Members of the public can find out how New Forest wetlands and heathlands are being restored for wildlife, commoning and people on two special guided walks this October.
As part of the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, Forestry England carries out extensive habitat restoration work across the New Forest Crown Lands, helping to protect and enhance some of the National Park’s most important landscapes.
Now, as part of the New Forest Walking Festival which is run by the New Forest National Park Authority, members of the public can see this work at first hand, on two walks led by Janet Adshead, engagement officer with the HLS team.
Heathland walk – Sunday, October 18, 10.30am–12.30pm
Join a guided walk around the heathland landscape near Markway Inclosure, learning how restoration work has helped to bring the heathland back into better condition, created valuable habitats for wildlife and supported commoning practices that are crucial to the New Forest.
Starting at Wilverley Plain car park near Brockenhurst, the two-hour walk will follow grassy rides and gravel tracks, with a few gentle inclines.
There will also be opportunities to learn more about the management of the New Forest’s Crown Lands and spot some of the wildlife that benefits from the restored habitat.
- Meeting point: Wilverley Plain car park (Burley Road, Brockenhurst)
- Distance: Approximately four miles
- Cost: £5 adults; under-18s free – book on Eventbrite here
- Dogs: Please leave dogs at home
- What to bring: Binoculars and suitable walking footwear
Wetland walk – Saturday, October 24, 10.30am–12.30pm
Step into restored wetland landscape with a three-mile guided walk near Elkhams Grave.
Starting from Wootton Bridge car park, the walk will explore how the site has been restored and managed, and how it now benefits the New Forest wildlife.
The two-hour walk will follow grassy rides and gravel tracks, with very few inclines. Given the wetland setting, waterproof walking boots or wellingtons are recommended.
- Meeting point: Wootton Bridge car park (Brockenhurst Road, Brockenhurst)
- Distance: Approximately three miles
- Cost: £5 adults; under-18s free – book on Eventbrite here
- Dogs: Please leave dogs at home
- What to bring: Binoculars and suitable walking footwear
Both walks provide a unique opportunity to look beyond the familiar New Forest landscape and discover more about the practical work taking place to restore and manage its habitats.
Through the HLS scheme, Forestry England undertakes a wide range of restoration work across the Forest, helping to improve habitats, support biodiversity and maintain the conditions needed for commoning to continue and thrive.
These walks offer the chance to see some of that work on the ground, hear about why particular areas have been restored and discover how habitat management contributes to the future of the New Forest.
There are limited places on both walks so early booking is recommended.