The New Forest is the smallest National Park in England, but is packed full of amazing wildlife - it is also inhabited by thousands of free-roaming livestock and deer, including of course the popular New Forest Ponies! Join us for this guided walk in the heart of the forest to experience some of the amazing scenery on offer, and the chance to see ponies, deer and other wildlife. You will also hear about the origins the New Forest as a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror nearly 1000 years ago, and its modern-day role as a place for nature conservation, responsible recreation, and commercial forestry and farming. Led by experienced local wildlife experts, this short walk provides a great introduction to the New Forest National Park, and covers 2-3 km in 90 minutes. National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.   Inclusions What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - Stout footwear recommended ☂️ Waterproofs - If forecast to be unsettled (will advise via email) 🍴 Food - Optional for snack break

The walk will follow the Lymington River and the seawall to Oxey Marsh taking in panoramic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle and The Needles. The return route via the ‘ancient highway’ and Normandy Lane will give plenty of opportunities to explore the diverse history of the marshes. Nationally renowned for a wide variety of wildlife, Lymington-Keyhaven Marshes offer the opportunity to view a range of bird life at close quarters along with a wealth of specialist flora and fauna. Almost every visit is different, The New Forest coast offers breathtaking views and opportunity for memorable wildlife encounters.  We will also explore the diverse history of the marshes stretching back to the Iron Age through to the heyday of the salt industry and on to the important role the area played in the second world war, intermixed with tales of smuggling, jailed kings and invasions!  The walk will cover c8km and will take a relaxed pace giving plenty of time to drink in the surroundings and explore whatever wildlife should present itself. Stopping for a snack break mid-way, guests can bring their own packed lunch. We are happy to recommend outlets offering locally sourced food for a tasty lunch. The meeting point is accessible via public transport (no 6 Bluestar Bus, nearest stop Lymington High street and via rail, nearest stop Lymington Town) and within easy walking distance of Lymington town. We encourage all guests to use sustainable transport where possible, bike racks are available at the Bath Road meeting. National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.   Inclusions What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - Stout footwear recommended ☂️ Waterproofs - If forecast to be unsettled (we will advise by e-mail) 🍴 Food - Optional for snack break/lunch stop 🥤 Drink

The New Forest is the smallest National Park in England, but is packed full of amazing wildlife - it is also inhabited by thousands of free-roaming livestock and deer, including of course the popular New Forest Ponies! Join us for this guided walk in the heart of the forest to experience some of the amazing scenery on offer, and the chance to see ponies, deer and other wildlife. You will also hear about the origins the New Forest as a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror nearly 1000 years ago, and its modern-day role as a place for nature conservation, responsible recreation, and commercial forestry and farming. Led by experienced local wildlife experts, this short walk provides a great introduction to the New Forest National Park, and covers 2-3 km in 90 minutes. National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.   Inclusions What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - Stout footwear recommended ☂️ Waterproofs - If forecast to be unsettled (we will advise by e-mail) 🍴 Food - Optional for snack break/lunch stop 🥤 Drink

Meeting at the iconic Bolton’s Bench the walk will follow ‘The Ridge’ with panoramic views across classic New Forest heath and mire to distant woodland. The route then enters the ancient woodland of Denny Inclosure before passing through a mix of woodland habitats, then returning via the working coppice woodland of Pondhead Inclosure. Focusing on the broad range of wildlife we might encounter, from the iconic Dartford Warbler to the enigmatic Fallow Deer or ancient Beech and Oak. We will also be treated to an array of wildflowers, fungi, butterflies and invertebrates. We will explore how the ancient tradition of commoning has and continues to form the landscape as we see it, taking the time to look at the important role that ponies and cattle have played in managing the landscape that we see around us. In addition, we will look at the mixed history of the Forest from the remains of the historic Parc Pale right up to the WW2 bombing range, demonstrating what an important role the Forest has played in Britain’s history. The walk will cover about 8 km and will take a relaxed pace, giving plenty of time to drink in the surroundings and explore whatever wildlife should present itself. Stopping for a snack break mid-way, guests can bring their own packed lunch (we are happy to recommend outlets offering locally sourced food for a tasty lunch). The meeting point is accessible by public transport (No 6 Bluestar Bus, nearest stop Lyndhurst Fire Station) and within walking distance of Lyndhurst. We encourage guests to use sustainable travel options and recommend cyclists to leave their bike in Lyndhurst. National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.   Inclusions What you'll need 🧤 Warm Clothing - Stout footwear recommended ☂️ Waterproofs - If unsettled weather forecast (we will advise via e-mail) 🍴 Food - Optional for lunch/snack stop 🥤 Drink