CoastlineCoastline

The National Park boasts 26 miles of lesser-known but very important coastline. The New...

FarmlandFarmland

Land management by farmers and landowners is crucial for the New Forest. Since the...

HeathlandHeathland

The New Forest has the most extensive area of heathland remaining in Europe (over 10,000ha)....

Ancient treesAncient trees

Around 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest National Park. This...

FungiFungi

The New Forest is a special and nationally-important area for fungi. This is probably...

Heathland plantsHeathland plants

Heathland is probably the most iconic scenery of the New Forest National Park, with...

Woodland flowersWoodland flowers

Woodlands within the New Forest vary from the coniferous plantations, through recently established birch...

Bog flowersBog flowers

In terms of national scarcity, the bogs and valley mires are the most important...

Interactive timelineInteractive timeline

Explore the Forest's past through this interactive timeline of videos and photos charting thousands...

Famous Forest folkFamous Forest folk

As well as being world-renowned for its habitats and wildlife, the New Forest is...

Historical SitesHistorical Sites

History Hits videos on some of the New Forest's best historical sites. The New...

Built HeritageBuilt Heritage

The New Forest is well known for its free roaming animals, wide open heathland...

The animalsThe animals

Probably the most well-known fact about the New Forest is that it is home...

Community and HeritageCommunity and Heritage

The New Forest commoning community is a diverse and broad community of people who...

Commoning and the ForestCommoning and the Forest

Commoning makes a positive contribution to the remarkable biodiversity of the New Forest. The...

Commoning and youCommoning and you

In this section you can find out more about how the work of commoners...

WetlandWetland

The New Forest is one of the most intact networks of wetland habitat in...

MiresMires

The National Park has 75% of the valley mires in north-western Europe (90 out...

Rivers and SteamsRivers and Steams

The New Forest contains many small rivers and streams which begin in boggy heathland...

Local ProduceLocal Produce

The New Forest is a hotbed of high quality food, drink and craft producers....

Future ForestFuture Forest

Welcome … to an important debate about recreation in the New Forest National Park...

AccessAccess

The New Forest National Park is freely accessible for you to enjoy the open...

New Forest Dogs ForumNew Forest Dogs Forum

The National Park Authority recognises the many benefits of dog walking, especially to the...

Cycle eventsCycle events

We support cycling in the National Park, whether for work or pleasure, to enjoy...

Funded projectsFunded projects

Since 2006 we have funded sustainability projects within the National Park to help groups...

Sustainable transportSustainable transport

More than 95% of visitors to the New Forest National Park arrive by car....

Heritage mappingHeritage mapping

The New Forest has a rich and varied history of human interaction extending back...

Explore laser mapExplore laser map

In its most basic form, 3D Lidar data allows us to create a detailed...

Archaeology in the planning processArchaeology in the planning process

One of the main tools we have to protect archaeology within the National Park...

Wartime heritageWartime heritage

Few people realise the important role that the New Forest played in both World...

Animal accidentsAnimal accidents

The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs...

Stopping petting of animalsStopping petting of animals

Feeding ponies causes serious issues in the New Forest and is against byelaws. Some...

Support and adviceSupport and advice

Through the New Forest Land Advice Service (NFLAS), we help to support commoners with...

Housing for commonersHousing for commoners

Providing affordable housing for commoners has long been recognised as essential for the future...

Landscape partnership projectsLandscape partnership projects

The Our Past, Our Future scheme is made up of 21 projects across four...

News and updatesNews and updates

The scheme is now in its fourth year of the delivery phase of the...

VolunteeringVolunteering

We are always looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to join the Our Past,...

About the partnershipAbout the partnership

Our vision is to be a global exemplar of how our most precious landscapes...

Green Halo themesGreen Halo themes

'To do good you actually have to do something.' (Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner,...

Our natural resourcesOur natural resources

The term 'natural capital' is used to describe the environmental assets which have a...

Join usJoin us

With greater understanding about natural capital and the benefits it provides – to health...

Find your parish councilFind your parish council

There are 37 parishes and towns wholly or partly within the National Park and...

Useful informationUseful information

A map of the National Park boundary (2 MB) Consultation responses - details of...

Useful contactsUseful contacts

Alison Barnes Tel: 01590 646633 Chief Executive   Steve Avery Tel: 01590 646659 Executive...

Your home and gardenYour home and garden

If your home is next to the Open Forest (where the commoners’ animals graze),...

Who does whatWho does what

In the main the landowners are responsible for managing the land. So, for example,...

About the National ParkAbout the National Park

The New Forest became a National Park in 2005 - it's one of 15...

About the animalsAbout the animals

The New Forest has a long and proud history of commoning: the system whereby...

Sustainable Communities FundSustainable Communities Fund

Introduction The aim of the fund is to strengthen the well-being and sustainability of...

National Grid landscape enhancement grantsNational Grid landscape enhancement grants

You can apply for up to £200,000 from National Grid to help reduce the...

Rural communities fundRural communities fund

This fund will help improve local countryside access and information in the New Forest...

Volunteer opportunitiesVolunteer opportunities

New Forest National Park opportunities Our Past, Our Future Our Past, Our Future is...

Green Action in the New ForestGreen Action in the New Forest

In 2019 there were events and activities across the New Forest aiming to help...

Private: Our Green Action micro grantsPrivate: Our Green Action micro grants

If your school or group want to help more young people to connect, protect and...

New Forest Spring CleanNew Forest Spring Clean

Be part of 2020’s New Forest Spring Clean by joining in the annual litter...

Schools and GroupsSchools and Groups

The New Forest National Park offers outstanding learning opportunities for schools and groups, self-led...

New Forest CurriculumNew Forest Curriculum

Explore this section of the website to find resources that will support learning across...

Planning your visitPlanning your visit

The New Forest National Park is the ultimate outdoor classroom offering opportunities to discover,...

Youth schemesYouth schemes

From winding rivers to expansive heathland, ancient woodland to stunning coastline - the New...

Guidance on applyingGuidance on applying

About half the planning applications we receive are invalid when submitted. Here are some...

The application processThe application process

This section explains the planning application process - from being validated by our planning...

FeesFees

All planning application fees should be paid at the time the application is submitted. To...

Pre-application advicePre-application advice

Before applying to carry out tree work it is worth getting advice from a...

Consultation on revised Local RequirementsConsultation on revised Local Requirements

A local validation list is a compendium of the supporting documents which need to...

Fawley Waterside planning applicationFawley Waterside planning application

Fawley Waterside Ltd has submitted its outline planning applications to redevelop the former Fawley...

Material considerationsMaterial considerations

What are material considerations? When reviewing your comments on an application the following can...

Guide to viewingGuide to viewing

Use these links for guidance on how to view planning applications on the website:...

Submit tree work applicationSubmit tree work application

To carry out work on trees protected by a tree preservation order (TPO) or...

Tree preservation ordersTree preservation orders

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) were introduced in the late 1940s to enable Local Planning...

HedgerowsHedgerows

If you wish to remove a hedgerow in the New Forest then it is...

What is a breach of planning control?What is a breach of planning control?

Lack of planning permission for building works or changes in the use of land...

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

How enforcement worksHow enforcement works

After you contact us we will investigate whether a breach of planning control has...

Report a breachReport a breach

Suspected breaches of planning control should be reported in our web form. It is...

Conservation areasConservation areas

There are 20 conservation areas in the New Forest National Park, of which three...

Conservation informationConservation information

We advise on all aspects of the historic built environment. As well as control...

Design guidanceDesign guidance

Policies referring to building design are contained in the adopted New Forest National Park...

Building design awardsBuilding design awards

From traditional thatched cottages to eco homes and historic houses to beach huts, the...

Local planLocal plan

The planning system is a vital tool in helping to deliver the two National...

Design guideDesign guide

The New Forest National Park Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a key...

Supplementary planning documentsSupplementary planning documents

National planning policy confirms that authorities may prepare Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to provide...

Planning Policy OverviewPlanning Policy Overview

National Planning Policy In February 2019, the Government updated its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF...

Dog walkingDog walking

Dog walking is very popular in the New Forest National Park. It’s a great...

Free walking routes appFree walking routes app

The best way to follow our New Forest National Park walking routes is by...

Accessible walksAccessible walks

We've created a number of routes around the New Forest for people with disabilities...

Dog Walking CodeDog Walking Code

To help keep the New Forest special, local people have agreed this code of...

New Forest cycling routesNew Forest cycling routes

For some of the best New Forest cycling routes try our cycle routes finder....

Cycle hireCycle hire

If you’re looking for cycle hire in the New Forest you really are spoilt...

Cycling codeCycling code

The New Forest is a beautiful place enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike....

PEDALL – New Forest Inclusive CyclingPEDALL – New Forest Inclusive Cycling

PEDALL provides inclusive cycling sessions for people who need support so that they can enjoy...

Lyndhurst to LepeLyndhurst to Lepe

Explore the colourful military history of the New Forest. This full day plan is...

Seaside fun and ice creamSeaside fun and ice cream

Pack your bucket and spade and let’s head to the coast. This full day...

Uncover Lyndhurst on footUncover Lyndhurst on foot

Discover Lyndhurst’s rich heritage, amazing natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere as you stroll through...

Walk on the wild sideWalk on the wild side

Take the family on a wildlife adventure in the heart of the New Forest...

Best places to spot wildlifeBest places to spot wildlife

The New Forest is a wildlife-rich landscape covering over 200 square miles. Wherever you...

Date with NatureDate with Nature

Come and experience 'A Date With Nature' at the New Forest Reptile Centre. Using the latest...

Horse ridingHorse riding

Horses and ponies are central to the cultural heritage of the New Forest. There...

New Forest TourNew Forest Tour

Enjoy grandstand views of the National Park from the open top New Forest Tour...

Wild playWild play

Grow up wild in the New Forest! Playing outdoors in a natural environment, building...

Date with NatureDate with Nature

Come and experience 'A Date With Nature' at the New Forest Reptile Centre. Using the latest...

Historic routesHistoric routes

Help us uncover colourful tales of the Forest for five new historic trails Here’s...

Houses and gardensHouses and gardens

Houses and Gardens Visit the countryside museum and Elizabethan manor at Breamore House near Fordingbridge Hop...

Museums and art galleriesMuseums and art galleries

Museums and galleries Spend an action-packed day at Beaulieu featuring the National Motor Museum, Palace House...

Campsites and holiday parksCampsites and holiday parks

Do you love camping? There are a wide range of campsites within the New...

Self-catering cottagesSelf-catering cottages

From holiday cottages ideal for walking and cycling, to houses located close to a...

HotelsHotels

Hotel stays are very popular with visitors to the New Forest National Park. Many...

Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts

From family homes to lovely old farmhouses or cosy thatched cottages, there is a...

TrainTrain

Let the train take the strain and enjoy unforgettable views as you travel to...

Public busesPublic buses

The New Forest National Park is well-served by a public bus network. There are...

Travel advice from conciergeTravel advice from concierge

You don’t need a car to see the beauty of the National Park and...

DrivingDriving

The New Forest is a beautiful place, full of great views and intriguing sights....

Restaurants and tea roomsRestaurants and tea rooms

These New Forest Marque member restaurants and tea rooms support local producers by serving...

Where to buyWhere to buy

Nestled among the ancient woodlands and smallholdings of the New Forest in the south...

Hotels and innsHotels and inns

These New Forest Marque member hotels and inns support local producers by serving high...

Bed and breakfastsBed and breakfasts

These New Forest Marque member Bed and Breakfasts support local producers by serving high...

Avoid disturbing rare birdsAvoid disturbing rare birds

Please help ground nesting birds If you’re out and about in the New Forest...

Keep your distance from animalsKeep your distance from animals

The New Forest is well-known for its roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and in...

LitteringLittering

The New Forest's unspoilt natural beauty is one of the things that people value...

No wildfires pleaseNo wildfires please

During periods of hot, dry weather, especially in the open areas of heathland, please...

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The New Forest is very important for wading birds during their breeding...

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Interactive timeline

Explore the Forest's past through this interactive timeline of videos and photos...


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Welcome … to an important debate about recreation in the New Forest...

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Try something different in 2020 - become a volunteer in the stunning...

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The New Forest National Park is a wonderful place to live, with peaceful hamlets, bustling towns and thriving communities.

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Green Action in the New Forest

In 2019 there were events and...

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The New Forest is a beautiful place that can be protected for years to come with the help of visitors.

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Meet Sylvia, one of our wonderful volunteers in the New Forest National Park. If you’d like to find out about volunteering, see below for details. Sylvia, from Woodlands, has volunteered more than 800 hours on a range of projects including Ecademy, Heritage on my Doorstep and Historic Routes.👏👏👏 Historic Routes and Past Pathways project is working with volunteers, partner organisations and local communities to investigate existing rights of way and identify those with significant historical importance within the New Forest National Park. Sylvia said: ‘I am a volunteer in the Christopher Tower Reference Library in Lyndhurst and I have been helping with the New Forest Knowledge website since it was started. The library has a unique and fascinating collection of books, maps, photos and postcards relating to the New Forest and it is a really interesting place to work. The website and the whole project called Our Past, Our Future has made many more people aware of the history and heritage of the New Forest, and hopefully will help to preserve it for the future.’ . . . 👉👉👉 Join the New Forest’s volunteer community!👉👉👉 . . . More than local 50 organisations will feature at our 10th annual Volunteer Fair which takes place ‪‪on Sunday, January 26.‬ Entry is free and you’ll be able to hear talks about volunteering in the New Forest as well as browse organisations in a relaxed atmosphere. Come along to Lyndhurst Community Centre, just off the High Street, in Lyndhurst SO43 7NY, ‪‪between 10.30am and 4pm‬ . . . #newforest #volunteering #community #conservation #archaeology #wildlife #nature #lyndhurst #hampshire #makeadifference #givesomethingback #HelpYourCommunity #NewForestNationalPark #volunteerfair #fair #newforestknowledge @heritagefunduk
Meet Roger, one of our wonderful volunteers in the New Forest National Park. Roger, from Southampton, has volunteered more than 200 hours at Foxbury and on archaeology and non-native plants projects.👏👏👏 Foxbury is a 150-hectare heathland restoration site owned by the National Trust, in the north of the New Forest, near East Wellow. The site was a commercial conifer plantation, but the National Trust is slowly restoring it to its 19th Century lowland heathland and mixed deciduous woodland habitat. Roger said: ‘For me it is about learning, fresh air, exercise and making lots of new friends – some of which are a bit younger, so they help to keep me young!’ . . . 👉👉👉 Join the New Forest’s volunteer community!👉👉👉 . . . More than local 50 organisations will feature at our 10th annual Volunteer Fair which takes place ‪on Sunday, January 26. Entry is free and you’ll be able to hear talks about volunteering in the New Forest as well as browse organisations in a relaxed atmosphere. Come along to Lyndhurst Community Centre, just off the High Street, in Lyndhurst SO43 7NY, ‪between 10.30am and 4pm. . . . #newforest #volunteering #community #conservation #archaeology #wildlife #nature #lyndhurst #hampshire #makeadifference #givesomethingback #HelpYourCommunity #NewForestNationalPark #volunteerfair #fair #Foxbury #opof @heritagefunduk
Meet Ian, one of our wonderful volunteers in the New Forest National Park. Ian, from Bransgore, has volunteered more than 100 hours on projects including Better Boundaries, Nature’s Stepping Stones and Working Woodlands.👏👏👏 Run by the New Forest Land Advice Service, Better Boundaries works with landowners to restore, enhance and create boundary features such as hedges to improve and produce wildlife corridors. Ian said: ‘I began volunteering after I took retirement. As someone who has enjoyed many hours wandering the New Forest, volunteering for NFNPA seemed an obvious choice. It has been most rewarding – where else could you get a good workout, enjoy fresh air and meet like-minded people with a passion for nature? I’ve worked in all weathers, in all environments, and with an interesting mixture of people. I’ve gained huge pleasure in seeing the difference a few energetic bods can make to some fairly unruly landscapes.’ .
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👉👉👉 Join the New Forest’s volunteer community!👉👉👉 .
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More than local 50 organisations will feature at our 10th annual Volunteer Fair which takes place ‪on Sunday, January 26. Entry is free and you’ll be able to hear talks about volunteering in the New Forest as well as browse organisations in a relaxed atmosphere. Come along to Lyndhurst Community Centre, just off the High Street, in Lyndhurst SO43 7NY, ‪between 10.30am and 4pm. .
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#newforest #volunteering #community #conservation #archaeology #wildlife #nature #lyndhurst #hampshire #makeadifference #givesomethingback
Meet Patsy, one of our wonderful volunteers in the New Forest National Park. Patsy, from Southampton, has volunteered more than 700 hours on the New Forest Non-Native Plants project.👏👏👏 @hantsiwwildlife is working with landowners to reduce the damage caused to the natural heritage of the New Forest by invasive non-native species. Patsy said: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team helping to remove Himalayan balsam from our local areas. It is amazing to see the difference that it has made to our woods, now that our native flowers such as bluebells and stitchwort have reappeared. Returning each year to the same sites, they are almost unrecognisable, which shows what a huge difference our efforts have made. The work has been very satisfying and enjoyable.’ . . . Join the New Forest’s volunteer community!👉👉👉 . . . More than local 50 organisations will feature at our 2020 Volunteer Fair which takes place ‪on Sunday, January 26.‬ Entry is free and you’ll be able to hear talks about volunteering in the New Forest as well as browse organisations in a relaxed atmosphere. Come along to Lyndhurst Community Centre, just off the High Street, in Lyndhurst SO43 7NY, ‪between 10.30am and 4pm‬. . . . #newforest #volunteering #community #conservation #archaeology #wildlife #nature #lyndhurst #hampshire #makeadifference #givesomethingback
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, 12 nightjars churring... Bird lovers – or anyone who enjoys tracking down a creature of myth and mystery – will want to spot a nightjar. These highly-camouflaged, ground nesting birds appear at dusk to catch moths and other night-flying insects. They also sing at night, with an eerie but beautiful ‘churring’ sound. In many European countries, the nightjar is known as a ‘goatsucker’ – its Latin name Caprimulgus is from capra, ‘nanny goat’, and mulgere, ‘to milk’. They were thought to feed from goats as they were often found close to livestock (in fact, it’s the invertebrates associated with livestock they’re attracted to). The nightjar is one species that won’t be spending Christmas in the New Forest. As migratory birds they make an amazing journey to over-winter thousands of miles away in Africa. They return to the New Forest in late April and stay until mid-August. This area is an important stronghold for nightjars, crucial to their survival in the UK. Habitats have been enhanced and restored to help safeguard these enigmatic birds which breed throughout the New Forest’s heathland, especially along woodland edges and where isolated trees provide song perches. You can help too by keeping yourself and your dogs to the main tracks during the summer nesting season. If you’d like the chance to hear a nightjar, join us for one of our special evening walks in June next year. #groundnestingbirds #nightjar #keeptothetracks #12daysofchristmas #newforest #newforestnationalpark #merrychristmas #forestlife #specialspecies #lovetheforest
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 11 goshawks swooping... This large hawk, nicknamed the Phantom of the Forest because of its elusive nature has a fierce facial expression, large talons and broad wings which allow it to swoop in and out of trees, hunting at high speed. On the menu for goshawks are…..well, anything they outsize! They are powerful hunters and can scoop up a variety of prey while in flight. Pigeons, crows, squirrels and rabbits could all end up on their Christmas table! They were once close to extinction, but the good news is goshawk numbers are no longer declining. They’ve now more than doubled in number since 2011. Eight years ago there were only 20 breeding pairs recorded in Hampshire: now there are 40 pairs living in the New Forest alone, according to Forestry England. You’re most likely to see a goshawk in late winter or early spring, as they wheel around showing off to prospective mates. Or you can get a closer look at them in the spring and summer months with the Date with Nature project, based at the New Forest Reptile Centre and online. There you can peer right into the tree-top nests and watch their every move thanks to high-tech video cameras. #goshawk #newforest #newforestreptilecentre #nfdatewithnature #forestryengland #hawk #phantomoftheforest #goshawksofinstagram #goshawksterritory #newforestnationalpark #wildlife #wildlifeoftheuk #specialspecies
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love found for me, 10 fawns a-leaping... You won’t see any red-nosed reindeer living wild in the New Forest, but there are five other species of deer to look out for. The four most common are fallow, roe, sika and red, but you may also be lucky to spot the smaller muntjac deer. It’s thanks to deer that the New Forest exists. It was William the Conqueror’s first hunting forest in England, and fallow bucks continued to be hunted for over 900 years here. Deer still thrive in the New Forest because of the large area of undisturbed land, and they’re an essential part of the grazing management. Some species will have mated in the last month, with the males using their antlers in fearsome trials of strength. At Christmas time they’ll spend much of their time in the woodlands rather than on the heaths as they rely on more woody browse in their winter diet. If you want to catch a glimpse, a good place is Bolderwood deer sanctuary which has a purpose-built viewing platform. #deer #rudolphtherednosedreindeer #rudolph #newforest #newforestnationalpark #12daysofchristmas #deerstalking #deerstalker #wildlife #wildlifeofinstagram #deerofinstagram
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, 9 ponies prancing... New Forest ponies have been called the ‘architects of the Forest’ because their browsing and grazing have shaped the Forest landscape over many generations. They are crucial to the accessibility and eco-systems of the Forest, helping preserve its unique habitats. They create a ‘browse line’ by eating the lower foliage of a tree, allowing daylight to everything below. They provide dung for the rare beetles and bugs to recycle in the Forest soil; and make muddy patches which some of our rarest plants need to survive. Every pony you see roaming freely in the New Forest belongs to a commoner. Commoners are ordinary people who use the local rights to turn out animals to graze. Their commitment is vital to the New Forest, and this traditional system of land management is a unique way of life. Through the Higher Level Stewardship scheme, we’re helping to improve the breeding and save bloodlines of the New Forest Pony which is now a rare breed. Please remember to keep your distance from the free-roaming animals of the Forest and don’t feed or pet them. Don’t forget to allow a bit more time when you are driving across the Forest; add three minutes to your journey, especially in the winter months when there’s a higher risk of animal accidents. #add3minutes #commoning #newforest #newforestpony #newforestponies #newforestnationalpark #keepyourdistance #goslowforponies #naturesarchitects
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love found for me, 8 bats a-clicking... We’re lucky to have 16 out of the 17 UK species of bat living here in the New Forest. While we’re wrapping our Christmas presents, they’ll be wrapping their wings around themselves in hibernation. The New Forest is a stronghold for one of the rarer species – the Barbastelle. It’s only five centimetres long and has a turned-up nose which gives it a pug-like appearance. The term ‘blind as a bat’ is incorrect as bats aren’t actually blind, though their hearing is better than their sight. As they fly, they make clicking noises to find their prey, with the returning echoes giving them information on what’s ahead (a system called echolocation). The Pipistrelle bat can consume 3,000 midges in one night! Through our Land Advice Service, we’ve been looking at ‘better boundaries’, including creating and enhancing wildlife corridors which are used by these nocturnal creatures. We have evidence that bats use hedgerows as ‘super highways’! Bats need your help too as many species are in decline. Why not put up a bat box, join Hampshire Bat Group, join one of our summer bat walks, or add insect-loving plants to your garden to attract bats? They’re also sensitive to light, so reduce lighting at your property if possible. If you’re making any changes in your property, please seek guidance from our ecology and planning teams to make sure that roosts aren’t disturbed during any building works. #batsofinstagram #bats #barbastellebat #enhancingwildlife #hampshirebatgroup #12daysofchristmas #newforest #newforestnationalpark
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me, 7 lizards lounging... All of the UK’s reptiles can be found here in the New Forest. These are the common lizard, adder, grass snake, smooth snake, slow worm and the rare sand lizard. Sand lizards became extinct in the New Forest in the 1970s, but thanks to a re-introduction programme, they’ve been lounging around since the 1990s. They aren’t lazy… They have to ‘warm up’ in the environment to become active. That’s why they’re sometimes seen basking in the sunshine. Open areas with sandy soils that heat up quickly are the best habitats for lizards, and this makes the New Forest with its large proportion of heathlands an ideal place for them. Heathland destruction elsewhere means that the New Forest has become an important haven for reptiles, and we’re helping to preserve their open habitats through vegetation management, including scrub and tree removal. We’re supporting Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust projects, which involve reptile monitoring. In Victorian times, the New Forest had a resident snake catcher – Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills, a hermit who would remove snakes from properties and sell their parts as curios. Nowadays, we’re asking people to help protect reptiles by sticking to the main New Forest paths, and perhaps volunteer some of their time for species monitoring or to help heathland restoration. At Christmas time, lizards are hibernating in burrows as deep as one metre, but will emerge in the spring. If you want to catch a glimpse of one of our lounging natives, it can be tricky because they’re well camouflaged, and are quick to flee when they hear people coming! Try looking on south-facing slopes, on logs, along the edge of scrub and in areas with mature heather. All of the native reptile species can be viewed over the spring and summer months at Forestry England’s New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst. #lizardsofinstagram #lizards #12daysofchristmas #newforest #newforestnationalpark #newforestreptilecentre #newforestreptiles #sandlizard #sandlizards #amphibianandreptileconservationtrust #hibernation
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me, 6 curlews calling... The New Forest is now one of the few areas of southern England where the curlew still breeds. Here they are widespread but uncommon, with about 40 pairs in recent years. They need the peace and quiet of the larger expanses of open heathland and mire to nest and raise their young. The name ‘curlew’ reflects their far-carrying call of ‘cur-lee, cur-lee’. They also have a wonderful bubbly-sounding song which they make during display flights in spring. Curlews head for coasts after they have finished breeding. They like large areas of mudflats and saltmarsh, and the New Forest offers 26 miles of superb coastal ‘restaurants and runways’. They’ll catch their Christmas dinner of invertebrates from soggy mud using their distinctive curved beaks. Festive dining companions will include an assemblage of other coastal wintering waders including lapwings and godwits. We can help curlews by giving them space during the breeding season. In the inland open areas, between March and July please stay on the main tracks and avoid using the narrow pony tracks. Keep dogs on the tracks too; otherwise you’re more likely to scare the birds off and leave the nests vulnerable to predators and the cold. #groundnestingbirds #protectedspecies #12daysofchristmas #curlews #newforest #newforestnationalpark #helpprotectwhereyoulive #keeptothetracks #keepdogsonleadsplease #saveourwildlife
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love showed to me, 5 fairy rings 🍄 A fairy ring is the folk term for a naturally-occurring ring of fungi, which was thought to be connected with luck. The New Forest is one of the most important sites for fungi in Britain. Some are so rare and vulnerable they’re included in the protected species list, and it’s illegal to pick them – even for scientific reasons. There are more than 2,700 species of fungi in the National Park alone. They’re essential to the Forest’s ecosystem, including the health of soil and trees which is why the New Forest National Park Authority, together with partners such as @forestry England, ask people to look, but please don’t pick. As well as being essential rotters and recyclers, fungi provide food for some animals and are vital to many invertebrates to enable them to complete their life cycles. They’re also great to simply admire and are marvellously photogenic too. Their weird and wonderful names include ‘chicken of the woods’, ‘death cap’, ‘stinkhorn’, ‘devil’s fingers’, ‘sulphur tuft’ and ‘amethyst deceiver’.’ Please respect the natural environment and leave fungi in the ground so everyone can admire their display. #mushroomring #mushrooms #mushroomsofinstagram #lookbutdonttouch #lookbutdontpick #fungi #fantasticfungi #newforest #12daysofchristmas #specialspecies #ecosystem #protectedspecies #sssi

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