Stay healthy
The New Forest National Park is a fabulous place to visit but there are a number of things worth bearing in mind to make sure you and your family stay safe and healthy.
Ticks/Lyme's Disease
Ticks are found in the wooded and grassy areas of the New Forest. They feed on the blood of passing animals including humans. They are abundant in the late spring and summer. For further information and guidance about ticks, preventing bites and what to do if you are bitten visit NHS direct or the Health Protection Agency website.
Adders
The adder is the only poisonous snake native to Britain. They are not aggressive and will only bite if they are disturbed. For more information visit NHS Direct if you get bitten go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.
Ponies
Although ponies appear tame and are accustomed to people, they are semi-wild and may bite or kick, so it's sensible to take care and certainly to avoid standing behind them! It is also important not to feed the ponies as this encourages them to congregate on roadsides and in car parks . It may also make them aggressive and they become greedy and demand more food. There is plenty of natural food for them in the Forest.
Mushrooms and toadstools
There is a Fungi Collectors' Code which should be followed in the New Forest:
- No commercial collecting
- Obey any warning signs
- Never remove all the fungi in one area
- 1.5kg personal limit (and if you’ve found this much you’ve done well!)
- If you don’t know what it is, it may be rare – leave it alone
Leeches
Medicinal leeches are found in water in New Forest so be aware if you go paddling.
