The New Forest
What is the New Forest?
The "New Forest" is an English medieval deer hunting area created in 1079 by William the Conqueror - his "Nova Foresta". It is still largely in the possession of the Crown. It is a nationally important environment of woodland pasture, heaths, bogs and the remains of 17th, 18th & 19th century coppices and timber plantations. The forest is grazed by the ponies, cattle and pigs of the local "Commoners" - one of the "Rights" extracted from the Crown by the locals centuries ago, and guarded vigorously to this day. The vestiges of the ancient Forest Law courts that controlled the local population and their animals (to ensure they did not interfere with the deer and its food) still administer the Forest. The New Forest will now become a National Park.
History of the New Forest?
The New Forest was created in 1079 by William I (known as William the Conqueror) as a hunting area, principally of deer. It is a unique area of historical, ecological and agricultural significance, and retains many of the rural practices conceded by the Crown in medieval times to local people. Principal of these is the pasturing of ponies, cattle, pigs and donkeys in the open Forest by local inhabitants known as Commoners. The New Forest has also been an important source of timber for the Crown. It is an outstanding recreational area for walking and riding. For more on the history of the New Forest, Click Here
In 2006, The New Forest will officially become the UK's latest National Park. For more information on this, click on the logo.
The New Forest is one of the country's most beautiful areas and a haven for otherwise rare wildlife including all 4 specials of wild deer in the UK. The forest (its as much open heath land as it is forest) is ideal for outdoor activities - cycling, walking, and riding. Also with the Lymington and the cost only minutes away, beach and water-based activities are easily accessible. Details of some of the many local attractions such as the world-famous Beaulieu Motor Museum can be found on our Attractions page. In short, the New Forest is the perfect location for a relaxing, safe and hugely enjoyable break or holiday. What's more, most of the cycle tracks in the forest are of a high standard enabling the beauty of the forest to be explored all year round.
