A Year in the New Forest

For four weeks from in 2018, Channel 4 TV transmitted four special episodes about the secret life of our wonderful New Forest National Park.

Each episode followed the daily lives of local people who graze their ponies and cattle on the common land of the New Forest throughout the seasons of the year.

The intimate films bring to life both the magical quality and the hardships of making a living and surviving the challenges of the natural cycles of life in the New Forest which have been revolving through the seasons for hundreds of years.   

The first episode covered autumn and focusses on the rutting of the majestic red deer and the pigs that are released into the forest to eat the fallen acorns, a tradition known as pannage. There was also a look at some of the fungi and rare flora that can be seen here.

As well as showing off the fabulous landscape and historic cultural heritage of this unique corner of southern England, the films offer a glimpse of what a magical place the New Forest is to visit at any time of year. Throughout the many pages of this website you can find out about and book your own secret escape in this last remnant of ancient England which has some of the highest quality accommodation, some tempting food & drink and things to do and activities that you can’t find elsewhere in England.

Alongside the TV programme, we also gave you all the chance win your very own complimentary New Forest Break based at a “Go New Forest” member business guaranteeing you a warm welcome and high quality of service throughout your stay. The 5 winners have now been chosen and will be enjoying their prizes very soon!

We hope you enjoyed watching the series and would love to know what you thought. Share your thoughts with us on social media - you can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

A GUIDE TO EACH EPISODE

AUTUMN EPISODE 1 

Acorns are poisonous to the ponies, cattle and other Forest animals, the one exception are pigs who are released onto the Forest during the Autumn under the ancient right of Pannage.  The other main Autumn event is the deer rut when stags of the Forest’s five species gather their harems of hinds to assert their right to extend their genes in the next generation. 

Visiting tip:  The stunning Autumn colours makes this a great time of year to walk, cycle and get close to nature, but it’s important you always keep your distance from the Forest’s wildlife. 

WINTER EPISODE 2  

Deer, especially native species, are an important and valued component of the New Forest’s ecosystem and are a valued part our natural and historic heritage. 

One of the big challenges for Forest Managers in modern times is how to replace natural predators such as wolves, who historically took out the weak and elderly from the deer herds.   Nowadays, it is the Forestry Commission who take on the responsibility for culling the deer in order to maintain a well-managed and healthy deer population. 

Visiting tip:  Winter is a great opportunity to enjoy a crisp winter walk followed by the warmth of local food & drink

SPRING EPISODE 3 

It starts with the bluebells, and you won’t have to walk very far across our 140,000 acres to spot the signs of Spring, from the bright green of the new beech leaves emerging in our ancient woodlands to the New Forest ponies and their skittering new born foals.    But the forest is also home to a myriad of other wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, hawks, beetles, bats and reptiles.

Visiting tip:  During Spring, you can witness the joy of seeing new born foals as they wobble and skip their way across the heathland.   Please keep your distance.

SUMMER EPISODE 4 

Most people’s attention is taken by the ponies and deer.  However, the Forest is also home to thousands of tiny insects, summer flowers, the flare of the yellow gorse on the heath, the purple of the heather.   Then come the wonderful colours of our beautiful butterflies, the New Forest being home to some very special and rare species.

Visiting tip:  Summer - long, lazy days, warm endless evenings and bright mornings give visitors plenty of time to fully enjoy the soft and safe adventure in a unique landscape dotted with intriguing little towns and villages.  You will also have the added surprise of over 40 miles of coast to enjoy!