Name: New Forest Northern Commons
Rating: 5.0

New Forest Northern Commons

National Trust - New Forest Northern Commons, New Forest, Hampshire, Hampshire BH24 3NF, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Forest Northern Commons a wide open, boundary-less landscape containing exposed plateaux, leading gently through a mauve haze of heather and woodland to miniature valleys, swollen with bouncy bogs and gravel streams. A place for ground-nesting birds, rare reptiles, a myriad of insects and diverse plant life.

Cross the cattle grid to a diverse landscape, shaped and sustained by traditional commoning practices since time immemorial, a tamed wilderness. Deeply ingrained and continued, the use of the New Forest by local people is a way of life, rather than a leisure pursuit. The commoners’ ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and sheep are the architects of the forest, exploiting rights that are centuries old. To this day the Verderers' Court, an ancient thirteenth century assembly, meet to ensure forest law is upheld.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Open landscape: Walking trails loop through the open commons of the New Forest, offering both sweeping views and secretive spaces.
Heathland: Heather and gorse, braided wetlands and ancient woodland pasture make up an internationally rare wildlife habitat, of which the New Forest is one of the main strongholds in Britain.
Commoning animals: Commoners practise their ancient right to graze livestock on the open forest, shaping and sustaining a diverse landscape.
Wildlife: Endangered ground-nesting birds, rare reptiles, insects and diverse plant life all rely upon the continued, careful management of the Commons.
History: Humans have been living in, changing and sustaining the forest since the Bronze Age, and traces of Second World War structures can be found here.
Exploring the New Forest Northern Commons: The Northern Commons within the New Forest are a wide-open, boundary-less landscape, leading gently through heather plains and woodland to miniature valleys, swollen with bouncy bogs and gravel streams and home to an array of wildlife.
Walk to the Huff Duff: Descend to a tranquil wooded valley at Dockens Water before crossing the stream to Rockford Common. Wet heath and gleaming bogs reveal carnivorous sundews and mysterious mosses. Take in breathtaking views from Ibsley Common, an area steeped in military history, and visit the Huff Duff (an old directional station) and associated bunker.
Hale Purlieu figure of eight walk: A figure of eight walk through Hale Purlieu, crossing streams and taking in great views across the common’s valleys and mires. Look out for butterflies and dragonflies as you explore. Stonechats and Dartford warblers can also be seen flying between the gorse bushes.
A short stroll around Hightown: A short walk around our smallest heathland site in the New Forest – great if you don't have much time but still want to experience the mosaic of habitats the New Forest has to offer. Walk across grazed lawns, through dark ancient woods and wander off route to discover some hidden wetlands, all in under 30 minutes.

Facilities

Parking: Free car-parking facilities at Bramshaw, Rockford and Hightown Commons
Dogs allowed: Dogs need to be kept on a lead or under close control during ground nesting bird season (March – July) and around livestock

What to see

The history of the New Forest: The New Forest has a long history that dates back almost a thousand years. Humans have been living within, changing and sustaining the forest since the Bronze Age, and continue to do so.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/new-forest-northern-commons/the-history-of-the-new-forest

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Address: National Trust - New Forest Northern Commons, New Forest, Hampshire, Hampshire BH24 3NF, UK

Post Code: BH24 3NF

Council: New Forest

County: Hampshire

By road: Rockford car park: Off Ellingham Drove/Highwood Lane, Rockford, Hampshire 10 miles west of Lyndhurst, access from A337. 3 miles north-east from Ringwood and 5 miles south from Fordingbridge on A338. (Grid ref: SU163083. Latitude 50.873998 Longitude: -1.7693679)
On foot: Comprehensive network of rights of way.
By train: Brockenhurst station, 10 to 15 miles.
By bus: National Express coaches stop at Lyndhurst, Lymington and Ringwood. See National Express or call 08705 808080 for details. Public bus network details available from: Bluestar - Southampton 023 8061 8233; Wilts & Dorset - Salisbury 01722 336855; Poole 01202 673555 and Transdev Yellow Buses - Bournemouth 01202 636060.
Parking: Free car-parking facilities at Bramshaw, Rockford and Hightown Commons