A Sad Goodbye to the Forest
08th December 2013
As I am soon moving to Cumbria today's visit would be the last time I would enjoy the New Forest for a while. Every weekend, for the past 7 years, I have been traveling down from Guildford to walk through, around, over the New Forest. I have squelched my way across it's low heathland landscape, been blown around on it's exposed ridges, or sought shade under its leafy canopy. I have been here through every season and experienced rain, drought, wind and snow.
Over the years I have come to appreciate the beauty of the Forest and understand its wildlife. I now know where to find herds of Red or Fallow Deer, I know little used paths that can plunge deep into the woods like a track in a fairy tale. These routes wind down under the roof of leafy Beech and Oaks, crossing the small streams via rickety, wooden bridges.
Though I have never found a house made of Ginger Bread, I have come across hidden pools, the remains of decaying, fallen trees that no one heard and sunlit glades guarded by a parade of arboreal sentinels.
I hardly meet anyone when I am out, but the Forest is full of life. The famous and almost ubiquitous Forest Pony are a delight. They merge into the forest background, so well camouflaged as their coats mimic the colours of the trees. Their presence brings a feeling of peace and add a sense magic to the Forest.
As mentioned there are the many deer, especially Fallow Deer, that roam around in large herds and can often be seen silhouetted against the ridges of the park. Rutting time is an exciting time to see the deer (from a respectful distance). You will hear the Stags barking and if you are really lucky you will see them challenging each other.
Some parts of the Forest the majestic Red Deer can be seen, but for me the best is to come across the more rare and shy, though inquisitive Roe Deer. These quiet creatures will offer a challenge with a sharp bark, hop away a short distance, to stop and stare and bark their disgust again. Eventually they either lose the 'who will blink first' stand off, or get bored and move into the cover of the forest.
Other wildlife to come across are the Pigs! Big and small, they roam around freely at certain times of the year. I believe Autumn is best time to see them as they are introduced to eat up acorns and maybe find the odd Truffle.
Other than the ponies, deer and pigs, there are cattle, badgers, rabbits, fox, squirrels and a vast range of bird life. The birds literally flock all over the Forest, with great displays of Finches, Linnets and Hedge Sparrows. Each step across the heathland disturbs a Meadow Pipit, who will protest with a short and sharp peep. In Spring you will hear Larks caroling high above the heather moorland, or come across a Snipe, hiding in a recess in the marshy ground. Far off the plaintive song of the Curlew is a special treat.
Today I saw much of of the above, and in particular a majestic golden brown Buzzard that lifted off a high branch with one skilled beat of his wide, and graceful wings. The trees, as if sensing and Angel passing seemed to part as the Buzzard glided by and into the ether. Like the fading glimpse of the Buzzard, the Forest too will disappear into the mist of memory and like Avalon, be pulling me back as it is part of my destiny. I miss this place that I have come to know so well.
Over the years I have come to appreciate the beauty of the Forest and understand its wildlife. I now know where to find herds of Red or Fallow Deer, I know little used paths that can plunge deep into the woods like a track in a fairy tale. These routes wind down under the roof of leafy Beech and Oaks, crossing the small streams via rickety, wooden bridges.
Though I have never found a house made of Ginger Bread, I have come across hidden pools, the remains of decaying, fallen trees that no one heard and sunlit glades guarded by a parade of arboreal sentinels.
I hardly meet anyone when I am out, but the Forest is full of life. The famous and almost ubiquitous Forest Pony are a delight. They merge into the forest background, so well camouflaged as their coats mimic the colours of the trees. Their presence brings a feeling of peace and add a sense magic to the Forest.
As mentioned there are the many deer, especially Fallow Deer, that roam around in large herds and can often be seen silhouetted against the ridges of the park. Rutting time is an exciting time to see the deer (from a respectful distance). You will hear the Stags barking and if you are really lucky you will see them challenging each other.
Some parts of the Forest the majestic Red Deer can be seen, but for me the best is to come across the more rare and shy, though inquisitive Roe Deer. These quiet creatures will offer a challenge with a sharp bark, hop away a short distance, to stop and stare and bark their disgust again. Eventually they either lose the 'who will blink first' stand off, or get bored and move into the cover of the forest.
Other wildlife to come across are the Pigs! Big and small, they roam around freely at certain times of the year. I believe Autumn is best time to see them as they are introduced to eat up acorns and maybe find the odd Truffle.
Other than the ponies, deer and pigs, there are cattle, badgers, rabbits, fox, squirrels and a vast range of bird life. The birds literally flock all over the Forest, with great displays of Finches, Linnets and Hedge Sparrows. Each step across the heathland disturbs a Meadow Pipit, who will protest with a short and sharp peep. In Spring you will hear Larks caroling high above the heather moorland, or come across a Snipe, hiding in a recess in the marshy ground. Far off the plaintive song of the Curlew is a special treat.
Today I saw much of of the above, and in particular a majestic golden brown Buzzard that lifted off a high branch with one skilled beat of his wide, and graceful wings. The trees, as if sensing and Angel passing seemed to part as the Buzzard glided by and into the ether. Like the fading glimpse of the Buzzard, the Forest too will disappear into the mist of memory and like Avalon, be pulling me back as it is part of my destiny. I miss this place that I have come to know so well.