Skip to main content
close x

The animals

Probably the most well-known fact about the New Forest is that it is home to thousands of free-roaming animals.

As you travel across the National Park you will see ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep. They could be grazing on gorse, wandering through villages or even crossing roads. That is why it is so important to drive carefully in the Forest and stay alert at all times.

The animals all belong to people called commoners, who have the right to turn out their livestock onto the Open Forest.

In this section you can find out more about each animal.

Then find out how you can help protect the animals by reducing animal accidents and not feeding or petting them.



Neville
Penman
National Park Member

profile

'Please don’t feed or pet the animals; they may look friendly but they can bite and kick.'

Newsletter Image

Email

Newsletter

6

Free

Six free walking routes when you sign up for New Forest Newsletter


Subscribe to New Forest National Park Authority

By entering your email below you are consenting to us sending you newsletters. To unsubscribe, email communications@newforestnpa.gov.uk. More info: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/privacy-cookies


I think you mistyped your email
Your interests (tick at least one)










Please select one

By signing up to this form you are consenting to receive emails from us. Each email will contain a link to your personal reference settings where you can opt-out or change which emails you receive from us. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information about how we use data.

Subscribe to New Forest National Park Authority

Thanks, your subscription has been confirmed. You've been added to our list and your New Forest walking pack is on its way to you, including a link to download our free app.