In 1079 William The Conqueror came to The New Forest and named the area his ‘new hunting forest’ – 1000 years later his ‘Nova Foresta’ still retains the same mystery and romance that enticed him.
The New Forest is one of the few places in England where the ancient landscape has remained relatively unchanged by modern day society. You will still find a mass of beautiful woodlands, heathlands across the 570 square km and even the practice of commoning is still very much an aspect of New Forest life. The ancient system established by William The Conqueror to protect and manage the woodlands and wilderness heaths, is still in place today. With the supporting efforts of the Verderers, Agisters and Commoners, literally the judges, stockmen and land users of the forest this system has been upheld.
The beautiful ancient forest is home to a wealth of different animals, with its thick dense woodlands, and expansive heathlands making it the perfect habitat to a variety of animals. Within the forest you can find ponies, deer, cattle, pigs, woodland animals and many more.
