New Forest National Park

The New Forest National Park spans 566 square kilometers of heathland, ancient woodlands, and grasslands, supporting numerous species of wading birds and wildlife.

The area became a royal hunting ground in the 12th century under King William I, with the term forest originating from Old French, denoting a hunting area.

New Forest ponies represent a longstanding tradition, as these animals have freely grazed the lands since the Norman period, maintaining the landscape through natural grazing.

Visitors can explore the park through an extensive network of marked trails suitable for walking, cycling, and horseback riding across different skill levels.

The park contains numerous hamlets where traditional commoning practices continue, allowing livestock to graze freely across unfenced areas throughout the seasons.

Location: Hampshire

Inception: March 1, 2005

Website: https://newforestnpa.gov.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.86667,-1.56667

Latest update: March 7, 2025 20:02