The New Forest's Ancient Woodland

Step into the New Forest, and you’re stepping into history. In 1079, William the Conqueror named this area his ‘Nova Foresta’ - a royal hunting ground of woods and wild heathlands. Over 1,000 years later, the landscape he protected remains one of the best-preserved in England.

This is one of the few places in the country where ancient traditions, ancient trees, and ancient ways of life continue side by side. From commoning practices and free-roaming animals, to some of the oldest trees in Western Europe, the New Forest is shaped by both nature and heritage.

What is Ancient Woodland?

Ancient woodland refers to areas that have been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD. These irreplaceable habitats are rich in biodiversity and steeped in natural history. Many of the trees in the New Forest have stood for centuries, and their quiet presence supports countless rare species.

The soils of ancient woodland remain largely undisturbed. Generations of fallen leaves have created a rich, layered ground habitat - home to fungi, beetles, birds, bats, and plants that can only grow in these stable, shaded conditions.

You’ll know you’re in ancient woodland when you see signs like:

• Carpets of bluebells in spring

• The scent of wild garlic in early summer

• Bright yellow celandines in late winter

• Towering oaks, ashes, beeches and elms

• A deep, peaceful hush that’s hard to find elsewhere

The New Forest is thought to have the highest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe, making it internationally important for lichens, fungi, beetles, and other specialist wildlife.

Wildlife that depends on Ancient Trees

The gnarled old trees of the New Forest are more than beautiful - they’re lifelines. They provide shelter, food and nesting places for a huge variety of creatures:

• Mammals like badgers and fallow deer

• Birds such as goshawks, woodcocks and firecrests

• Fungi and lichens, many of which grow only on ancient bark

• Rare insects and beetles, which rely on decaying wood

As naturalist Simon King puts it, the New Forest is "a natural history lover’s playground."

Where to find Ancient Woodland in the New Forest

Ancient woodland is scattered all across the New Forest. Whether you're on foot, by bike, or on a scenic drive, you’ll pass through groves of ancient oak, beech, and holly that have stood here for hundreds of years.

Here are some standout places to explore:

Knightwood Oak

Known as the Queen of the Forest, this giant oak is estimated to be over 500 years old. You’ll find it just outside Lyndhurst, along the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive.

Bolderwood Ornamental Drive

This peaceful route winds through historic woodland and conifer plantations dating back to the 1860s. It’s also home to the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary - a fantastic place to combine tree spotting with wildlife watching.

Roydon Woods and Other Inclosures

With an Ordnance Survey map in hand, follow the bridleways and footpaths that lead through hidden woodland inclosures. You’ll stumble upon ancient trees, secret glades and peaceful places off the beaten path.

Learn more about our Ancient Trees

Start your journey at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst, where you can delve into the New Forest’s history, ecology and traditions.

Or book a place on a guided walk - some of our local experts have spent years working in conservation and know exactly where to take you for close encounters with ancient trees and wildlife.

Help protect our Ancient Woodland

The New Forest is special, and we can all help keep it that way. Please follow the New Forest Code to ensure that these irreplaceable habitats remain untouched for generations to come.

• Stick to the paths to protect rare plants and fungi

• Don’t climb or damage trees - many are fragile, despite their size

• Take only memories and photos - leave everything else behind