13. Contact the school Registrar on 01590 613 303 or email bringing together their ideas for projects around four themes: [email protected] • Supporting the local economy , LYMINGTON, HAMPSHIRE SO41 5ZG. • Improving health and wellbeing www.walhampton.com 01590 679026 • Encouraging sustainable living Registered charity Number: 307330 [email protected] • www.southcoastcontracting.co.uk • Enhancing the natural environment. For more details see newforestnpa.gov.uk/greenhalo 10 Spring/Summer 2018 Park Life 2018 EVENTS CALENDAR ∙ March-October Park Life Spring/Summer 2018 11 Take an open-top safari for MARCH AUGUST

a new view of the Forest EASTER CRAFT CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS FUN IN THE FOREST FUN IN THE FOREST Thu 2 Aug, Wilverley inclosure car park, Thu 16 Aug, 10am - 3pm Sat 31 Mar, New Forest Centre, 10am - 3pm Brockenhurst, BH25 5TZ Ride open-top through the treetops and experience the 10am - 2pm Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY Puttles Bridge car park, New Forest as you’ve never seen it before. Catch up with the New Forest National Park rangers for a host of activities Brockenhurst, SO42 7QB Have an ‘egg-citing’ time with our children’s Easter crafts and make lots such as bug hunts, scavenger hunts, colouring and crafts. Wear old clothes With three different routes, Operated by MoreBus in of fun things to take home. Six activities for £5 if booked in advance by and be ready for forest fun! No booking required. Suggested donation £1/ See Thu 2 August for details. passengers enjoy grandstand views partnership with the New Forest 26 March or £1.50 per activity on the day. child. Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). of the New Forest National Park National Park Authority, last year Enquiries: 01590 646600 on the popular double-deckers. over 38,600 passengers hopped on You can hop on and off wherever the Tour. FUN IN THE FOREST you like and catch the next Tour, or New Forest National Park switch between routes, all on the Authority Deputy Chairman MARINE WONDERS Thu 23 Aug,10am - 3pm same ticket. Multi-day tickets are Edward Heron said the Tour helps APRIL Thu 7 & Wed 8 Aug, Lepe Country Park, Anderwood car park, excellent value for money and the the environment by encouraging SO45 1AD best option for the full experience people out of their cars and 10am - 4pm Lyndhurst Road, Burley, at your leisure! supports the local economy. He WILD PLAY DAY AT THE BEACH BH24 4HS Come to Lepe for two days of marine-themed fun: the ever popular seashore said: ‘Covering the length and Hear the stories of the people, safaris, arts and crafts, storytelling and much more. Free event, donations for breadth of the National Park, the See Thu 2 Aug for details. places and animals on the audio Wed 11 Apr, drop in craft activities welcome. No booking required. Parking charges apply (free three scenic routes saved around commentary – with characters, between 10am - 3pm for blue badge holders). Suitable for all ages. 146,000 private car miles last year. sounds and music, bringing the Enquiries: 02380 899108 view to life. You can also take in ‘The Tour also provides a boost to Hurst Spit, Milford on Sea, a walk or cycle ride from the Tour local businesses, contributing an SO41 0PY (bikes go free) with easy routes in estimated £555,000 to the New Discover fun ways to explore, play the guidebook on board. Forest economy while stopping at SUMMER WILD PLAY DAY and get creative in the outdoors. local villages and attractions.’ Customers also receive money Come and try crabbing, beach art, Tue 14 Aug, drop in Whitefield Moor, Rhinefield Road off entry to attractions along seashore scavenging and much between 10am - 3pm Brockenhurst SO42 7QB the routes such as Beaulieu more. Wear some old, warm clothes Motor Museum. The tour runs from 7 July until 9 September and don’t forget your wellies! Discover fun ways to explore, play and get creative in the outdoors, from 2018. Tickets can be booked online at Suggested donation £1/child. your back garden to the New Forest woods, streams and heaths. Create thenewforesttour.info. They can also be Parking charges apply. Suitable for some forest art, sail leaf boats, explore with scavenger hunts and much bought on board the bus, from the New all (children must be accompanied more. Wear old clothes and don’t forget your wellies! Suggested donation Forest Travel Concierge at the by an adult). No booking required. £1/child. Parking charges apply. Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). No booking required. Enquiries: 01590 646600 New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst or at Crabbing at Keyhaven Enquiries: 01590 646600 Brockenhurst Railway Station. Wild Play at Hurst beach The green route takes you through spectacular countryside SEPTEMBER OCTOBER LYMINGTON-KEYHAVEN NATURE RESERVE WALKING FESTIVAL AUTUMN WILD PLAY DAY OPEN DAY Feed Merchants & Saddlers Sat 13 Various times and location Wed 24 Oct, drop in Keeping your animals Fit, Fed & Healthy Sun 16 Sept Lymington-Keyhaven - Sun 28 Oct across the National Park. between 10am - 3pm 10.30am - 4pm Nature Reserve SO41 8AE AgriculturAl MerchAnts The festival will boast dozens of guided walks led by Holmsley Campsite, Forest country clothing & FootweAr Road, Burley BH23 8EB Visit our unique Tea Rooms Come to Hampshire’s premiere coastal reserve and enjoy the spectacle knowledgeable local experts to help you discover more about the in Burley for Breakfasts, equestriAn clothing • shooting & Accessories of birds as they stop off on their annual migrations. Stalls, crafts, guided history, heritage and wildlife of the Forest. The 2017 Festival saw Lunches and Cream Teas. 1,500 people enjoy 75 behind-the-scenes family strolls, history hikes, everything For horse & rider Lots of walks, family activities, wildlife viewing and more. Joint event with See Tue 14 Aug for details. We are open every day Hampshire County Council, Hants & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and the wildlife walks and more, all led by expert guides. Bulk feed / bedding delivery service friendly from 9am. National Park Authority. • We have a full range of turnout, stable, show and fly animals Booking required for our High rugs, coolers and fleeces. to meeT Teas for that special occasion. • Qualified Hat and Body Protector fitters See our web site for details. As a registered Firearms dealer we stock a range of shooting equipment, clothing and cartridges Open Daily Enjoying New Forest Centre Events Get hands-on with our full schedule of fun activities, a walk at 01425 402218 open 7 dAys A week: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm It’s A which run throughout the day. Meet friendly farm animals. Plenty of indoor & outdoor play areas. Beaulieu Road Sat 9am-5.30pm • Sun 10am-4pm Real Family Exhibitions in the The Sixth Annual New Forest www.oldfarmhouseinburley.co.uk Hands-On Farm produce shop and gift shop. Tel. 023 8029 2837 during the Road, Burley Home Farm • Palace Lane • Beaulieu • SO42 7YG Experience! For event details & more visit: www.longdownfarm.co.uk Walking Discovery Days New Forest Gallery Open Art Exhibition 01590 612215 • www.norrisofbeaulieu.co.uk IT’S A REAL HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE! Festival New Forest Centre, New Forest Centre, 14 Jul - 8 Sep, open daily Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY Lyndhurst, Step back in time and enjoy the An exhibition showcasing the best of the SO43 7NY Gallery open daily 10am - 4.30pm from 1 delights of glamping with one of creative New Forest. our Classic Volkswagen Campers. April to 29 October (10am - 3.30pm at all A perfect and unique way of Learn about the New other times). exploring the New Forest. Forest and have fun Hire either one of our 1970’s Barry Peckham - Westfalia Bays or a 1960’s with our family-friendly Retrospective splitscreen, the choice is yours. Your one-stop shop activities. No need to Maps: For bookings & enquiries for delicious book, just drop in between The New Forest Unfolded 15 Sep - 28 Oct, open daily 10am and 3pm - different 01425 621089 A collection of oil paintings by renowned locally-sourced food. activities each day. 21 Jan - 15 Apr, open daily [email protected] Steven Orton & Associates local artist Barry Peckham. or visit us online. Local meat, game, sausages, honey & jam, award-winning Discover the biography of the New Forest www.newforestsafari.com cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, mouth-watering cakes, (Museum entry is free, dairy, our own free-range eggs, and so much more. Registered Osteopaths and its people through maps chosen from Osteopathic treatments for all ages. We treat donation per craft activity.) the Christopher Tower Reference Library. Visit The Chicken Shack for a specialist Commoning range of poultry feed, equipment and everday aches and pain including arthri� s, scia� ca, Apr 3, 5, 10, 12 Voices Exhibition bedding. Includes small animal feed, sports injuries and circulatory problems or just to May 29, 31 bedding, and straw and hay bales. keep you supple and mobile. Ancient and 3 Nov - 6 Jan, open daily Jul 31 Open Daily 10am - 5pm Remarkable Trees Longdown Farm Shop, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst Acupuncture and Podiatry are also available. Aug 2, 7, 14, 16, 21, A thought-provoking exhibition which T: 023 8029 2837 ext 5 E: [email protected] 23, 28, 30 21 Apr - 8 Jul, open daily reveals, through audio, video, artefacts and The New Surgery, Brookley beautiful photographs from the past and www.longdownfarmshop.co.uk Telephone: 01590 623311 A selection of images of trees in the New Road Car Park, Brockenhurst, Oct 23, 25 present, the intimate relationships between www.thenewsurgery.com Forest by photographer David Russell. Hampshire, SO42 7RA commoners, their animals and the forest. 12 Spring/Summer 2018 Park Life Commoning facts

• Commoning has been a way of life since medieval times –local people have rights attached to Please land they rent or own which enable them to graze animals on the New Forest to maintain its special nature. Their commitment keep is vital to the New Forest we all love. • There are currently around 700 commoners of all ages who are your immensely proud of their animals and commoning traditions. • Once common, rare and precious species of plants and animals distance! thrive here specifically because of the way the area is grazed by Pony at Bolderford Bridge, copyright Ian Sampson the commoners’ animals. These Commoners, rangers and New Forest communities are asking people to Lyndsey said: ‘The New Forest is really one include southern blue damselfly, please keep their distance from animals when out in the National Park. big farm, and the ponies and cattle are “farm silver studded blue butterflies, animals”. and plants including chamomile All the ponies - as well as the cattle, donkeys, the fresh spring plants in the bogs. I always ‘Commoners are responsible for their and small fleabane. sheep and pigs - you see in the National Park keep my distance so as not to disturb them animals; we recognise them when we see • New Forest ponies are a belong to people, known as commoners, who and I would encourage all visitors to the New them on the Forest and know each one by recognised native breed of ponies live locally and care for them. Forest to do the same.’ name,’ she said. Many rare and special plants and animals, Whilst New Forest ponies make fantastic and are now on the endangered ‘We usually know where they are (although species list. which were once common across Southern riding ponies the Forest-run ponies are some of them are good at hiding – especially England, find a home in the New Forest left to live as natural a life as possible. The when you want them)!’ because of the traditional commoning commoners don’t supplement their feed Male silver-studded blue butterfly activities and their survival depends on this as this encourages the animals to wait in at Strodgemoor Bottom, The commoners also advise: copyright Claire Sherwood ancient practice. the same place rather than foraging over a • Never walk through the middle of a wide area. Ponies that become accustomed Commoner Lyndsey Stride, from Emery group of cattle or pigs and be wary of to being fed in the campsites and car parks walking through large groups of ponies. often lose body condition. • If you come across fast moving ponies ‘The New Forest is really one big ‘It breaks my heart when I see visitors feeding and riders be quiet, stand still, keep all farm, and the ponies and cattle the ponies and donkeys - I know they are group members together and if possible well intentioned but it really puts the animals are “farm animals”. stand next to a solid object such as a at risk,’ Lyndsey said. tree. ‘Sadly, every year a few people are hurt • All mothers will protect their children. Down, said: ‘I am out in the Forest every by ponies or donkeys that have learned to Never walk between a mother and her day in all seasons, I love to watch my ponies expect food, or are protecting their foals. baby - a mare and foal, cow and calf, or and cattle grazing and browsing and I am Children are especially vulnerable, so it’s vital sow and piglet. always amazed by how varied and healthy that people keep their distance.’ their diet is, from prickly gorse and holly to

Exclusive range of wall and fl oor tiles,

natural stone and vinyl fl ooring Visit our showrooms just off Lymington High Street at Underfl oor heating systems 8 Earley Court, Lymington SO41 9EP Full design and fi tting service Open: Mon-Fri 7.30pm-5pm · Sat 9am-4pm

01590 673175 • [email protected] • www.lymingtontiles.co.uk