New Forest Ponies

One of the most famous animals in the area is the New Forest ponies. There are around 5,000 ponies that roam the area within the National Park. They have lived in the area for approximately 2000 years and are wild – yet they are owned by the New Forest Commoners. This means that the animals are free to roam the forest and graze on the land. This grazing helps maintain the landscape and enables it to thrive with rare species of wildlife. This tradition of the animals being able to roam free dates back many years and makes the New Forest essentially one large farm! Beaulieu Inn makes for a perfect place to see New Forest ponies whilst enjoying a relaxing stay.

Deer

Whilst wandering through the New Forest woodland you are likely to spot some wild deer. There are five types of deer that live here which are: Roe, Red, Muntjac, Sika and Fallow. When you spot a deer it is most likely that there will be a few of them as they are a herd animal. They are often seen in quieter parts of the woodland during the daytime but come out more during dusk and dawn. Drivers must be careful whilst driving through the area in case there are deer along the roadside. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary provides a great opportunity to see the deer as they are fed there every day between April and September. These are mostly Fallow Deer whilst in the Beaulieu area you are more likely to see Sika Deer. One of the best times of year to spot deer is Autumn as this is mating season for most of the species. Our shepherd’s huts at Burley Huts make for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break watching the wild deer. Burley Manor is also set within a red deer sanctuary so there are plenty of deer to be seen.

New Forest Donkeys

Joining the long list of animals living in the New Forest are donkeys. There are around 200 New Forest donkeys that roam the area and they are also owned by the New Forest Commoners. The donkeys often roam the villages so it isn’t too hard to see one. Hyde Common is a good place to spot donkeys as there is often a group of them grazing there. As well as this the villages of Beaulieu, Brockenhurst and Burley make for good places to see deer. Beaulieu Inn is a great place to see New Forest donkeys.

Cattle

The New Forest is home to a herd of cattle that graze the landscape throughout the summer months. During these months there are around 3000 cattle that roam the open commons and heathland. They are owned by the New Forest commoners. Most of the cattle are removed during the autumn and winter seasons and they are not hardy enough to withstand the colder weather whilst they could also be poisoned by fallen green acorns. There are many breeds of cattle including Fresian cows and Highland cattle. New Forest cattle are easy to spot whilst on a walk in the area as they often are grazing the land or near watering holes.

Pigs

Pigs are set to roam the forest in the autumn month on the mission of pannage. They are released to eat fallen acorns, beechmast, chestnuts and a host of other nuts in order to protect other wildlife. This is because a lot of these, green acorns in particular, are poisonous to the New Forest ponies and cattle that live in the area. Around 600 pigs are set upon this task every year.

Birds

With the New Forest being a place full of rich habitats and a variety of landscapes that includes woodland, wetlands and heathlands – it is a perfect place for birds to thrive. There are many rare birds in the New Forest as well as around 100 species of birds breeding in the area. It makes for a great place to enjoy bird spotting. The nature reserves are full of rare birds with many flying in over the winter months. In the heathlands there are many nesting birds. Species you might see in the heathlands include Woodlark, Merlin, Stonechat and the Dartford Warbler. The woodlands are home to species like the Woodpecker and Nuthatches whilst the coastline is home to species like the Grey Plover and Brent Geese.

Reptiles

A host of reptiles call the New Forest home with the area having open heathland and pools of water spread across the landscape. The pools of water create the perfect habitat for frogs, toads, newts, lizards and a variety of amphibians. The heathland is home to grass snakes and adders that enjoy basking in the area.

Plants, flowers and trees in the New Forest

Whilst in the New Forest be sure to check out the stunning plants, flowers and trees that grow in the forest. The ancient woodland consists of towering trees that have survived the tests of time. From strong oak trees to rare species of flowers – the new Forest has it all. The undisturbed woodland soils that have built up over time from fallen leaves are perfect for flowers, fungi and seeds to thrive. There are iconic trees to look out for whilst in the area, including the Knightwood Oak – which is also referred to as the ‘Queen of the Forest’. This tree is over 500 years old.

As well as towering trees, the flowers that grace the ground are just as eye catching. The New Forest National Park is home to around 2700 different species of fungi as well as a variety of flowers. Each season brings something different to catch your eyes. During the Spring native bluebells line the forest, during the Summer there are stunning Orchids, during the Autumn there are loads of mushrooms to see and in the Winter there are the fallen leaves lining the forest floors.