The New Forest, Beaulieu, Hampshire, U.K.
Actually, the U.K.s oldest surviving forest.dating back to 1079
Mar 26, 2007
Established near the royal capital of Winchester in Southern England in 1079 as a hunting ground for William the Conqueror, England’s New Forest supports approximately 3,000 wild ponies and 2,000 cattle on 200 square miles of rolling heathland, ancient woodlands and quiet, green glades.
History of the New Forest
In its 900 year history the Forest has seen relatively few changes. The half-timbered and thatched cottages typical of the area date back many centuries, and the Forest can be explored on foot or on cycle from any of the ancient villages that lie within and around it, like Lyndhurst, regarded as the New Forest 'capital', Lymington, which has fine 18th century buildings, Bucklers Hard, once a thriving ship-building community, Burley, the perfect village from which to explore the western part of the forest, and Brockenhurst, which contains one of only two forest churches mentioned in the Domesday Book. If nature palls, there is magnificent Beaulieu Palace, the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey and the world famous National Motor Museum For complete relaxation, try a day out at Exbury Gardens, especially in sprigtime when the massed rhododendrons are breathtaking.
Who Runs the New Forest
Today, more than 100 square miles of the forest is still property of the Crown, administered by the Forestry Commission with the help of the system set up centuries ago to protect the woodlands and wilderness. This is run by the Verderers, Agisters and Commoners who are judges, police and land users.
The Commoners rights to graze cattle, ponies, sheep and pigs on forest land, to cut turf and take wood as fuel, were originally given as compensation when Forest Laws were brought in which made it difficult for them to eke out a living. Today's 350 Commoners each have their own brand mark and pay a fee to the Verderers (the name derives from their appointment as preservers of the verd (green fodder) for the king's deer) for every animal turned out on the Forest.
Five Agisters oversee the welfare of the animals turned onto the Forest and each pony will have its tail clipped to a special pattern that indicates which Agister's jurisdiction it falls into ('to agist' comes from the Norman and means to exercise partial control or authority). The agisters attend to sick and injured ponies, many of which are believed to be descended from those that swam ashore from the sinking Spanish Armada.
Tourism and the New Forest
As the area attracts more than 9 million tourists a year, the effects of tourism on forest life are continually being assessed, to ensure that all interests are protected. and that conservation of the natural beauty and the wildlife of the forest continues. Ponies, donkeys and cattle continue to roam freely throughout the New Forest to the delight of visitors.
Although 144 small car parks are dotted discreetly about the forest, walking, cycling and camping are permitted and people are encouraged to walk, rather than drive. Car-free areas, picnic areas and well-signposted walks cater for all abilities, ages and disabilities. The Forestry Commission provides an excellent map showing which paths are suitable for wheelchairs.
Visitor Centre, Lyndhurst: 01590 689000 Website: www.thenewforest.co.uk
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
