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Our top 3 favourite heather spots

New Forest Heathland At Sunrise

Heather: A versatile and adaptable plant found in the New Forest

Heather is a member of the Ericaceae family and is a versatile and adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of habitats, including heathland, bogs, and mountains. It is a common sight in the New Forest, where its vibrant purple and pink blooms adorn the landscape during the summer months. There are three main types of heather found in the New Forest: Ling Heather, Bell Heather, and Cross-Leaved Heather.

Ling Heather

Ling Heather, also known as Common Heather, is the most widespread type of heather in the New Forest. It is a low-growing shrub with needle-like leaves and small, bell-shaped flowers. Ling Heather prefers drier, acidic soils and is found on open heathland and moorland.

Bell Heather

Bell Heather is taller and more slender than Ling Heather, with slightly larger, bell-shaped flowers. It prefers slightly damper ground than Ling Heather and is often found in bogs and flushes. Bell Heather is also known as Round-leaved Heather or Dotted Heath.

Cross-leaved Heather

Cross-Leaved Heather is a more delicate and airy plant than the other two heather species. It has narrow, pointed leaves and small, pink or white flowers. Cross-Leaved Heather prefers the damper conditions of bogs and fens.

The Importance of Heather

Heather is an important part of the New Forest ecosystem. It provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including insects, spiders, birds, and mammals. Heather also helps to prevent soil erosion and improves water quality.

How to Enjoy Heather in the New Forest

One of the best ways to enjoy heather in the New Forest is to take a walk on one of the many heathland trails. The heather will be in full bloom from August to September, and the views are stunning. You may also want to visit one of the New Forest’s many nature reserves, which are dedicated to the conservation of heather and other wildlife.

Sweeping across our vast heathlands and exploding into a bright carpet of purple and pink, the New Forest heather is a truly magical sight to see this time of year. So, we’ve put together our top 3 locations to see it.

Where to find Heather in the New Forest

Sweeping across our vast heathlands and exploding into a bright carpet of purple and pink, the New Forest heather is a truly magical sight to see this time of year. So, we’ve put together our top 3 locations to see it.

Bratley View, near Lyndhurst

Situated just past Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, adjacent to the main A31 running across the forest, it gives a stunning view across a small valley, covered in purple heather, and ancient trees and if you’re lucky you may spot one of the five types of deer that live in the New Forest.

BRATLEY VIEW

Goatspen, near Burley

On the road between Burley and Brockenhurst, you’ll find glorious sights of the heather. On the side of the road where the car park is located, you will see lots of heather mixed with the lovely grassland, where our famous New Forest Ponies usually wander, and if you walk safely to the other side of the road, you will see an expanse of heather all the way to the trees far in the distance.

GOATSPEN

Burbush Hill, near Burley

Another beautiful location on the outskirts of Burley, here you’ll be able to enjoy exploring a circular walk up the hill, along the old railway line and down to Whitten Pond, all of which is surrounded by beautiful heather.

BURBUSH HILL

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