Magic on foot

The real magic of the New Forest can only truly be experienced on foot. From ancient woodlands to rugged moorland, the Forest offers a diversity of flora and fauna which is a joy to explore. The New Forest has established itself over hundreds of years and has developed into a haven for nature and wildlife. A walk in the New Forest will leave you refreshed.

Depending on the part of the Forest that you decide to visit (and the time of year), you may see carpets of bluebells, pink seas of heather, or bright yellow bursts of gorse flowers. Deer, birds of prey, ponies, donkeys, and rabbits are among some of the animals that you are likely to encounter, but you may also be treated to a glance of the Dartford warbler or the rare sand lizard.

Footpaths

An extensive network of footpaths and bridleways runs throughout the Forest. You can explore these paths at your leisure and may walk on any footpath or track unless it says otherwise. By keeping to the paths, you greatly reduce the risk of disturbance to wildlife and their habitats.

Coastal paths

The coastal paths, some of which pass through special conservation areas, also offer rare scenes of beauty. There are spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. And birdwatchers can explore the areas of marshland near the coast where they can see many different species of birds including warblers and curlews, terns and herons, oyster catchers and wigeon.