GUIDED WALKS
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If you want to learn more about the working forest or spend some time nature spotting, or you simply want to get out for some exercise and meet new people, go to the events page to see and book pre-arranged walks.
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The architects of the forest are the roaming commoners animals such as ponies, cattle, donkeys and in the autumn pigs. Which are left to live wild and the forage on the crownland, being overseen by the “officials” of the forest; Agisters and Verderers. The commoning stock are all owned by people who have commoning rights with their property or land and without these people exercising their traditional rights, the forest wouldn’t be the diverse and important ecosystem it is to allow these rare species thrive.
Some useful links to help enjoy your visit and protect the landscape.
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The New Forest Heritage Centre
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All walks have been risk assessed and I am a fully insured tour guide.
The New Forest
In 2005 , the New Forest became a National Park and was once William the Conquerors royal hunting ground. It covers 566 sq km and is made up of ancient woodlands, lowland heaths, bogs and river valleys and is a designated site of special scientific interest (SSSI) with a variety of rare species which live and visit here to include rare birds like the goshawk, nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. All 3 native species of snake live within the New Forest as well as the mammals which include 5 species of deer and the Pine marten which are starting to make a comeback! The rare plants that grow here include sundew, petty whin and wild gladiolus (that grows nowhere else in the UK) create a wonderful habitat for rare butterflies, beetles and other insects.
The New forest also offers a lot of historical sites and buildings from ancient burial grounds and woodlands to wartime evidence and historical coastlines. Along with listed buildings such as the traditional cob cottage and manor houses.
The New Forest is truly a place of historical and diverse wonder for any budding archeologist, ecologist or simply anyone wanting some time in the peace and beauty of what this special place has to offer.
" The dappling glades in the morning sun,
With the golden dawn the day has begun.
Still a chill on the mid-spring morn,
Where birds are singing the chorus of dawn.
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Ponies graze and cattle rest,
while birds tend their brooding nests.
Cuckoos and chiffchaffs repeat their calls,
And the arriving swifts turn dip and fall.
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As the rising sun warms the ground,
Reptiles bask and hares box and bound.
Butterflies fluttering the rays through the trees,
And the shy herding fallows potter with ease.
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Heady aroma of ancient bluebell sites,
Majestically bow and warm in the light.
Before the leaf-laden canopy starts to descend,
And causes the bells their inevitable end.
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The first robin brood bravely fledges,
Amongst unfurling bracken and mayflower hedges.
I walk the path with delicate steps,
Not to disturb flower, leaf or nest.
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The New Forest Park is a wonder and treasure,
And needs our protection now more than ever.
To nurture the nature and mindfully step,
Is not just pleasure but a sign of respect."
"Jens deep knowledge of the forest combined with the warmth of her welcome makes her guided walks wonderful, mindful and full of learning and good companionship."
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Amanda Scott
"Jen is absolutely amazing. Full of knowledge and fantastic walks. She knows her stuff when it comes to nature!"
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Dave Hooker
"I have lived in the forest my whole life and ridden and walked it but Jen takes me places I've never been. Her knowledge of the New Forest is fantastic. I so enjoy them and meeting like-minded people"
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Christine Chester