What are the boundaries of the New Forest?

What are the boundaries of the New Forest?

The New Forest has also been classed as National Character Area No. 131 by Natural England. The NCA covers an area of 738 km2 (285 sq mi) and is bounded by the Dorset Heaths and Dorset Downs to the west, the West Wiltshire Downs to the north and the South Hampshire Lowlands and South Coast Plain to the east.

Where does New Forest start and end?

Covering an area of about 220 square miles, the New Forest National Park takes in approximately 15 miles of coast between Calshot Castle (most easterly point) and Hurst Castle (most southerly point), and stretches northwards to Whiteparish and westwards to Ringwood.

Is the new forest private land?

The land within them is mainly owned by private individuals, public bodies and voluntary organisations such as the National Trust.

Is the new forest open access land?

The New Forest National Park has over 30,000ha of open access countryside and 325km of public rights of way for you to explore and enjoy. You have the right to walk and horse-ride freely across this land as long as you follow Forestry England byelaws and the Verderers of the New Forest byelaws.

How many commoners are in the New Forest?

Today there are approximately 700 commoners who own animals grazing on the open Forest. They make up a modern farming community with a huge heritage, and strong family and community ties.

Who governs the New Forest?

Forestry England
Managing the land: Forestry England manages the Crown lands in the New Forest National Park – nearly half of the total area. Others who manage land include the National Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Hampshire County Council and private landowners/estates. Commoning and common rights: The Verderers.

Who planted New Forest?

William I
The New Forest was created as a royal forest by William I in about 1079 for the royal hunt, mainly of deer. It was created at the expense of more than 20 small hamlets and isolated farmsteads; hence it was ‘new’ in his time as a single compact area.

Who owns the ponies in the New Forest?

commoners
Who owns the ponies? All the ponies, donkeys, cows and pigs that you will see roaming in the New Forest belong to local people called ‘commoners’ who have the right to graze their animals on the open Forest throughout the year (or part of the year in the case of pigs).

Can I walk anywhere in the New Forest?

Can you walk anywhere in the New Forest? We advise that you stick to walking on the footpaths and tracks across the forest and do not walk on heathland and grassland as this may disturb natural habitats and wildlife. There are 140 miles of footpaths to choose from, so you are not restricted in exploring the area.

Is Lyndhurst worth visiting?

Lyndhurst is often referred to as the centre or ‘capital’ of the New Forest. There is plenty to do in the area and the town makes a great base for exploring the New Forest on foot or bike. A great place to start your visit is by a trip to the New Forest Heritage Centre.