FREE The Essential Guide to the National Park 2020

Maps Events guide Places to explore Walking & cycling

The New Forest Essential Guide is brought to you by: Step into the

spectacular New Emerald damselfly Forest - a world capital for wildife The New Forest is a wonderful place for wildlife with over half the National Park protected for its international importance for nature. New Forest pony Many rare species of plants and The vital habitats the Forest animals live among the unique provides are shaped by the free- mosaic of habitats ranging from roaming animals – ponies, cattle, ancient woodland to pristine donkeys, sheep and pigs. They’re wetlands, beautiful heathland known as the ‘architects of the and spectacular coast. Forest’ because it’s their grazing which keeps the scrub at bay The New Forest is one of only and creates the landscape we a handful of places in England know today. where you can find some of the UK’s most endangered and rare The Forest and the nature it wildlife. These include several supports is not immune to Golden-ringed dragonfly species of bat, insects such as the the global threats facing our large marsh grasshopper now environment. Everyone can only found in three places in play a part in helping to protect England, and the curlew: a this special place by following ground-nesting bird, now under our caring for the forest code Welcome threat of extinction globally. on page 13. The New Forest National Park is a spectacular, yet fragile landscape that is a haven for rare wildlife species - Cattle with a range of organisations working together to care Did you know? for this special place. • Forestry England looks after the nation’s Throughout this guide you’ll find ideas The New Forest isn’t new! It was established by William the Conqueror 1,500 woods and forests, including of what to do, where to go and things in 1079 as his Nova Foresta (new much of the best-known open land and to see whether you’re a first time hunting ground). productive woodlands in the New Forest. visitor or you live within the New • We work closely with other organisations Forest National Park. The New Forest has the highest concentration of ancient and veteran in the area including Hampshire County trees in western Europe, with more Council, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight than 1,000 recorded. Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, New See our events pages (15-17) The Dartford warbler • An incredible 63% of Britain’s insects, Forest District Council and the New for more details, or find out 75% of all dragonfly species, and all six Forest Verderers. more at: UK native reptiles are found here. The New Forest National Park Authority forestryengland.uk/newforest • There are five different species of deer ensures this outstanding landscape engnewforest which roam freely across the Forest. has the highest level of protection to • newforestnpa.gov.uk Heathland is rarer than rainforest and preserve it for the nation to enjoy for the New Forest has the most extensive generations to come. newforestnpa area of lowland heath left in Europe. These areas attract rare ground nesting birds such as the Dartford warbler and nightjar, which fly here all the way from Africa every year. • A third of British wild flower species The curlew grow in the New Forest.

2 3 FREE Walking pack Subscribe to our email newsletter at newforestnpa.gov.uk Free walking and receive a free Walking in the online walking pack of routes and routes app ranger tips. There’s an easy way for New Forest you to follow the best walking routes in the New Forest this year – the National Park’s Follow our waymarked walks and trails... walking routes app. The following trails are marked on the ground by wooden marker posts Available for Android and iPhone, with coloured bands. An overview map of each route is displayed at the the app features 27 walking routes of various lengths from coastal start point in the car park. All routes are circular and will bring you back to strolls to woodland walks. your starting point. The numbers refer to map locations on centre pages. It makes following the routes easier 2 6 3 than ever, with GPS navigation From Bolderwood car park From Blackwater or Reptile Centre car park: allowing you to see your location Deer Watch Trail Brockhill car parks: Reptile Trail at all times. This removes the need 0.75km/0.5 miles Tall Trees Trail 2km/1.5 miles to read a map or decipher written A short stroll leading you to a 2.5km/1.5 miles Enjoy a circular walk through the directions, making it perfect for the deer-viewing platform overlooking Follow the marker posts and you woods. The trail mainly follows a casual walker. fields where wild herds of fallow will be guided along a shady path fairly smooth, gravelled surface. deer are frequently seen. The beneath mighty Douglas firs and Learn more about Each route on the app also features 8 Wilverley car parks: No smartphone? path is a moderately smooth, redwoods that were planted the special qualities points of interest, where you can gravelled surface with gentle during the reign of Queen Victoria. Wilverley Wander of the New Forest find out interesting history or No problem! slopes and benches along the The path has a fairly smooth, 4.2km/2.5 miles while enjoying a nature facts along the way. All walks are available to way. The trail is accessed by a gravelled surface. The trail is flat A longer and more informal trail Download for free at download and print at which winds through this diverse healthy stroll. gate which has a low catch. with frequent resting places and newforestnpa.gov.uk/walksapp newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes no gates. and working woodland. The paths Jubilee Grove Trail are moderately smooth, gravelled 1.5km/1 mile Blackwater Arboretum Trail surfaces with some short, steep Including the deer fields, this 0.75km/0.5 miles slopes. Please note that part of this Learn more about 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 the wildlife, history 5 The New of which date back to 1860. world. By following the unique Knightwood car park: and culture of the Benches from which to admire panels you can use your senses Knightwood Oak their beauty can be found along to discover the secrets that these Less than 0.25 miles Forest National Park during the way. The path is a moderately trees hold. Benches are located A short stroll to one of the most this popular two-week smooth, gravelled surface with two along the walk. The path has a famous trees in the New Forest. short ‘but fairly steep’ slopes and fairly smooth, gravelled surface Believed to have been planted Walking festival which hosts frequent resting places. The trail with one very gentle slope. before 1600, this tree is still dozens of guided walks is accessed via a gate which has going strong and is a spectacular 7 From Whitefield Moor or Festival a low catch. example of the ancient practice of led by knowledgeable Puttles Bridge car parks: pollarding. Benches are located local experts. Radnor Trail Ober Water Trails throughout. The path has a fairly 2020 3km/2 miles The wide range of themed walks 1.5km/1 mile (red trail) smooth, gravelled surface. A longer route which takes you 2.5km/1.5miles (yellow trail) typically include birdwatching, into the heart of the Forest and fungi spotting, hidden histories, Two circular routes follow the Miles of waymarked trails across the Bratley Water stream. Ober Water midway between its bark ranger walks for pooches to explore! Benches and picnic benches are source and the sea. Close to this and woodland wild play events located along the trail. The path meandering stream is the open for children. is a moderately smooth, gravelled grassy expanse of Whitefield Moor. The Festival will return from surface with two short ‘but fairly The paths are moderately smooth, 17 October to 1 November with steep’ slopes and frequent resting gravelled surfaces and compacted walks announced by August 2020. 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 Forest rights

We’ve One of the first things you notice here in the New Forest is the free-roaming animals. The ponies, cattle, pigs, donkeys and, in certain areas, sheep graze and forage on unfenced common got the land and are owned by local families using their are you ready commoning rights. Horse riders have always enjoyed The members of these families open access in the New Forest, to ride? are called ‘commoners’ – ordinary which has lots of suitable trails... people with an extraordinary tracks. When leaving Forestry commitment to this special place. England land, remember to use Explore the National Park by bike with over They have commoning rights from bridleways. On private land riders land they own, rent or share that must keep to the Public Rights 100 miles of family-friendly cycle routes. allows them to graze their animals of Way. These are shown on the The off-road routes are marked Visit: newforestnpa.gov.uk/ on the Open Forest. Ordnance Survey maps and are usually indicated by fingerposts with numbered wooden posts. routes for all the best trails. Adventure All-year round Commoners have You can navigate your way and/or blue arrows or dots. Please follow both the to tend to their livestock, so you around the tracks by referencing Highway Code and the might see them, with trailers, these numbers to our cycle trail cycling New Forest Cycling Code: rounding up their ponies, or map or following the Ordnance For more adventurous cyclists, newforestnpa.gov.uk/cycling checking on their cows. It’s all Survey grid references also on there are purpose-built mountain part of the New Forest’s long the markers. bike skills circuits at Moors Valley history as a working forest. Country Park, . Here The network is easily accessible Off-road cycling in the you will find a network of forest from railway stations at Ashurst, New Forest is permitted road graded trails, as well as blue and Sway and links ! only on waymarked routes. graded single track. A cycle map is Sadly many ponies and other 3. Please don’t leave water out the main New Forest villages. Please take a look at our cycle trail available from the visitor livestock are killed or injured on the for the animals at any time of the map for more information. centre on-site. roads of the New Forest each year. year. There is always natural water Every animal killed is a great loss to available, and it is important for the Forest, and to its owner, so the Forest that the grazing shifts if you enjoy seeing the animals in naturally according to the weather. the National Park then please help 4. Please help reduce animal us protect them through some Cycle code accidents by driving with extra care, simple actions: particularly in poor visibility. Just and map 1. Please #keepyourdistance from #add3minutesThe area in towhich your journey a Grab a cycle trail map before the animals. However tame they acrosspony the lives New is Forest known to keep heading out on your adventure. may appear they are unpredictable, yourselfas its haunt.and the commoners’ It shows both off-road and road- and can bite and kick. Take animals safe newforestnpa.gov. The ponies move around their based cycle networks across the particular care around ponies and uk/add3minutes. haunt according to the seasons New Forest, plus details of bike cattle with young, especially if you and weather. In the summer hire outlets. have a dog with you. Animalponies often emergency go to shade under Available to pick up at outlets 2. Please don’t feed the animals. hotlinethe same cards trees are each day, across the New Forest National £1 It is vital that they graze naturally, availablecommoners from have Local names for Park, including local both for their own survival all year Informationeach of these Points ‘shades’ and and garages will information points. only round and for the benefits grazing acrosssearch thethem Forest. out when Keep looking one in your brings to the landscape. walletfor their so ponies. you know what to do if you are involved in an accident.

6 7 See the best Where to stay? New Forest For more information on where to stay, what to see and do in the New Forest of the Forest visit: thenewforest.co.uk Reptile Centre View the New Forest National Park from a different perspective this summer. ‘A date with nature’ Experience the best views of the Forest on the open-top New Forest Tour or find out the best Did you know that amongst places to visit from the friendly Travel Concierge. trees and heathland here in the New Forest there are some very special residents? The New Forest is home to many reptiles and amphibians and if you want to see them up-close you should visit the Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst. As you look around the habitats, or ‘pods’ as we call them, see if you can spot the elusive smooth snake, adder, or the bright colours of the male sand lizard. There is also a self-guided discovery trail, which starts at the Reptile Centre. This route is easy to walk and takes you in a loop back to the centre. Download the trail map that shows you the best places to stop along the way and look at wildlife as you walk. For Tips from the dates and opening times visit: forestryengland.uk/new- New Forest Tour Travel Concierge forest-reptile-centre If you’re looking for ideas on how to make the The New Forest Tour gives you the best views of most of your visit to the New Forest National the New Forest National Park and is the perfect Park then look no further. excuse to leave your car at home. The sign of true The friendly Travel Concierge team, based at The Tour offers unrivalled treetop views of free- Brockenhurst railway station, will welcome you to By donating to the New Forest roaming ponies, ancient forests and picturesque local produce Trust, you’re supporting their pedal-powered mobile unit full of information villages. There are three beautiful routes to choose on car-free experiences and the best places to visit. conservation, education and from: red, green and blue – and you can hop on Supporting producers, growers, and retailers commoning projects to help secure and off where you like and switch routes – all on the Stop by and say hello from 11 July to who proudly use locally-sourced goods. the future of the New Forest. same ticket. 13 September. Find out more at newforestnpa.gov.uk/travel_concierge Look out for the New Forest It can help reduce waste, support You can do this by choosing Well-behaved dogs are welcome and you can even Marque as you shop and eat in the communities and boost the local restaurants and hotels which bring your bikes (carried free). Listen to audio National Park. Anything with the economy. As the time from field support the charity; through local commentary that brings the history and characters newforesttravel distinctive logo is guaranteed to to fork is shorter, our plates are donation boxes; or by donating of the New Forest to life. The perks don’t stop there, have been grown, reared, brewed, filled with tastier, fresher, more online at: newforesttrust.org. as you can enjoy a free ferry ride from Southampton produced or processed here in the nutritious food. uk/donate to Hythe, as well as great discounts at attractions New Forest. including New Forest Wildlife Park, Ringwood The Marque also helps preserve Brewery and Beaulieu National Motor Museum. The Marque has around 160 traditional farming practices, members, representing many rural skills and traditions which The Tour runs hourly areas of New Forest business, for centuries have shaped the seven days a week Tour information including food and drink; distinctive Forest landscape from 11 July to 13 thenewforesttour.info hospitality and retail; craft; and ecosystem. September newforesttour art; trees and education. (see map on centre pages for routes). The growing number of people choosing New Forest Marque newforestmarque.co.uk produce reflects the many benefits newforestmarque of buying local, seasonal and new_forest_marque sustainable goods. 8 9 The New Forest’s free tap Local water refill service, across the Forest. Download the Refill app, Information Discover the bring your own water bottle, Points Whiteparish look out for the window stickers and get a free tap water refill. Bashley refill.org.uk/newforest Hoburne Bashley New Forest Holiday Park Downton Beaulieu New Moors Valley Country Park Romsey Forest Activities Booking Centre and Forest is close-by Redlynch Eastleigh Brockenhurst Explore waymarked Treetop Adventure+ R Cyclexperience footpaths and cycle and Forest Segway all ive r R B

l i a v Burley

routes, hire a bike or thrill-seeking, family Landford c e West Wellow k

w r B3080

bring your own. For a entertainment boxes are A36 T Shappen Stores Nomansland a e n t M3 e

e s t h more leisurely journey firmly ticked. And, when Woodgreen r c Hythet 4 I take a trip on the narrow- you’re feeling hungry r A338 B3079 Heralde Publishing 5 v B3078 i gauge steam train. after all of that, you can Furzley R 2 3 Landford Children will love the enjoy delicious food in Bramshaw adventure play areas Seasons restaurant. B3078 M27 Landford Village and the ‘Play Trail’ with Newbridge M271 Stores

Moors Valley is open all Fritham

its huge wooden play r Milford-on-Sea

year round, with a full e Godshill t

structures. Longbeech Totton a Rufus The Village News programme of events 1 W Stone Frogham k Sway

If you’d rather live life for adults and children. c Southampton a

l Bartley Deli and Coffee Shop more adventurously Disabled access and B Eling why not try Go Ape’s facilities are provided A337 Ocknell Woodlands Woodgreen new Nets Adventures including wheelchair and North Gorley Community Shop Minstead A35 at Moors Valley? It’s a mobility scooter hire. and Post Office wonderworld of treetop New Forest For more info visit 2 Bolderwood nets, trampolines and Wildlife Park moors-valley.co.uk Ashurst netted tunnels. With follow us on Linwood New Forest Hythe @MoorsValley 3 Reptile A326 Ferry Treetop Challenge, Centre Heritage Centre A31 Matley Wood B3056 Hythe The Gruffalo Ringwood 5 KnightwoodOak Southampton Water Discover our beautifully Lyndhurst Denny Wood carved wooden Gruffalo Moors Valley 6 Blackwater Arboretum Beaulieu Road A337 sculptures, one for each Country Park Anderwood lovable character from the Crow A35 B3054 popular children’s story and Aldridge Hill Hollands Wood Ringwood National see the Gruffalo brought to St Leonards Ober Water 7 Whitefield Moor life in the Forest through a Brewery Motor Holbury A31 Hatchet Museum ©1999 & TM Julia Donaldson/ Axel Scheffler. new augmented reality app. Brockenhurst Pond Calshot Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd Burley Blackfield B3055 Beaulieu 8 Wilverley B337 Roundhill Lepe A338 Country Park

L Finding out more... Bransgore Holmsley y Exbury Gardens m B & Steam Railway Buckler’s e

i B3054 n Setthorns Hard a

Lepe Country Park St Barbe Museum and Art g u

t l

o i hants.gov.uk/lepe Gallery, e n u

Sway B3055 R R stbarbe-museum.org.uk R East End iv New Forest Heritage i er i B3058 v v Sway e e Centre, Lyndhurst Ringwood Gateway r r Hoburne Avon Water Norleywood A Bashley St. Barbe newforestheritage.org.uk Ringwood.gov.uk/gateway v o Holiday Park Museum The National Park Fordingbridge n & Gallery New Forest N Mobile Information Information Centre Adventure Golf Key to map Unit, various locations fordingbridge.gov.uk/ Lymington Pier newforestnpa. fordingbridge & Ferry Teminal Visitor Play area New Forest gov.uk/visiting information-office Hinton information Walking trails Tour* (see page 8) Admiral Local information New Forest Reptile A337 Barbecue New Forest CampsiteThe Solent Tour* Centre, Lyndhurst Barton-on-Sea Lymington Barbecue Highcliffe Wildlife area (Booking required: forestryengland.uk/ 0300 068 0400) New Forest Christchurch Wightlink Castle Tour* new-forest-reptile-centre Cycle network Milford-on-Sea Toilets Bolderwood Fishing (by permit) * The Tour runs For a map of all Forestry Christchurch Bay Accessible toilets hourly, seven days Fishing Information Unit Cafe a week, from England car parks visit: Car parking forestryengland.uk/ Picnic area 11 July – 13 September. bolderwood forestryengland.uk/ Hurst Castle National Park

Lepe newforest 10 Not to scale: This map is a representation of the New Forest National Park area and is not intended to 11 Isle of Wightbe used as a sole means of navigation. Please consult relevant Ordnance Survey maps or visitor guides. Meet your New Forest Rangers Both Forestry England and the National Park Authority employ rangers, who you’ll often meet out and about in the New Forest. Here, you’ll meet some of the team as they answer some of the most commonly asked questions by visitors to the New Forest. How to enjoy

Is it true that some birds nest on the ground here? Yes, that’s right and to help these birds survive we ask that and care for the New Forest from the start of the nesting season through to the end of July people should keep to the main paths when out walking, Ponies, donkeys, cattle, Bolderwood, Blackwater and Wilverley Horse riding cycling or horse riding in the Forest and do not venture out pigs & sheep where stands and water are available. Horse riders have open access onto the open heath. We also ask dog walkers to please keep Raised non-disposable BBQs are For their safety and your own please to the New Forest, but to reduce allowed on the hard-standing areas of their dog on the main tracks, and if necessary to use a lead, so leave the animals alone – although damage to the ground please use car parks, providing water is available. that the birds and young chicks are not disturbed. owned and cared for by local tracks when it’s wet. You can hire fixed stand party-sized people called commoners, they are Gillie Molland, New Forest National Park Authority Lead Ranger BBQs from Forestry England (call unpredictable and best treated as wild. 0300 068 0400 in advance) and from Ticks Please don’t feed or pet them; there Why can’t we feed New Forest ponies? Hampshire County Council at Lepe Check your children, dog and is plenty of natural food and it’s best Country Park ( yourself for ticks when you get back – Everyone loves the ponies, as a horse owner myself I love them, that they don’t come to rely on people’s hants.gov.uk/lepe call 023 8089 9108 in advance). they can lead to Lyme disease. but we all need to act responsibly and keep a safe distance for attention. They may look friendly but our own protection, as well as the ponies’. Many people don’t they can bite and kick, especially understand they are semi-wild and find all the natural food ponies with foals. Cycling Driving they need to survive from the Forest. Cycling is allowed only on The speed limits on unfenced Dogs the waymarked tracks and other roads greatly reduce the number Amy Howells, Forestry England South Walk Ranger designated routes. When approaching of accidents involving animals. The New Forest is great for dogs people and animals, please call out a Slow down and give walkers, cyclists, but to minimise disturbance to wildlife, warning and pass slowly and wide. Try horse-riders and animals a wide How can I help to protect the New Forest? livestock and other people, please keep to leave gaps for overtaking vehicles berth. Be especially careful at night. Litter can harm the local wildlife and grazing livestock. Large your dogs close by you and visible at all and never ride more than two abreast. times – if necessary use a lead. Pick up bits of plastic can also break up into microplastics which find Keep to a safe speed, wear bright after your dog, especially around car Parking their way into our water courses and ultimately our beaches colours to be visible and always use parks, on paths and where people and oceans. lights in the dark. Please park only in designated play or picnic. car parks, not on a verge or in Please carry a spare bag with you so if litter bins are full, or gateways. Lock your car, taking any there is not one nearby, you are able to take your rubbish Birds Fungi valuables with you and leave Forestry England car parks by dusk. home with you to dispose of responsibly. To help ground-nesting birds Please leave fungi for other Chris Marshall, New Forest National Park Authority Coastal Ranger rear their young safely, keep yourself, people to enjoy. Fungi are essential dogs and horses on the main tracks to the New Forest’s internationally Unidentified objects Are wildfires a big issue in the Forest? from the beginning of March to the protected ecosystem. Foray leaders Areas of the New Forest were end of July. must apply for permission for used to test bombs in World War I Disposable barbecues pose a particular fire risk, but we educational excursions from Forestry and II. Please keep away from objects England in advance. If you suspect want everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoors. However, Litter that might be dangerous and notify dry conditions increase the risk of fires, so people should or see commercial picking please call the police immediately on 999. Your food and litter could harm not have open camp fires or barbeques (unless in a Forestry England on 0300 067 4600. the ponies and donkeys. Please take designated area) and extinguish cigarettes properly. Working forest your litter home if bins are full. Camping Martin Rea, Forestry England Seasonal Ranger Stay safe by obeying warning There are 10 campsites in the Barbecues & fires signs and keeping away from work New Forest run by Camping in the sites and vehicles. To reduce the risk of damaging Forestry England rangers Forest, as well as a number of private wildfires, campfires are not allowed 0300 067 4601/[email protected] sites. Please note that camping in without the landowner’s permission. Forestry England, The Queen’s House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7NH the wild and overnight parking is not Disposable BBQs are only allowed at allowed in the New Forest. New Forest National Park Authority rangers 01590 646 600/[email protected] New Forest National Park Authority, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, newforestnpa.gov.uk/caringfor Lymington SO41 9ZG 12 13 Camping in the Forest is a chance to immerse yourself Take a breath of in nature and enjoy What’s the special qualities fresh forest air New Forest Heritage Centre of the New Forest. Forestry England Choose from 10 different sites across the National Park, offering 2020 New Forest National Park Authority something for every visitor, on? including tranquil wooded nooks to flat, green open spaces shaped over centuries by free-roaming animals. Whether you want to pitch a tent for a short stay in simple surroundings or are bringing a touring caravan for a longer visit, all sites offer an excellent base to explore the local area either by car, bike or on foot. Book today: campingintheforest.co.uk 024 7767 0208

Family Discovery Days Learn about the New Forest and have fun with our family-friendly activities. No need to book, just drop in between 10am and 3pm – different activities each day. (Museum entry is free, donation per craft activity.)

Be extra Tues 7 Apr Thur 9 Apr Tues 14 Apr Tues 26 May Thur 28 May Tues 4 Aug Thur 6 Aug Tues 11 Aug Thur 13 Aug Tues 18 Aug Thur 20 Aug Tues 25 Aug Thur 27 Aug Tues 27 Oct Thur 29 Oct New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY careful...

The waterways in the New Forest don’t are a vital resource for the wildlife March John Welsh - Art of Verderers Hall Open day Tree Tours and it’s important that we all the New Forest and Mon 23 Mar, 10am-12pm, Mon 30 Mar, 10am-12pm, Forest Forge Theatre South Downs Verderers Hall SO43 7NH Blackwater Arboretum, SU268047 respect the Forest while enjoying Company and Sat 14 Mar – Sun 31 May, Come and visit the Verderers New Forest Heritage Centre, Hall, for an exclusive opportunity Take a tour around the this special place safely. playwright David Lane - to visit this historic building arboretum to discover the take the SO43 7NY ‘22 Miles of Sea’ and learn more about the hidden history and secrets of Over summer as temperatures begin to rise, it can Artist John Welsh works in oils important role it plays in the this unique tree collection. Fri 14 Feb – Sun 8 Mar, and specialises in landscapes be really tempting to cool off in the river – but we New Forest Heritage Centre, New Forest. Parking in main £2. Suitable for all. Dogs and portraits; his style is Lyndhurst Town car park only. SO43 7NY expressive, and realist and welcome on leads. No booking discourage people from swimming in the river at In partnership with The New required. Enquires: 0300 067 4601 plunge! This pop-up exhibition captures his inspiration comes from Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst, and other natural water Forest Heritage Centre. the moving, entertaining and the South Downs and the sources that may have potential dangers. often profound tales of people New Forest. Free. Suitable for all. Dogs not and places from the Waterside suitable on this event. No booking stretch of the New Forest. required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601

14 April 15 April Wild About Ponies June July Wild Wednesday Wild About Ponies Verderers Hall Open day Thur 9 Apr, 1pm-2pm, August Wed 12 Aug, 10.30am-4pm, Thur 27 Aug, 1pm-2pm, Tue 20 Oct, 1.30pm-3.30pm, Discovery Days Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 New Forest Show Sunset Safari Mapping an adventure New Forest Reptile Centre, Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH Come and meet a New Forest SU271071 at Bolderwood Centenary Exhibition Thur 2 Jul, 8pm-10pm, Tue 4 Aug, 10am-4pm, See Thur 9 Apr for details. See Mon 23 March for details. Ranger and learn about New Blackwater car park, SU268047 New Forest Reptile Centre, See Wed 8 Apr for details. Sat 4 Apr – Sun 19 Apr, Forest Ponies and other Mon 1 Jun – Mon 13 July, See Sat 13 Jun for details. SU271071 10.30am-3.30pm, Bolderwood, livestock which live on the New Forest Heritage Centre, Discover the New Forest Walk with a Commoner Join some Forestry England Discover the New Forest SU242086 Forest. Come along to a fun, free SO43 7NY Thur 27 Aug, 11am-12pm, Thur 22 Oct, 10am-1pm, volunteer rangers to put your Come along and take part information session and learn all A fascinating overview of the Sunset Safari Thur 13 Aug, 11am-12pm, Bolderwood Information Unit, Beaulieu Road, SU350063 map reading skills to the test. in seasonal activities at our the answers to your questions history and development of the Bolderwood Information Unit, SU242086 Enjoy a guided walk with a Wed 8 Jul, 8pm-10pm, Orienteer yourselves along a 3 Bolderwood Information Unit. about the four-legged icons of New Forest Show from 1920 SU242086 Forestry England volunteer Blackwater car park, SU268047 mile route through the forest. See Thur 6 Aug for details. Free. Suitable for all. Dogs the New Forest. through to 2020. See Sat 13 Jun for details. See Thur 6 Aug for details. ranger who has ponies on £6 per person. 12 years+. welcome on leads. No booking Free. Suitable for all. the Forest. £10 per person. 10 years+. Dogs not suitable on this required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 1 mile. Dogs welcome on leads. Fruit Full – art and 2 miles. Dogs not suitable event. Please book online: Wild About Ponies £6 per person. 15 years+. No booking required. science project by on this event. Please book forestryengland.uk/ 5 miles. Dogs welcome Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 Thur 13 Aug, 1pm-2pm, National Parks online: forestryengland.uk/ newforestevents. on a lead. Please book Francoise Sergy Whitefield Moor, SU274026 online: forestryengland.uk/ Fortnight newforestevents. Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Verderers Hall Sat 6 Jun – Sun 12 Jul, Enquires: 0300 068 0400 See Thur 9 Apr for details. newforestevents. Sat 6 Apr – Sun 21 Apr, New Forest Heritage Centre, Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Open Day locations across the SO43 7NY Wild Wednesday New Forest Tues 14 Apr, 10am-12noon, Why do we like sugar so much? Verderers Hall Open day Autumn Alight Discover National Parks Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH The art and science project Thur 16 Jul, 10am-12pm, Wed 19 Aug, 10.30am-4pm, New Forest Reptile Centre, Thur 22 Oct, 9am-11.30am, fortnight - a two-week See Mon 23 March for details Fruit Full wants to answer Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH SU271071 Bolderwood car park, celebration encouraging people this question. The project is a See Mon 23 March for details. See Wed 8 Apr for details. SU242086 of all ages and interests to go Wild Wednesday partnership between an artist, outside, explore and learn more nutrition scientists, fruit growers Experience the sights and Wild About Ponies sounds of autumn on this about these special places. Wed 15 Apr, 10.30am-4pm, and jam makers. By celebrating Discover the New Forest New Forest Reptile Centre, fruits and untangling sugar’s Thur 23 Jul, 1pm-2pm, morning walk. Listen out for Booking essential. Thur 20 Aug, 11am-12pm, SU271071 power and illusions from a truly Hatchet Pond, SU369017 September deer, experience colours and See the website for details: Bolderwood Information Unit, learn about the importance newforestnpa.gov.uk/events. See Wed 8 Apr for details unusual perspective! See Thur 9 Apr for details. SU242086 Wild Wednesday of fungi and pannage to the See Thur 6 Aug for details. Wed 2 Sept, 10.30am-4pm, New Forest. Sunset Safari Wild Play Day at Wild About Ponies No Sat Nav required… New Forest Reptile Centre, £6 per person. 8 years+. the Beach Thur 16 Apr, 1pm-2pm, Sat 13 Jun, 8pm-10pm, Tue 28 Jul, 10am-4pm, Wild About Ponies- SU271071 Dogs not suitable on this event. Hatchet Pond, SU369017 Blackwater car park, SU268047 See Wed 8 Apr for details. Steep slopes along the way. Wed 8 Apr, drop in between New Forest Reptile Centre, Experience New Forest wildlife Beaulieu Road Special Please book online: 10am-3pm, Hurst Spit, Milford See Thur 9 Apr for details. SU271071 as the sun sets. Listen for Thur 20 Aug, 1pm-2pm, forestryengland.uk/ on Sea, SO41 0PY Join some Forestry England Nightjars; keep your eyes peeled Beaulieu Road Sales Yard, Verderers Hall Open day newforestevents. volunteer rangers to learn map Wild Wednesday Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Discover fun ways to explore, for bats and watch out for deer. SU350063 Mon 28 Sept, 2-4pm, play and get creative in the reading skills, then put your Wed 5 Aug, 10.30am-4pm, May £10 per person. 10 years+. knowledge to the test on a A unique opportunity to explore Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH outdoors. Come and try beach/ New Forest Reptile Centre, See Mon 23 March for details. Autumn fun 2 miles. Dogs not suitable 1.5 mile walk. SU271071 Beaulieu Road sales yard with forest art, seashore/forest Tree Tours on this event. Please book £6 per person. 12 years+. a New Forest ranger. Come Wed 28 Oct, 10.30-12pm, scavenging and much more. online: forestryengland.uk/ See Wed 8 Apr for details. Thur 14 May, 10am-12pm, Dogs not suitable on this along to a fun, free information Blackwater Arboretum, Wear some weather-appropriate newforestevents. Blackwater Arboretum, event. Please book online: session and learn all the old clothes and don’t forget your Enquires: 0300 068 0400 October SU268047 SU268047 forestryengland.uk/ answers to your questions wellies if you like a splash! Wild About Ponies Join us in the arboretum to See Mon 30 Mar for details newforestevents. Thur 6 Aug, 1pm-2pm, about the four-legged icons- Tree Tours Suggested donation £1/child. Enquires: 0300 068 0400 experience the sounds, smells Verderers Hall Open day Hatchet Pond, SU369017 New Forest ponies and other Wed 14 Oct, 10am-12pm, and colours of autumn. Get Parking charges apply. Suitable livestock which live on the forest. for all ages (children must be Verderers Hall Open day Wed 24 Jun, 10am-12pm, See Thur 9 Apr for details. Blackwater Arboretum, back to nature with hands on accompanied by an adult). Verderers Hall SO43 7NH Wild Wednesday Free. Suitable for all. SU268047 activities to explore. Fri 22 May, 2pm-4pm, 1 mile. Dogs welcome on leads. No booking required. See Mon 23 March for details. See Mon 30 Mar for details. £5 per child. 3 years+. 1 mile. Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH Wed 29 Jul, 10.30am-4pm, Discover the New Forest No booking required. Enquiries 01590 646600. Dogs not suitable on this event. See Mon 23 March for details New Forest Reptile Centre, Enquiries: 0300 067 4601 SU271071 Thur 6 Aug, 11am-12pm, No booking required. Sunset Safari Bolderwood Information Unit, New Forest Enquires: 0300 068 0400 Wild Wednesday See Wed 8 Apr for details. Wild Wednesday Fri 26 Jun, 8pm-10pm, SU242086 Verderers Hall Open day Walking Festival Wed 8 Apr, 10.30am-4pm, Blackwater car park, SU268047 Join a ranger on a short guided Sat 17 – Sun 1 Nov, locations New Forest Reptile Centre, Wed 27 May, 10.30am-4pm, Wild About Ponies Fri 21 Aug, 10am–12noon, Autumn Wild Play Day New Forest Reptile Centre, Experience New Forest wildlife. walk and discover what makes Verderers Hall, SO43 7NH across the Forest SU271071 the New Forest so special. in the Forest SU271071 See Sat 13 Jun for details. Thur 30 Jul, 1pm-2pm, See Mon 23 March for details Join local experts for fascinating A fun-filled day for all the family, Bolton’s Bench, SU303081 Learn about the history and New Forest walks at the seventh Wed 28 Oct, drop in between with crafty makes and badge See Wed 8 Apr for details See Thur 9 Apr for details. heritage of the Forest and its annual Walking Festival. 10am-3pm, Holmsley making. A celebration of the extraordinary diversity Fun in the Forest Includes wildlife walks, history Campsite, Forest Road, wildlife of the New Forest. Wild About Ponies – of wildlife. Burley BH23 8EB Tue 25 Aug, drop in between hikes and family strolls and so Free (suggested donation for See 8 April for details. My Haunt Free. Suitable for all. Dogs 10am–3pm. Wilverley much more! parking). Suitable for all. Dogs welcome on leads. Spaces limited. Inclosure car park, welcome on leads. No booking Thur 28 May, 1pm-2pm, Booking is essential. Browse Please book on day at Bolderwood required. Enquiries: 0300 067 4601. Tilery Road, SU308032 Brockenhurst, BH25 5TZ the walks and book from August Information Unit. onwards at: newforestnpa.gov.uk/ See Thur 9 Apr for details Catch up with the New Forest rangers for a host of activities walkingfestival Fun in the Forest such as scavenger hunts,

Tue 11 Aug, drop in between colouring and crafts. Wear Autumn in the Forest old clothes and be ready for 10am-3pm. Whitefield Moor Sun 18 Oct, 9.30am-2.30pm, forest fun! car park, Brockenhurst, Fritham car park, SU230140 SO42 7QD Suggested donation £1/child. Discover the colours, sounds Suitable for all (children must Catch up with the New Forest and ‘secrets’ of the Forest at Rangers for a host of activities be accompanied by an adult). No booking required. this special time of year. Join such as scavenger hunts, Enquiries 01590 646600 Forestry England Volunteer colouring and crafts. Wear old Rangers on an autumnal clothes and wellies and be ready walk as part of this year’s for forest fun! Wild Wednesday Walking Festival. Suggested donation £1/child. Wed 26 Aug, 10.30am–4pm, £6 per person. 16 years+. Suitable for all (children must New Forest Reptile Centre, Dogs not suitable on this be accompanied by an adult). SU271071 event. Please book online: No booking required. See Wed 8 Apr for details. forestryengland.uk/ Enquiries 01590 646600 newforestevents. Enquires: 0300 068 0400

16 17 18 To advertise in the 2021 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email [email protected] To advertise in the 2021 edition of the New Forest Essential Guide, please call Media 3 on 023 9235 1920 or email [email protected] 19 Lapwing New Forest heathlands are special Silver-studded blue butterfly Here in the New Forest we’re fortunate to have the largest area of lowland heath in western Europe. Our wet bogs that run through areas of heathland are home to many rare and specialised species. Rare sand lizards The heathlands owe much to fantastic balmy smell and the local geology and tradition uncommon species like bog of commoners grazing their orchid, cotton slender grass, livestock here. Also, the pale green sphagnum bog heathlands support a vital moss and bog sedge. resource of peat-based habitats The grasslands are home to such as mires and wet heathland birds with superb camouflage that has the capacity to store that nest on the ground. You as much or more carbon as an Heath spotted-orchid can help these birds, such as equivalent area of woodland. curlew and lapwing, by keeping The valley mires are filled to the main gravel tracks until with plants such as sundews, July. If you’re walking your dog bladderworts, butterworts, here, keep it on the tracks too – aromatic bog myrtle with its if necessary use a lead.

Large marsh grasshopper

There’s nowhere quite like the New Forest

You’ll find a variety of native bracken on the heathland; remove creatures and plants which have regrowth and rhododendron, long since disappeared from the which smother many plants rest of England. Discover a large growing underneath. It is only marsh grasshopper, hear the through this ongoing forest Dartford warbler singing from management that we will protect the tops of gorse bushes, or spot the habitat at a landscape level, a sand lizard or the even rarer creating a mosaic of habitats for smooth snake – all in one location! wildlife while fostering one of the New Forest’s key features for the Forestry England’s local team take enjoyment of future generations. pride in maintaining and restoring this precious habitat. We manage the gorse breaks; control the

The New Forest Essential Guide is a joint publication with Forestry England and the New Forest National Park Authority.