Honey on the money — amazing heathland history
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Autumn/Winter 2016
Thousands hop on board for car-free fun There were 39,653 passenger journeys on the New Forest Tour this summer - up 14.5% on 2015. Meanwhile the Beach Bus attracted 6,460 passenger journeys
and 1,310 free ice creams were given to its customers at Lepe County Park. Run by Go South Coast in partnership with the New Forest National Park Authority, both services help people travel carfree around the National Park which helps the environment.
FRONT LEFT: National Park Authority Chief Executive Alison Barnes, New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne and landowner Richard Frampton with the team behind the housing project
Groundbreaking scheme to provide homes for local people An innovative scheme has seen two affordable homes being built by the National Park Authority and let to local families in Bransgore.
Around 80 people are on the council waiting list in the Bransgore area alone, and the New Forest housing market makes it difficult for many local people to find affordable homes to allow them to stay in the area. The land at Ringwood Road was kindly provided on a 999 year lease by local landowner Richard Frampton, who is a National Park Authority member, specifically for affordable housing. A first for a National Park, the Authority had to set up a new legal framework to allow it to construct the homes and become a landlord. Executive Director of Strategy and Planning Steve Avery said: ‘We worked closely with New Forest District Council’s housing team to find suitable tenants who had a local connection and set the rent at an affordable level. ‘We’re extremely grateful to Richard for donating the land which has enabled us to pioneer this new approach to delivering small scale affordable housing schemes in the National Park.
New Forest Arts Festival
Two adventure playgrounds!
The properties were built with developer contributions received over the last few years and any profits will be put back into similar schemes. Now two other New Forest villages have come forward to see if they can work with us to provide more affordable homes in this way.’ The two three-bed homes were built to high environmental standards including air-source heat pumps and artificial slate tiles which act as solar panels. Jane and David Nibbs and their three children have moved into one of the Bransgore houses. Jane said: ‘I’m from the village and it’s been lovely to move in as we lived in a two-bedroom flat before so it has made such a difference.’ Landowner Richard Frampton said: ‘I’ve known Jane’s family for many years so it’s great to see the houses occupied by local families. I couldn’t really use the land for anything else and it would be fantastic if other landowners came forward with redundant sites to allow us to provide more affordable homes.
The first New Forest Arts Festival saw 3,800 people take part in over 40 events, celebrating the landscape and culture of the National Park.
One acre of adventure playground fun!
Artists and makers are currently preparing for the 2017 festival which will take place from 10 to 25 June.
Find out more at www. newforestnpa. gov.uk/ artsfestival
LEFT: Artist Shaun Stevens displaying her work featuring Hurst Castle as part of the first New Forest Arts Festival
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www.newforestwildlifepark.co.uk
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View improved at Iron Age hill fort
Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
Welcome...
to the autumn/winter edition of the National Park Authority’s newspaper. You will read that there is an important opportunity to shape the future of the Forest over the coming weeks, as we launch the informal consultation on the draft Local Plan. Following the chance for people to input their views since summer 2015, this provides another way for everyone to feed in their views on the proposed updates to the planning policies for the Forest.
with the progress and numbers of volunteers getting involved. It is a great example of ‘Team New Forest’ working together to secure skills, to improve our landscape for the benefit of wildlife and to inspire new generations to care for the Forest. There are lots of opportunities for further involvement, including events such as the Volunteer Fair and Walking Festival.
The Our Past Our Future Heritage Lottery Fund programme is a year old and I’m delighted
Why not take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful display of autumn colours and fungi? With
the New Forest one of the best places to enjoy this annual visual feast, we’re working with the Forestry Commission to appeal to people not to pick mushrooms but to leave them for everyone – wildlife and people – to enjoy.
Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, New Forest National Park Authority Chairman
Electricity telegraph poles have been removed from an ancient site in the New Forest, preserving the landscape and unearthing intriguing archaeological finds. Thanks to an application by the New Forest National Park Authority, electricity lines were moved underground at Buckland Rings Iron Age hill fort, Lymington, by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). The electricity network operator financed the £160,000 cost of the project and undergrounded a total of 540 metres of cable. Buckland Rings is a Scheduled Monument, meaning it is of national archaeological importance, and lies in a Conservation Area within the National Park. The telegraph poles and lines criss-crossed the area surrounding the, blighting the view for visitors hoping to imagine the site as it once was.
Left to right: NPA Transport and Tourism Manager Mark Holroyd, Cyclexperience directors Nikki Ryce & Ross Kempson, NPA Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre & CEO Alison Barnes launch the Brockenhurst cycle centre - full story page 9.
The work gave National Park Authority archaeologists and volunteers the opportunity to dig on the site, which uncovered fragments of medieval pottery - the first discovery from the medieval period at the site. Experts hope the fragments will provide information about where the pottery was produced and shed light on the types of pots and jugs that were being used locally at the time. Meanwhile youngster from arts group SPUD Youth are develop-
BEFORE Buckland Rings before and after undergrounding
AFTER
ing designs for new gateways, seating and interpretation to bring Buckland Rings to life for visitors. Sarah Kelly, Landscape Officer at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘The opportunity to remove the electricity wires and telegraph poles at such an important location in the National Park was made possible by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and has vastly improved the landscape for the many people who enjoy visiting Buckland Rings. Removing the man-made features has enhanced the natural view of the Iron Age hill fort
to great effect.’ Jo Niven, Network Construction Manager for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, added: ‘We always work closely with archaeologists when we’re working in known areas of significance, such as Buckland Rings, to ensure the preservation of any artefacts which may add to their historical understanding of the local area. Whilst this can sometimes require some adjustments to our project timetables, we consider it our moral obligation to enable archaeological experts to shed further light on our cultural heritage.’
Follow the Forest For amazing photos, videos and insider information, follow newforestnpa on
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Contact us Contact us if you would like to receive Park Life in another format such as large print or Braile.
Get in touch Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG Switchboard: 01590 646600 Email: enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk
Please support the Love the Forest campaign Many local businesses and their customers are supporting the New Forest Trust’s Love the Forest campaign. Find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved in helping to secure the future of the New Forest, at lovetheforest.org.uk
A day in the canopy Trees and woodlands are vital in protecting the landscape and its animals, and preserving the National Park for future generations. They are also a key feature of the natural beauty of the National Park and make an important contribution to the appearance of towns and villages. The New Forest National Park Authority provides the tree service in the National Park and New Forest District Council areas, working with local contractors to ensure the Forest’s landscape is managed sensitively and that any work undertaken is carried out using best practice. The tree service handles all tree-related planning matters, working with local contractors who are approved by the Arboricultural Association. Not only does this ensure procedures are followed, it also creates
important partnerships that will benefit the Forest and local businesses. Tree surgeon John Shutler, of Tiptoe, has been working with the Authority for six years and said: ‘I have always lived in the Forest; it’s such a special area to work in and it’s important that it’s managed and maintained in the correct way. ‘The Authority’s online interactive tree map is a brilliant resource for checking tree preservationb orders and conservation areas, and I can’t recommend it enough. We also help out local communities by donating our chippings to local schools, farms and projects to be recycled and used as paths or in gardens.’
New Forest National Park Authority Senior Tree Officer Nik Gruber said: ‘We encourage sustainable, proactive tree management and in employing a competent, suitably qualified tree surgeon it helps to preserve and maintain the character of the National Park.
Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
Left to right: Tree surgeon John Shutler with contractors Alex Mondz and Tom Short.
‘Unqualified tree surgeons can cause damage to both the surrounding natural and built landscape, and its important work is carried out safely and sensitively.’ The tree team at the Authority continues to promote and ensure good working standards by providing information to tree owners and by regular discussion with tree work contractors. Find out more at www.newforestnpa. gov.uk/trees More information on the Arboricultural Association can be found at www.trees.org.uk
Help plant a woodland to celebrate a loved one
Tree Charter 2017
Led by the Woodland Trust, more than 50 organisations are calling for your help to develop a Tree Charter to reconnect people and trees. It will launch on the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest, signed in 1217, which aimed to protect the rights of the people to access the Royal Forests.
Look out for New Forest events and find out more at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/treecharter
Everton Nurseries - Garden Centre -
Camellias
COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT
An ideal place to stop by for a coffee or a meal Delicious range of light bites and homemade cakes available all day. Home cooked lunches available daily between 12 noon and 2.30pm Or, if you fancy a treat, why not have Cream Tea with freshly baked scones, clotted cream, jam and a pot of tea. Planting the community woodland at Sway for the 2015 Family Trees event
This autumn families are invited to celebrate a birth, marriage or life of a relative with the planting of a community woodland in the New Forest. Trees and woodlands are a key feature of the natural beauty of the Forest and make an important contribution to the appearance of towns and villages within the area. As the Family Trees woodland grows and matures it will provide a legacy for future generations and a lasting memory of a loved-one. Over 300 people attended last year’s event at Jubilee Fields in Sway, choosing to plant one of
the Forest’s six native tree species. This year the tree planting will take place in Ashurst on 3 December, coinciding with National Tree Week. Senior Tree Officer Nik Gruber from the New Forest National Park Authority said: ‘Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council has been keen to get involved with the project and we are grateful for the added support from the Tesco Bags of Help and
Waitrose Community Matters schemes.’ Registration for the last few remaining spaces to help create the Family Trees woodland is free and open to all. Anyone who registers will receive a free personalised certificate as a memento, even if they cannot attend the tree planting day. Sign up at www.newforestnpa. gov.uk/familytrees
The New Forest’s leading garden centre, offering you the quality and choice from our own 25 acre nursery. Open every Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm ∙ Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm
www.evertonnurseries.co.uk ∙ 01590 642155 Everton, on A337, Nr. Lymington, SO41 0JZ
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Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
Flying start for landscape Conserving the partnership as first past for the future anniversary approaches A multi-million pound Heritage Lottery Fund scheme is celebrating successes in restoring and protecting the New Forest and its heritage.
Our Past, Our Future Working together for the New Forest
For more information on the projects within Our Past, Our Future and to find out how you can get involved, visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ landscapepartnership
Led by the New Forest National Park Authority with 10 key partners, the Our Past, Our Future scheme is a unique opportunity to restore lost habitats, develop Forest skills and inspire a new generation to champion and care for the Forest. The four-year £4.4 million Our
Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
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Volunteers at the Buckler’s Hard archaeology dig this summer
A programme of works has begun to uncover and conserve hidden, unknown and decaying heritage sites and archaeological features throughout the Forest.
Past, Our Future scheme consists of 21 projects, with many volunteers of all ages and abilities getting involved.
The project has already undertaken a week-long archaeology dig at Buckler’s Hard as part of the annual Festival of Archaeology; heritage mapping using Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) laser scanning; and started surveying monuments in local churchyards at Emery Down and Burley.
Volunteering opportunities vary from archaeology excavations and conservation work, to research, surveying, data entry and helping out at events.
Sarah Downer, of Beaulieu, volunteered at the Buckler’s Hard dig this summer. She said: ‘There was a wonderful sense of being part of “the team” and everyone felt included no matter their age or ability.’
Volunteer flower power Preserving the Forest’s built heritage Rare wild flowers have been recently recorded thanks to work to improve Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) within the Forest.
The special character of historic buildings within the Forest risks being lost forever by the use of inappropriate materials and repair techniques.
HLF CEO Ros Kerslake (second left) visits Our Past Our Future projects including the new outdoor classroom at the National Trust's Foxbury site
Kevin Stubbs teaches co b wall repairs
Now agents, builders and landowners are taking part in a New Forest National Park Authority training programme to raise awareness and encourage managing historic features sensitively. Courses range from repairing cob structures, to joinery and historic roof structures.
‘I enjoyed the tremendous breadth of subject matter reflecting the trainer’s vast accumulated knowledge, all delivered in an engaging and refreshing manner with great energy and passion. It was captivating from start to finish.’ Course member
Landowners of 30 SINCs are being helped to return their species-rich grasslands to good management and to also monitor the results. Landowner Cindy Milburn has seen her site at Pennington thrive following help by volunteers, with the land now full of plants like water mint, common fleabane, greater bird’s-foot trefoil, marsh woundwort, plus bees, hoverflies and butterflies. She said: ‘I was very grateful for the help the volunteers provided last winter, clearing an area of blackthorn scrub
that had been spreading onto the meadow. ‘I was delighted to see common spotted orchids flowering at the edge of the scrub this summer and am excited to be part of a wider conservation project helping landowners like myself manage our SINCs better for wildlife.’ Volunteers are also monitoring rare plants such as the nationally-scarce hairy bird’s-foot trefoil across the Forest, which should spread further thanks to the project.
EAT • SLEEP • PLAY
A truly authentic 18 th century coaching inn, full of rustic charm and passionate about the locals Lunch served daily from 12noon-3pm, Dinner served daily from 6.30pm-9.30pm
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Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
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Join the New Forest Walking Festival from Salisbury 44
15-30 October 2016
A33 8
27 Wildplay wander HCC
25 October
30 October
Activity Walks 29 Introduction to Nordic walking NWB
22 and 28 October
30 Fascinating fungi (Pig Bush) SM
16 and 23 October
31 Fascinating fungi (Fritham) SM
Blashford
13 Wilverley accessible ramble DR
27 October
History and Culture
Ashley Heath
X3
X6
42
Ringwood
1
A3
36 Healthy Walk at Highland Water WFH
21 October
15 The what, where & why of White Moor NFNPA
18 October
37 Healthy Walk at Bolton’s Bench WFH
28 October
16 Setley WWII prisoners of war NFNPA
26 October
38 Healthy Walk at Hythe WFH
20 October
17 The real ‘Dad’s Army’ NFNPA
28 October
39 Healthy Walk at Tom’s Down WFH
24 October
18 Experimental New Forest NFNPA
25 October
40 Healthy Walk at Holbury WFH
15 October
22 October 15 October
Bisterne
42 Linford Bottom, 5 miles NFR
15 October
43 Walhampton Golf Club, 10.5 miles NFR
19 October
44 Fritham, 7.5 miles NFR
20 October
45 Whitefield Moor, 5.5 miles NFR
22 October
46 Cadman’s Pool, 6 miles NFR
22 October
47 Balmer Lawn, 10 miles NFR
23 October
48 Bull Hill, 5 miles NFR
25 October
49 Barton on Sea, 5 miles NFR
29 October
50 Bolderwood, 5 miles NFR
29 October
51 Wilverley Plain, 10 miles NFR
30 October
Sandford
FC: Forestry Commission NFNPA: New Forest National Park Authority FGW: Fuzzacker Guided Walks RFFS: Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath Society DR: Disabled Ramblers FNF: Friends of the New Forest HIWWT: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust WH: Wild Heritage
Hurn
trains from
Poole Wareham Dorchester Weymouth
Thorney Hill
Winkton Jumpers Common
X1
Fairmile Purewell Stanpit Christchurch
38
A3
Pokesdown
Boscombe
Christchurch X1
X2
X2
X3
5 A3
Mudeford
Brockenhurst
Sway
5
East Boldre
Beaulieu
9
14 Lymington Town
Everton
SO
34
Barton-on-Sea
WAY ENT SOL
X1
forest bus
X1
Shorefield Country Park
Lymore
8
Lepe Country Park N LE
T
Lepe 27
AY W
blue route green route open top buses - summer only redroute route
Map Key
Lymington
A3
Calshot
Bucklers Hard
43
Pennington
Calshot Activities Centre
Exbury
Norleywood
Ashley
9
Langley
Pilley
Boldre
Hordle X2
Fawley 8
Blackfield
17
Hatchet Pond
48
X2
6
6
112
X1
X2 X7
Keyhaven Milford-on-Sea
X6
Holbury 39
37
49
Hardley
9
Lymington Pier
New Milton
Highcliffe
TW AY
40
Sandy Down
7 A33
A337
LEN
6
Sway
112
9
Buttsash
30
6
Bashley
X2
8
26
41
Hinton Admiral
Burton
Dibden Purlieu
16
Tiptoe
38
10
SO
Whitefield Moor
forest bus
X7
Hythe
23
51
Sopley
Holdenhurst
Bournemouth
X1 HCC: Hampshire County Council WP: Walking Picnics NWB: Nordic Walking Brockenhurst SM: Simon Moore NFP: New Forest Packhorse Company NFA: New Forest Association WFH: Walking for Health NFR: New Forest Ramblers
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13
Bournemouth Abbreviations key:
Bank
29
9
Hythe Ferry
Applemore
forest bus
Bransgore 15 October
37
Blackwater
15
8
33
Wilverley Plain 3
Rambles 41 Holmsley, 5 miles NFR
36
6
8
5 A3
19
47
21 and 30 October
22 Exploring Breamore RFFS
Lyndhurst
45
A338
28 October
Marchwood 24Ashurst
forest bus
Burley
26 October
14 Sea dogs and salty tales NFNPA
Southampton Central
Beaulieu Road
Crow Burley Street
St Ives
St Leonards
18 and 25 October
35 Healthy walk at Blashford Lakes WFH
21 The commoning life RFFS
50
6
28
Shorter Walks 34 Healthy walk at Barton on Sea WFH
15 October
28
4
Southampton
Millbrook
Foxhills
Woodlands
Anderwood
18 October
Eling
1 A3
20 October
33 Waggy tails walks NFA
24 October
12
Bolderwood
Rockford
25
32 Smugglers tales with a New Forest packhorse NFP 18, 22 and 23 October
12 Bolderwood accessible ramble DR
20 Sloden – the dark north FNF
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
8
35
25 and 29 October
Rushington
Ashurst
5
20 and 25 October
Minstead
Ibsley
from Verwood & Poole X6
28 Souper walk WP
Bartley
Rufus Stone
46
Millbrook Redbridge
A3
27 October
20
North Gorley
20 October
Accessible Walks
19 Rights of common FNF
Hungerford
26 and 29 October
Totton
A3
W AY
26 Wild foods of the Forest WH
West Totton
1
Redbridge
NT
15 October
17 October
Stuckton 21 32 Frogham
X7
trains from
London, Winchester, Basingstoke & Reading Portsmouth & The South Coast The Midlands & The North Bristol, South Wales& The South West
8
9
Bluestar Bus
X3 X6 morebus 44 112
LE
21 October
Cadnam
Brook
forest bus
SO
25 Blashford buggy walk HIWWT
17 October
Fritham
8
6
Calmore
M
44
5
11
27 October
31
A3
10
28 October
27
1
Godshill
M27
some buses go into Paulton’s Park A36
5
9
24 Family activity walk NFNPA
X7
6
8
17 October
Ower Furzley
A32
7
24 October
Nomansland
18
Bramshaw
Alderholt
23 New Forest toddle NFNPA
Woodgreen
Fordingbridge
Family Adventures 23 October
Blackhill
11
X3
19 October
West Wellow
A3
6
Landford Canada
A35
5
Plaitford
A33 8
4
6
6 A32
3
A3
Lover North Charford
Breamore
Self-guided walks
Browse and download at newforestnpa.gov.uk/routes
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from Whiteparish Salisbury
Hale
Book now at newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival
Autumn amble FC A walk on the wild side FC A walk on the wild side FC Autumn through a lens FC A commoner's view FC Brockenhurst stroll NFNPA Birds of the coast NFNPA Nature connection walk NFNPA Pondering & wandering NFNPA Shatterford ramble FGW Avon Valley views RFFS
Downton Woodfalls
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The two-week Walking Festival gives you a behind the scenes look at the National Park in the company of local experts. Prices vary, but many walks are free or discounted for those who arrive car-free.
1
44 Redlynch
Wick
Can’t attend a Festival walk? Then try some of the dozens of self-guided walking routes available on our online routes finder. Search by location, distance or even whether the walk starts near a pub!
Wildlife Walks
X7
6
A33 8
Autumn is a beautiful time of year to explore the New Forest on foot, with flat, accessible routes that allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the Forest’s fiery foliage.
A3
X3
7
forest bus Lymington - Yarmouth Ferry Hurst Castle Ferry
1
12
14
23
28
34
41
Numbers show walk start point
Crown Copyright and Database Right 2016. Ordnance Survey 1000114703.
Visit newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival for walk details and bookings
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Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
Improving the Forest on a grand scale The New Forest Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme continues to make great strides in its work to improve and enhance the Open Forest.
T
he £19m scheme is a rare opportunity to protect the New Forest’s fragile habitats, fascinating history and ancient practice of commoning for the future. Read about the scheme’s recent successes below or visit www.hlsnewforest.org.uk for more details.
Above: Children on an HLS-funded education visit to Whitefield Moor
LAST YEAR’S ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE More than 250 commoners received advice or training to allow them to continue their ancient tradition 2,032 hectares (1,880 football pitches) surveyed to record and protect archaeological features Nearly 3,000 schoolchildren visited the New Forest to learn about the area last year, ranging from river and habitat studies to the impacts of tourism. Over 500 hectares (460 football pitches) of wetland restoration work took place across 12 sites. Invasive non-native rhododendron was cleared from 56 hectares as well as 24 hectares of ‘lost lawns’ being revitalised for livestock through vegetation clearance.
Forgotten archaeology preserved The HLS scheme is succeeding in its quest to record and protect thousands of archaeological sites for the future. This year has seen 433 sites and features identified, including some of the best preserved Bronze Age barrows in the New Forest. Many of the historical sites discovered so far were hidden under dense forest and thick heather until HLS archaeologists used a plane to fire harmless laser beams onto the ground to build a 3D map of its surface. The Light Detection and Ranging technology (Lidar) can penetrate the tree canopy, revealing features which cannot be seen by other means.
HERITAGE MAPPING HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST YEAR INCLUDE: More than 2,000 hectares (2,800 football pitches) surveyed by archaeologists and volunteers in the last year Over 400 sites catalogued and recorded to protect them in the future Volunteers contributed more than 320 hours to the project A public exhibition on heritage mapping in the New Forest attracted nearly 20,000 people
Beautiful bully removed Although famous for its beautiful flowers during spring, rhododendron can grow many metres tall, allowing very little light to penetrate through its thick canopy. This has been shown to reduce the numbers of earthworms, birds and plants in a site, leading to a reduction in the biodiversity of the area. In the New Forest the fightback is on, with the
HLS scheme removing this beautiful bully from the 26,000 hectares of Forestry Commission managed land in the National Park making significant inroads. In the last year rhododendron was cleared from 56 hectares (73 football pitches), bringing the total area of non-native scrub removed since 2013 to over 100 hectares (130 football pitches).
Burning benefits habitats Yearly burning of heather and gorse in the New Forest is helping to reinvigorate the area’s heathland habitats for wildlife, according to a scientific study funded by HLS. Heathland is a priority for nature conservation in the UK and the New Forest National Park is the largest area of lowland heath in the country. The Forestry Commission undertakes a programme of controlled burning across the Forest each year and the target for last winter was 304 hectares – about 380 football pitches. HLS-funded research provides scientific evidence that burning does ‘encourage good quality heath, high dwarf shrub cover, low bracken cover, habitat for some heathland specialist invertebrates and, in the early years, open habitat for reptiles and ground active invertebrates.’
ABOVE: Dartford Warblers benefit from heathland burning
Burning areas of heather and gorse encourages new growth, which benefits a variety of rare plants and wildlife, unique to the area. As gorse regrows it offers cover for heathland birds such as Dartford warbler to breed, as well as providing grazing for
New centre welcomes cyclists to the New Forest
‘We’re grateful to the New Forest National Park Authority for their support, which has been instrumental in ensuring this centre becomes a reality. We hope this will mean visitors from across the country and abroad decide to arrive in the National Park by train and hire a bike to explore.’ Ross Kempson co-director, Cyclexperience Limited
Left to right: New Forest National Park Authority Chairman Oliver CrosthwaiteEyre and Transport and Tourism Manager Mark Holroyd with Cyclexperience owners Nikki Ryce and Ross Kempson at the opening.
One of the busiest cycle hire centres in rural England has opened new premises to offer New Forest visitors the best possible experience when hiring a bike. The new centre was built from mobile classrooms clad in timber from one of the Forest Inclosures and provides a workshop and retail space, as well as toilets, showers and baby changing facilities. The centre at Brockenhurst Railway Station is run by Cyclexperience and has been funded by the New Forest National Park Authority through a £150,000
grant from the Department for Transport’s Cycling Ambition Fund, matched by private investment. As well as hiring a bike, visitors can find out fascinating facts about the National Park, plan their trip using a giant wall map and get advice on how to care for the area when visiting. Removing the previous hire centre elsewhere on the railway
site has freed up 20 car parking spaces for railway passengers. New Forest National Park Authority Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, said: ‘The opening of this new facility is a welcome and important step towards our aim of encouraging more people to enjoy the Forest without a car. ‘As well as supporting new and existing jobs in the local economy, this centre will also provide visitors with a wealth of information about the area. This ensures that anyone hiring a bike is made
aware that the New Forest is a unique landscape and that their actions can help to keep it special for future generations.’ Cycling Minister Andrew Jones said: ‘The Government is committed to doubling the number of people cycling by 2020, encouraging healthier lifestyles and improving the environment. The new cycling centre at Brockenhurst Station will help more people get on their bikes and enjoy the beautiful New Forest, helping boost tourism and the local economy.’ Ross Kempson co-director, Cyclexperience Limited said: ‘After 23 years operating from inadequate premises in the station car park, this new cycle centre will allow us to provide an even better service to people of all abilities looking to hire a bike to explore the New Forest. ‘We’re grateful to the New Forest National Park Authority for their support, which has been instrumental in ensuring this centre becomes a reality. We hope this will mean visitors from across the country and abroad decide to arrive in the National Park by train and hire a bike to explore.’ For more information on hiring bikes in the New Forest, as well as dozens of free routes to try for yourself, visit www. newforestnpa.gov.uk/cycling
Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016
Family fun in the Forest Do you love getting out into the New Forest with your family, want to meet other like-minded families and do your bit to help care for the forest? If so, the John Muir Family Award could be the perfect activity. Last year 33,000 people completed their John Muir Award nationwide.
Exploring, Conserving and Sharing your wild place could be enough to earn yourselves a Family Award.
The New Forest is full of people, places and traditions that can inspire, create experiences and build memories for your family. Spending the equivalent of four days Discovering, The National Park Authority can help you to work towards your Award with activity days on Saturday 22 October and Saturday 18 February 2017. See back page for details and how to book. For more information about the Award visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/johnmuiraward
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Telephone: 01590 623311 www.thenewsurgery.com
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10 Park Life
Autumn/Winter 2016
Forest heathland, credit Mark Heighes
Measuring the remains of historic Holmsley bee gardens
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Honey on the money The New Forest is well known for its stunning seas of purple as the heather blooms in late summer. But did you know that there are three varieties in the Forest - ling, bell heather and cross-leaved heather?
All are beautiful, but only ling, with its tiny scalelike leaves, hairy stem and spike of small pale purple flowers, can produce heather honey. Distinctive, strong flavoured and gel-like, heather honey produced in the New Forest is unique as it is exclusively made from ling heather. This is because unlike other heathland areas within the UK where honey is produced, the Forest boasts large areas of pure ling. The Forest has a strong history of beekeeping and, using Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) scanning technology, it is clear that the heather honey industry was once booming. Images collected show how Holmsley boasts the best preserved and highest density of Post-Medieval bee gardens on the Open Forest from about 300 years ago; although this area and the landscape look quite different now. Nowadays, only those with a New Forest heather permit can place hives within the Forest. The Forestry Commission allocates 19 locations across the heather for local beekeepers between July and October each year. This ensures that only healthy, disease-free and insured colonies can be sited. Ling provides a protected and tranquil environment for bee hives, not only benefitting local producers, but also the bees and the Forest.
Local producer John Howat said: ‘Heather is a good quality pollen and nectar source for bees, offering more nutrition over winter than sugar syrup, and not granulating in the comb like ivy honey. The late flowering of heather also serves to make the colony stronger for the winter as the queen bee lays eggs for longer, giving more young bees to go into winter. ‘The Forestry Commission encourages bees to the heather every year because strong, healthy colonies feeding on heather also increases the pollination of the plant’s flowers, ensuring the heather continues to flourish and benefit heathland birds and other wildlife that feed on or shelter within it.’ It is important to maintain and manage the heather in order to safeguard the species and beekeepers that depend on it, as well as preserving the landscape. Heathland management and animal grazing keep trees and scrub at bay, helping heather to thrive on the sandy, poor-nutrient soils.
Visit the New Forest Marque website for a list of local producers, including honey suppliers www.newforestmarque.co.uk.
Your local Clearview Stoves Specialist:
WARMTH FOR THE WISE
Suppliers of woodburning stoves since 1978 Visit our showroom Open Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm | Saturday 9am - 4pm Closed on Sunday and Bank Holidays 280 Ricardo Way, Ampress Park, Lymington, SO41 8JU 01590 683585 | info@woodburners.com
www.woodburners.com
Starting to revamp Lover Green Pond in June 2015
Wildlife loving new home at Lover
A project to restore an overgrown pond at Lover Green in the north of the Forest is already seeing wildlife return to the nature reserve. The Lover Green Association received a grant of almost £2,000 from the New Forest National Park Authority’s Sustainable Communities Fund to help restore the pond to its former glory. The Authority’s Funding Officer Fiona Wynne said: ‘The benefit
to local wildlife is obvious, with newts, water beetles and pond skaters making their home in the pond and a selection of new plants has recently been bought, providing a great habitat for insects and amphibians. The local community is really enjoying watching it develop.’
A Feast for the Eyes
Park Life Autumn/Winter 2016 11
Have your say on the New Forest National Park Local Plan Review Your comments are invited on the draft Local Plan public consultation between 3 October and 28 November 2016 THE future role of planning in the New Forest National Park is up for discussion as draft local planning policies are published for public consultation.
New Forest Fungi
An initial stage of public consultation was undertaken in Autumn 2015 asking for people’s views on the key issues that we should address in the review of our planning policies and identification of any land that we should consider for development. Many responses were received, including over 100 sites, and these have helped officers to work up a draft Local Plan. It sets out our preferred strategy for the location and type of development for the National Park up to 2036 and protection of its special qualities. A number of site allocations for housing and other uses are now included within the draft Plan.
Send your comments
Comments on the draft Local Plan are invited for a period of eight weeks between 3 October and 28 November 2016. See the draft at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/localplan
Devil’s claw
The New Forest is one of the best areas in Europe for the richness of fungi species, as well as a stronghold for many rare and endangered fungi, and even some still being discovered that are new to science.
T
he Forestry Commission and National Park Authority are highlighting the importance of the New Forest for fungi, and appealing for support for a ‘no-picking’ code on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
There has been an increasing trend for foraging in recent years and this puts additional pressures on areas such as the New Forest. Due to the growing concern from conservation bodies and very real fears from members of the local community, the Forestry Commission is no longer permitting picking on any scale from its SSSI land. In previous years, a ban on commercial collection and a personal collection limit have been in place. For the first time, the Forestry Commission feels it necessary to take a precautionary approach and, with the support of partners, aims to spread the message about just what a special place the New Forest is. Bruce Rothnie, Deputy Surveyor for the Forestry Commission, said: ‘We want people to get out into the Forest to enjoy the autumn spectacle of fungi, we just ask that they
don’t pick. Fungi are great to admire and marvellously photogenic too. By appealing for a no picking rule everyone can enjoy this seasonal display.’ The campaign has the support of many other local partners, including the New Forest Association and the National Trust. Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘We fully support the Forestry Commission’s decision to stop fungi picking from the land that they manage in the New Forest. This is an important and decisive move because the New Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest is a stronghold for many rare and endangered species of fungi. Leaving fungi unpicked means they continue to contribute to the Forest’s fragile ecosystem and web of life, ensuring the spectacle they provide can be appreciated by everyone.’ A spokesperson for the National Trust added: ‘The National Trust welcomes the introduction of the Forestry Commission’s new fungi campaign. As a partner in the ongoing study into New Forest fungi policy and the potential detrimental impact picking has on the Forest’s unique landscapes and
‘Leaving fungi unpicked means they continue to contribute to the Forest’s fragile ecosystem and web of life’
post: Policy Team, National Park Authority, Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG or email policy@newforestnpa.gov.uk
This will be followed by revisions to the draft Local Plan before the publication of the Submission draft Local Plan during summer 2017. Following an independent examination in late 2017 by a Government planning inspector, the final version of the Local Plan is expected to be in use by 2018.
Local Plan Review drop-in events From 2pm to 7:30 pm
Fly agaric
online at www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/localplan at the community drop-in events
Tues 18 Oct - Lyndhurst Community Centre Tues 1 Nov- Minstead Village Hall Weds 2 Nov - Sway Village Hall Weds 9 Nov Godshill Village Hall.
Cr ee py cr ea tu re s an d sp o o ky cr o n 2 9 th & 3af0ts th O ct o be r Se
wildlife, the Trust supports landowners taking steps to protect fungi populations on sites designated for nature conservation.’
e website for more details
The campaign will be backed with materials to clearly inform people of the new code and posters will be displayed in popular Forestry Commission car parks to raise awareness. The Forestry Commission is working with Natural England and the Police to deal with commercial collection in the most appropriate way.
For more information about fungi in the New Forest visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/fungi
Open througmh.out half-ter
Get hands-on with our full schedule of fun activities, which run throughout the day. Meet friendly farm animals. Indoor and outdoor play areas. Farm produce shop and gift shop.
It ’s A
Real
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Experience!n
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Come and visit us and see our great ranges of • • • • • •
New Forest gifts and postcards Tasty local jams and chutneys Delicious handmade Belgian chocolates Beautiful handcrafted jewellery Greeting cards and helium balloons Toys and Games for all the family 49 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7RB
Now doubled in size for delicious locally sourced produce.
Local meat, game, sausages, honey & jam, award-winning cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, mouth-watering cakes, dairy, our own free-range eggs, and so much more. See our separate range of small animal and poultry feed, equipment, and bedding. Straw and hay bales. Bulk buy for economy. Open Daily 10am - 4pm Longdown Farm Shop, Deerleap Lane, Ashurst T: 023 8029 2837 ext 5 E: enquiries@longdownfarm.co.uk www.longdownfarmshop.co.uk
12 Park Life
Autumn/Winter 2016
2016
John Muir Award
Special Exhibition: Our Past, Our Future Sat 10 Sept - Sun 30 Oct, 10am - 4.30pm Mon 31 Oct - Sun 13 Nov, 10am - 3.30pm New Forest Centre Explore how the Forest has changed over the centuries and discover the challenges this unique landscape faces in the future.
New Forest Walking Festival 15 to 30 Oct Various locations and times More than 70 expert guided walks offering a behind the scenes view of the National Park. See inside for full details. Book now at www.newforestnpa. gov.uk/festivalwalks
Sat 22 Oct 2016 Bookable slots: 10 - 11am & 12 - 1pm Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park, Sway, New Milton BH25 5QR Take part in hands-on activities and discover and explore some of the New Forest’s special qualities. Email johnmuiraward@ newforestnpa.gov.uk to book.
Pumpkin Lantern Carving Fri 28 & Sat 29 Oct New Forest Centre 10.15am – 11am & 11.45am –12.30pm £7 per pumpkin, booking required 1.30pm – 3pm Drop in sessions, bring your own pumpkin. £5 per session, booking not required.
Events and activities For full details visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/events Many events are held at the New Forest Centre, Main car park, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY Tel: 023 8028 3444 Colin Merrin & Nicky Exell art exhibition 19 Nov 2016 - 9 Jan 2017 Every day 10am - 4pm New Forest Centre Two of the Centre’s most popular artists return for a joint exhibition. Colin is an established oil painter, while Nicky is an accomplished fused glass artist.
Wreath Making with Liz Wyatt Wed 30 Nov 12.30pm – 3pm & 6.30pm – 9pm New Forest Centre Why not make your own fresh seasonal wreath or table decoration this year? Materials supplied but bring your own decorations for that personal touch. £30 per person, booking required
Children’s Christmas Crafts Sat 3 Dec 10.15am – 11am & 11.45am – 12.30pm New Forest Centre Have some festive fun with our Christmas ‘make and take craft’ sessions. £5 per session, booking required.
2017 New Forest Volunteer Fair Sun 29 Jan 10.30am – 4pm Lyndhurst Community Centre, Main car park, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY Volunteer for wildlife projects, heritage surveys, ranger services, outdoor activities and much more within the stunning landscapes of the New Forest National Park. People looking for new challenges and new friends are invited to the annual New Forest Volunteer Fair. Organised by the National Park Authority, with stands from over 40 organisations and talks from local volunteer groups.
The New Forest Marque local produce scheme has had a successful year, with membership growing to 143, many events run and awards galore for its businesses.
John Muir Award
These included:
Sat 18 Feb Bookable slots: 10am - 11am & 12pm -1pm Lepe Country Park, Exbury, SO45 1AD Take part in hands-on activities and discover and explore some of the New Forest’s special qualities. Email johnmuiraward@ newforestnpa.gov.uk to book.
GREAT CHOICE OF BAR MEALS MUSIC MOST FRIDAY NIGHTS Tel: 01590 622844
www.forestpark-hotel.co.uk Rhinefield Rd • Brockenhurst Hampshire • SO42 7ZG
Extensive range of wall and floor tiles, natural stone and vinyl flooring Underfloor heating systems Full design and fitting service
Produce scheme goes from strength to strength
•• Hockey’s Farm Shop and Harley Sweet marshmallows claimed national Great Taste Awards •• Marlings Vineyard won bronze at the English and Welsh Wine of the Year competition •• The Royal Oak in Fritham was named pub of the year by the Hampshire Campaign for Real Ale •• Chocolate by Miss Witt received two prizes at the world-renowned Academy of Chocolate awards. Members benefit from business advice and networking opportunities, while shoppers know that when they buy from a Marque member they are getting authentic New Forest produce.
Kerry Witt of Chocolate by Miss Witt, Lymington Dozens of Marque businesses will be taking part in the first New Forest Food Festival from 31 October to 6 November. More details at www. thenewforest.co.uk/ newforestfoodfest
Find out more www.newforestmarque.co.uk
Visit our showrooms just off Lymington High Street at
8 Earley Court, Lymington SO41 9EP Open: Mon-Fri 7.30pm-5pm · Sat 9am-4pm
01590 673175 • sales@lymingtontiles.co.uk • www.lymingtontiles.co.uk