Journal New Forest Collection
New Forest Heritage Centre
With spring upon us and the forest flooding with explosions of colours and the season’s newest members, there is no better time to plan a trip to the New Forest. Full of activities for the entire family, it is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, put your adventure cap on and simply re-energise (or tire the little ones).
We love welcoming visitors from far and wide to the New Forest. It’s unique charm and hidden secrets make it a true English treasure, one which everyone should experience at least once. For this month’s Shop Small Saturday, we are spotlighting a charity whose values and mission are fundamental in maintaining a welcoming and untarnished New Forest.
We recently caught up with Mel, Retail and Café Manager from the New Forest Heritage Centre, an independent museum, gallery, café and information centre. They not only share our love for the New Forest but are equally as passionate about educating and informing visitors about its protection, history and longevity. The centre’s mission has not changed since its opening in 1988 but its contribution to the community and landscape has been astronomical.
As we stepped into the entrance, there was an immediate feeling of warmth and sincerity from the two beaming smiles at the counter. Mel introduced herself straight away before offering a tour through the centre, highlighting some of it’s golden treasures along the way.
The museum is an interactive archive of the New Forest’s vast histories, covering everything from D-Day landings to wildlife and conservation, Beaulieu Road Pony Sales to Alice’s Looking Glass- the mirror belonging to Alice Liddell, Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. Perfect for visitors of all ages, no detail is forgotten, but all information is provided in bite-sized chunks making it easily digestible and engaging for the 200,000+ visitors (and their dogs) each year.
As Mel continued touring us through the centre, the importance of community, was made apparent. The centre is not only designed for visitors but locals too. Their designated meeting and field study rooms, used frequently by local schools, social groups and during the school holidays as activity spaces for the little ones, demonstrates their dedication and commitment to the New Forest people. As well as their well-stocked reference library complete with sustainability reports, census details and historic New Forest publications. With the knowledge and passion of their team, supporters, trustees and volunteers making New Forest Heritage Centre the go-to hub for information, education and protection in the New Forest.
As enthusiastic members of the New Forest Marque, their involvement in promoting New Forest prosperity has helped elevate many local artists, such as Shaun Stevens. The current exhibition within their gallery space is from New Forest Camera Club and showcases works from several New Forest artists as well as our rich and everchanging landscape. Their commitment to the Marque also extends to the gift shop and café, selling a range of Marque accredited suppliers, such as The Real Jam & Chutney Company.
Upon visiting the New Forest Heritage Centre, it is clear their dedication towards and passion for the New Forest is unlike no other. The services they provide to ensure the forest remains untarnished for generations to come are vital to our community and so well received by visitors. Not only does the centre educate, but it also welcomes and enlightens. There is no better way to get to know the place we call home than by visiting the New Forest Heritage Centre for yourself. Oh and we forgot to mention- it’s free!
