Stunning evening walk. The last of the days sun shone as I stepped quietly through the forest. Foxgloves lined my path with the sun touching the shocking pink bells and as the sun started to lower in the sky it illuminated the textured bark on the trees. The birds sung until the change over of day to dusk and as the woodland glade started to darken the bats emerged with acrobatic flight. A roe buck stepped out into the path ahead of me, completely unaware I was stood admiring

Thank you Wendy and Ann for joining me on a walk this morning with your gorgeous dog, Bunny! After yesterday's rain the morning started with a beautiful fresh smell to the air and a perfect day for walking. The cuckoo was calling in the distant while we took in the view of Shappen hill over the forest and open heath before dropping down to greenberry bridge on the old railway line where people were taking advantage of the perfect weather for walking and cycling. When the scen

I was taking a picture of some lovely meadow buttercups on my walk, it wasn't until I got home and zoomed in that I realised they were all full of pollen beetles. I know these can he a pest for cutting flowers but they are another one of our pollinators as they eat the nutritious pollen from the flowers. These little beetles are very attracted to yellow so if you are wearing yellow and find bugs on you, there is a good chance they are pollen beetles. #pollinators #yellow #bee

My first foal sighting of this year in Burley this morning. Please take extra care in the forest these little ones aren't as savvy as mum yet! While on the subject of ponies be aware that the stallions will be turned out on the 13th of May for 6 weeks so ponies will be more 'distracted' than usual. #newforestponies #commoninglife #foals #stallions #newforestnatureandnurture

Beautiful early morning walk in the sunshine this morning. The bitter cold wind was harsh at stoney cross aerodrome but it didn't seem to concern the resident shetland herd as they were snoozing in the sun. A herd of fallows were quietly grazing amongst the shelter of the gorse in the distant. The gorse seems to be multifunctional this time of year as I watched a redstart forage for the insects hiding amongst the thorny gorse and a pair of longtailed tits were obviously nesti

It was beautiful this morning at first light. I knew there was imminent rain as the conifers were releasing their aroma of sweet pine. The trees were perfectly still without a whisper of breeze which just enhanced the morning chorus. When I thought what a wonderful time of day for a superb walk, it suddenly got better as I heard and saw the rustling and bouncing of two roe deer disappearing into the foliage. I headed upwards onto the open heathland of Acres Down (with dogs o

As my life is split between working in the tourist industry and having a passion for nature and where I live, I have noticed there isn't enough information out there for visitors regarding the do's and don'ts of this wonderful environment. As locals we all get a bit grumpy when people misuse the forest but when we take time to talk to them, the majority have no idea they are doing wrong and when they understand they become advocates of the New Forest. So I thought I would put

This morning I went for a village walk at Minstead to try and shelter from the wind. It seemed the donkeys had the same idea. Even though the wind was harsh and cold there are spring signs everywhere with berries, buds and blooms. I love seeing the blackthorn blossom it is so delicate and amazing it withstands the gale force winds. The footpath along side the church is an abundance of wildflower from the bright yellow daffodils to the tiny white unassuming sweet violet. Won't

What a stunning day! The ponies and donkeys were making the most of getting some warmth on their backs. The sun in the trees and the dazzling light on the heath was a delight. Chaffinches and robins filled the woodland with song while being joined by a background percussion from a greater spotted woodpecker hammering his territory. The heathland was drenched in sun, giving a stunning 360 view from this highpoint. 3 buzzards were circling and calling high on the thermals while

A beautiful walk in the winter sun this afternoon. The wind was as sharp as ice on my face but when followed up by a moment of sun it was all worth while! The ponies look deceivingly large with their thick winter coats fluffed up to stay warm and the robin's look like they were wearing red puffa jackets. There was a songthrush trying out it's song, the nuthatches were calling to one another, the treecreepers were creeping and the squirrels were scampering. The sun rays burst

As a start to a new year, I thought it was a good time to blow away some cobwebs at a place close to my heart. Still within the New Forest District, the short beach of Barton on sea is where my husband and I spent a lot of time together in the early days of our relationship. 14 years on we has seen a lot of change with huge amount of erosion where many of the paths we used to walk no longer exist. Despite this, it is a great place as always to see wildlife and enjoy the salt

This time of year moss can be pleasing to the eye as it is the richest green in the forest. The uk has over 800 species of moss. These flowerless plants are a very important part of the ecosystem (as well as satisfying to run your hands through) because they prevent soil erosion while capturing water and nutrients. They create a protective layer on tree bark without harming the tree and provide shelter for seeds to germinate as well as a home for creatures like woodlice and

It is that time of year where we all make an extra effort to spend time with our loved ones, eating and drinking more than usual and not feel guilty for not getting those mundane daily chores done but to remember what is important to us and take time to feed your soul. To me and my husband, this means lots of walks in the forest. Taking time to stop and run your hand through the mossy blanket wrapping the tree, treading quietly to get a glance of the deer grazing amongst the

Tree bark offers lichen a good place to grow and which type of lichen that grows on certain trees depends on the tree species as what grows there is dictated by the PH level of the tree. Lichen are made up of 2 or more organisms, most commonly fungi and algae. The lichen do not harm the tree as they draw on the water and nutrients from the surrounding atmosphere which means they tend to grow in areas that have good air quality. If you are as lucky as me to live here in The N

I had reasons to smile at first light on this cold winter morning. This old tree is not only a glorious sight at the break of day but standing deadwood is an important habitat for insects and fungi. This attracts birds and mammals. A sparrowhawk flew with such purpose out of the bare boughs in an acrobatic spin and dive creating comotion amongst the first twittering birds of the day. I love this time when it is not quite day but also no longer night. As I walked on the sky be

Ivy gets quite bad press sometimes as it is believed it strangles trees. When in fact it is just using them for support. It has its own roots and feeds off its own nutrients so not interfering with the tree. Using the tree for support allows it to reach the sunlight. Trees that have ivy attached to them have huge wildlife benefits. During the autumn and winter, the berries, pollen and nectar are a valuable source of food to birds and insects when food is scarce and provides s

Feeling rotten from a chest infection and the antibiotic affect I went to the best medical room I know. The forest! Walking in the mixed woodland with the conifer aroma of sweet, damp pine needles filling my lungs. The beautiful golden beech trees were complimented by the evergreen backdrop of the forest. The chestnuts long yellowing leaves were just about hanging on in the light breeze with the "hoglet" like casings of their fallen and foraged nuts lying beneath. A crow w