Just in time for the summer solstice, summer 2024 seems finally to have arrived. For a little solstice science and midsummer musings - and some spectacular sunsets - read on.
An outstanding New Forest school at the heart of the community: 2024 Ofsted Inspection of Lymington Church of England Infant School
Senior Pupils at Durlston Prep and Senior School recently launched their second published book. The Year 8 and 9 pupils have been working with local poet Clive Asher over the academic year in workshops aimed at helping the pupils to recognise the power of poetry.
For the next few weeks until mid June, twenty magnificent New Forest stallions will be roaming as they will in their designated areas of the forest to ensure the survival and quality of pure-bred New Forest ponies. The stallions are chosen after careful vetting by the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society and the verderers, who take into consideration qualities such as stamina, hardiness and temperament, which will be passed to the next generation of foals. Read on to see this year's stallions, read their wonderful names and see where they're roaming, and also to re-read Mark and Hugh's fascinating - and timeless - article about this New Forest tradition.
The release of the stallions onto the New Forest for a few weeks in early summer is an annual ritual essential to ensure the continued survival of pure-bred New Forest ponies. This year's stallions have been released this week (7 May), and will be on the forest until 18 June although they may start coming in the week before.
The stallions are chosen after careful vetting by the New Forest Pony Breeding and Cattle Society and the verderers, who take into consideration qualities such as stamina, hardiness and temperament, which will be passed to the next generation of foals. They are only allowed on the Forest for a few weeks to limit the number of foals born each year. Considerations include trying to predict the demand and market for foals a year or so ahead, as well as the numbers needed as replacement breeding stock so commoners can maintain their herds, and ensuring enough stallions of different blood lines to maintain a diverse gene pool for the breed. Before the current scheme was introduced up to 100 stallions ran on the Forest year round, with foals sometimes only fetching a few pounds at auction.
Members of the public are urged to avoid getting too close to ponies during stallion season, due to the tendency for frisky and unpredictable behaviour. And to keep dogs under close control and, unless they have 100% reliable recall, on a short lead.
Verderers' also particularly advise horse riders to avoid stallion areas. "Any equine entering their area will inevitably result in the stallion approaching to check if the newcomer is a threat to his herd, or should be encouraged to join it. An entirely natural reaction, which can be intimidating to all but the most confident riders."
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With thanks to New Forest Pony Stallions and New Forest Verderers for information and photographs.
A couple of years ago our erstwhile cartoonist Hugh and editor Mark (who've gone on to other things and we now fondly miss) took a serious whilst entertaining look at this aspect of New Forest life about which many will know a little but most not a lot. Their research including the help they received from our wonderful agisters will enlighten if you read on.
"Recently I read in this august organ about the release of the stallions, an annual event which, up until a short time ago, was a complete mystery to your clueless scribbler. This raised so many questions in my tiny mind that I simply had to find the answers. So, if you want to learn yet another aspect of how this enormous and beautiful area is managed, read on. But first some equine guidance for those that need it (me), these are the modern names for the different ages and sexes of ponies.
The New Forest pony has been around for a while along with the commoners who both live in and manage the Forest. In life our mistakes and the lessons learned from them are generally referred to as experience and managing the Forest is a craft that has been honed over many years through just this; it’s a truly multi-faceted organism. It seems to me that the more research I do and the more I discover about the Forest, the less I seem to know.
Through hard won experience the Verderers, Agisters and Commoners have learned how to manage this huge natural area which we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep. New Forest ponies clip the grass, prune gorse and, as described in a previous article, even eat holly leaves. I know! For this they ask for no payment, they certainly don’t need our doughnuts, apples or carrots; they’re more than capable of nourishing themselves. But here’s the question, how many ponies can the forest support, how much natural food is out there? When is the best time for foals to be born? The commoners know the answers; they also have a clever system.
Stallions, (males which are entire and capable of breeding), are kept in paddocks away from the mares (females) for all but a few shohrt weeks of the year. During this period in May and June the stallions are set free in order to do what comes naturally; this year it will be for eight weeks. This ensures that the desired number of foals will be born eleven months later in early spring when the weather is kind and there is fresh spring grass for them to eat. Hugh tells me that a foal born in winter would be lucky to survive.
The Verderers limit the number of stallions released onto the Forest to breed. This year, out of a stock of just over thirty breeding stallions, twenty were released. This number is reassessed each year depending on the pony population.
Fillies are allowed to enjoy the forest as nature intended but for the colts it’s a different matter. Before they are two years old they undergo a detailed inspection by Verderers and only certain selected colts will be allowed to become part of the breeding stock. As you will have gathered by now, the vast majority of colts are gelded which is a polite term (sensitive male readers should look away now) for castration. Geldings then have complete freedom of the Forest for the rest of their days. By contrast the stallions can look forward to forty-eight weeks of isolation in a paddock. They’re well fed but the scenery stays the same.
When the stallions are released from captivity the behaviour of the ponies changes completely. The mares and fillies flirt outrageously with the stallions; there is a buzz in the air and this annual mating ritual has a huge effect on the herds. As far as we visitors are concerned, we would be crackers to get too close to ponies at this time of year. Never has the telephoto lens and binocular been so useful. Geldings retain a great deal of their competitive nature and will fight with stallions for a favourite, often winning the contest. In general ponies are fizzing with excitement and for this short period we two legged ones should stay well away. I’m told that the risk of a pony running into the road increases too so when driving we need to be even more cautious.
Those fortunate enough to be able to ride in the Forest have to be even more careful. Jonathan Gerrelli who is the Chief Agister recommends that riders use caution at this time of year. Upon seeing an approaching horse a stallion might either see it as a threat and chase it away or see it as part of its herd and try to round it up. He suggests that riders might change their route or, perhaps, not ride.
I was curious as to how on earth you went about finding just twenty stallions in such a vast area, so I spoke to two agisters, Mike Lovell and Andrew Napthine. Apparently the stallions are released into pre-arranged specific areas and tend not to roam far; but then I suppose they’re rather pre-occupied. I also asked how they are brought back in to the paddocks; visions of lariats, campfires, coffee and beans. I imagined that they might be reluctant to return to the imprisonment of a paddock. This is not the case at all and in most cases the stallions are spent; there’s an air of ‘thank goodness that’s over’. If anything, they welcome the opportunity for rest and in most cases the owner can simply walk up to them with a halter in one hand and a bucket of food in the other. I can just imagine the stallion whispering to the owner ‘can I go home now please?’. These days the stallions are halter broken and will ‘come along quietly’ as it were. Mike tells that back in the day when the stallions were unbroken they had to be rounded up on horseback, drift style. Exciting and, I suspect, rather dangerous.
I have always loved the Forest with its sheer sense of space and the peace and quiet that can easily be found. In carrying out research for these articles I have learned so much more about the flora and fauna and as a result I’m enjoying it even more, I sincerely hope it’s the same for you. Our thanks to Jonathan Gerrelli, Mike Lovell and Andrew Napthine for their time. *"
Hugh who concocted this cartoon this time last year (last year's news!) added: "Hopefully most readers will know that the FA Cup Final was held yesterday and that Leicester beat my team Chelsea (sob,sob). The background picture is in the forest just off the Hale Purlieu road. East Boldre Flash Harry was sold to a commoner up in the north end forest.
If you'd like to read other articles on diverse subjects written by the inimitable Mark and illustrated by Hugh's cartoons, just click here!
As featured on BBC South Today: a live workshop in action.
Congratulations to Debbie Mulkern and team at New Forest Aromatics
Debbie has now been named the Queen of Perfume.
And now we all want to do one of her wonderful workshops!
You can get in touch with Debbie to book one:
This week was the culmination of an enormous local community effort. After 6 long years of dogged determination on the part of one amazing lady Rebecca Gabzdyl, supported by a group of committed volunteer members of the local community, on a blustery but thankfully dry Monday morning Chapel Stores in East Boldre was declared officially open by rock star and local resident John Illsley.
And what seemed like the entirety of the rest of the local community queued patiently to get in and admire the fabulous interior, with many starting as they mean to continue to support this gigantic venture by doing their regular shopping, at the same time giving the volunteers behind the counter the opportunity to get to grips with till technology!
Pony drifts in the New Forest National Park: about the drifts or "round-ups"; 2023 dates, locations to avoid and other useful information.
Ed Note August 2023: We reviewed our article from some time ago... and concluded that not a lot had changed. Erosion and other factors have played a part and sadly some of the Milford on Sea beach huts have been lost to the sea but essentially, these brilliant beaches are yet another of the wonderful components of the New Forest in which we're so lucky to live!
Did you know that the New Forest has over 40 miles of coastline?
The New Forest coast stretches from Totton near Southampton all the way to Barton on Sea, with the beaches of Highcliffe and Christchurch Bay also within easy reach. The foreshore provides a wealth of environments for wildlife, with salt marshes, mudflats and numerous inaccessible areas providing an enticing playground for egrets, herons, birds of prey and wildfowl, as well as New Forest ponies and cattle.
Walks along the beaches and sea wall (officially signposted as the Solent Way) are popular all year-round - especially the Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve that winds its way from the Lymington marinas and Sea Water Baths to Hurst Castle.
Sea swimming is popular with the hardiest locals all year round and in the summer the beach-hut-lined beaches make a popular family day out. Who needs the Mediterranean when you can bask in the sunshine at Milford and Highcliffe's tempting beaches! The water is far cleaner too - the water quality at all of the New Forest's beaches has been rated Excellent by the Environment Agency.
Here is our quick guide to the best beaches in Lymington, the New Forest and beyond...
Calshot BeachWater quality: excellent
Dogs: welcome October-April
Car park: pay and display (Sat nav: SO45 1BS)
Calshot beach is part of a shingle spit on the Hampshire coast which extends westward by one mile into the southern end of Southampton Water. The beach is mostly shingle with some sand and is backed by colourful beach huts that offer views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Short wooden groynes at the top of the beach slope down to a shingle and sand shelf which, at low tides, extends out some distance and affords plenty of shallow water at mid tides.
While you’re there, you’re sure to get in some boat watching as beautiful ships make their way in and out of Southampton. The Bluebird Café provides light refreshments and snacks, there are on-site toilets and a car park can be found adjacent to the beach.
At the end of the spit, you’ll find Calshot Castle, built by King Henry VIII to defend our South Coast. The beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts, partially due to the fact that it houses Calshot Activities Centre, which offers all sorts of sports both on the water and off. The beach is also great for fishing.
Lepe BeachWater quality: excellent
Dogs: welcome in the Country Park but not permitted on the family-friendly beach, which is located in front of the beach car park, between April and September. Follow signs on-site for alternative routes.
Car park: pay and display (Sat nav: SO45 1AD)
Lepe beach covers one mile of coastline and offers a mixture of sand and shingle, sloping down to a sandy area that extends out for some distance at low tide. The beach is backed by grassland and pine-fringed cliffs which, along with the beach itself, are part of Lepe Country Park.
There’s something for everyone at this beach, whether it be kite or windsurfing, a children’s play area, wildflower meadows, or even the D-Day artefacts that offer an insight into the beach’s historic importance. At low tide along the eastern end of the beach, remains of wartime defences can be spotted.
A long-stay carpark, shop and the Lookout café are situated on-site, and there are all-terrain wheelchairs available for hire.
Water quality: excellent
Dogs: welcome all year
Car park: Hurst Road (sat nav: SO41 0PY), Paddy's Gap (sat nav: SO41 0NS) and Hordle Cliff (sat nav: SO41 0UX) Pay and display or local amenity parking clock applies.
A mostly-shingle beach with much to offer, Milford on Sea is excellent for swimming, water sports, walking, fishing and bird watching. A concrete sea wall and frequent timber groynes can be found along the beach and a little sand is exposed at the water’s edge in some places. The beach is lined with colourful beach huts and backed by a coastal cliff path. Milford on Sea beach offers views of the Solent, Isle of Wight, Purbeck Hills, Hengistbury Head and Christchurch Harbour.
Hurst Road car park is a short walk from Milford on Sea village, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, shops, cafés and pubs. At the beach you'll find the Needles Eye Café and a children's playground. A short walk along Hurst Spit (to the East of Milford on Sea beach) will lead you to Hurst Castle.
A short drive along the coast road brings you to the Paddy's Gap and Hordle Cliff car parks. Hordle Cliff has an overflow car park (much needed on sunny summer days!), loos and a takeaway kiosk. At low tide Hordle Cliff beach reveals a sand bar where groups gather to splash in the surf. The beach is lined with brightly coloured wooden beach huts and is popular with swimmers, kite surfers, kayaks and paddleboarders. Beach BBQs are allowed.
Barton on Sea BeachWater quality: excellent
Dogs: welcome all year
Car park: 3 car parks along Marine Drive East / West (Sat nav: BH25 7DX, BH25 7DX, BH25 7EG) Pay and display or local amenity parking clock applies.
At the eastern end of Christchurch Bay, you’ll find this beautiful shingle beach which boasts stunning views of the Isle of Wight and Solent. Rock groynes and a steep slope flatten to shallow sandy flats that are exposed when the tide retreats and picturesque beach huts line the cliff base.
However, there’s more to this beach than the bathing; the magnificent Solent Way walk runs along the 30-metre-high clay cliffs that back the beach. Barton on Sea’s prehistoric past makes the beach famous for its fossil beds, perfect for a spot of fossil hunting.
There are three car parks nearby and road parking, as well as on-site toilets, a café, a restaurant, a shop and beach huts available to hire.
Highcliffe BeachWater quality: excellent
Dogs: October-April
Car park: Waterford Road (Sat nav: BH23 5DA) Pay and display or local amenity parking clock applies.
Just a five-minute drive from the New Forest border, the shingle and sand beach at Highcliffe has numerous groynes and a moderate slope, flattening to shallow sandy flats that are exposed when the tide retreats. Behind the beach are cliffs and a shoreline promenade, which provides access to the town and to the coast road at the top of the cliff.
Parking is available at the end of Waterford Road and refreshments at the Cliffhanger Café.
Highcliffe Castle BeachWater quality: excellent
Dogs: October-April
Lifeguard: patrol mid-July - early September (check here)
Car park: pay and display (not NFDC parking clocks) - Sat nav: BH23 4LE
Highcliffe Castle has a sand and shingle beach, approximately one kilometre wide, backed by woodland covered cliffs. Follow the zig-zag path down the cliffs to the peaceful beach, perfect for sandcastles and relaxing. It is a good beach to visit in the summer months if you want to avoid dogs which are only permitted October-April.
Built between 1831 and 1836, Highcliffe Castle is an important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Castle tours are usually available (prebook), where you can learn more about its fascinating history, look around the many rooms and surrounding grounds and gardens.
Refreshments are available at Highcliffe Castle café.
Steamer PointWater quality: excellent
Dogs: October-April
Car park: Penny Way pay and display (Sat nav: BH23 4UE)
This sandy beach is located below Steamer Point Nature Reserve, which boasts both aquatic and woodland habitats which attract a multitude of wildlife. The quiet beach can be accessed from a one-mile path from Friar’s Cliff beach to the west or Highcliffe Castle to the east, or alternatively, there’s a long-stay car park with on-site toilets. There are many tracks and trails through the woodland to enjoy, passing two wildlife-packed ponds.
Water quality: excellent
Dogs: October- April
Lifeguard patrol: patrol mid-July - early September (check here)
Car park: Penny Way pay and display (Sat nav: BH23 4UE)
Friars Cliff Beach is a sandy and stony beach found to the east of its neighbour, Avon Beach. It also acts as the start of a one-mile path that leads you to Steamer Point Nature Reserve. The beach features views of the Isle of Wight and is lined by colourful beach huts, which can be hired.
Additionally, there’s parking available at Steamer Point car park, toilets and showers on-site, the Beach Café, restaurant and a shop.
Avon BeachWater quality: excellent
Dogs: October- April
Lifeguard: patrol mid-July - early September (check here)
Car park: Noisy Lobster (Sat nav: BH23 4AN), Avon Run Road (BH23 4AN), Mudeford Quay (BH23 4AB)
Along the outskirts of Christchurch, you’ll find Avon Beach in Mudeford, a beautiful, sandy beach with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. The beach offers something for everyone, a designated water sports area, beach huts for hire, an ice cream kiosk, a children’s play area, the Noisy Lobster restaurant, shop, a café and the perfect surface for sandcastle building!
Moreover, there are ample amenities including on-site showers and toilets, parking and disabled access. The beach is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers.
Hengistbury HeadWater quality: excellent
Dogs: welcome all year-round
Car park: Hengistbury Head (Sat nav: BH6 4EL)
Hengistbury Head has it all: woodland, saltmarsh, heathland and beach which altogether house over 300 different bird species and countless varieties of wildlife. The visitor centre, near the long stay car park, offers more information on the area’s archaeology, geology and ecology. There are on-site toilets, food and drink available and disabled access with smooth paths, a land train and a Land Rover service. All the way along the beach, gravel paths and headland, you can enjoy pleasant walks, as well as a land train which starts at the car park and travels to the spit and harbour entrance.
On the western side you'll find the beach, the start of Southbourne Beach. On the eastern side is the spit - the Mudeford Sandbank, lined with beach huts across Christchurch Harbour. The Beach House café makes a good pitstop. A land train travels between the main car park and Hengistbury spit.
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Memorable Monopoly Moments - competition time at Balmer Lawn Hotel Brockenhurst! Let’s face it; we all know someone who can’t quite handle the pressures of Monopoly! Perhaps your mum has hoovered up the money, your brother has flipped over the board, or your cousin has been caught red-handed stealing from the bank… Read More!
One of the many great things about the New Forest area is that there’s always something to do - come rain or shine and all year round. Even on the soggiest of days, you’ll find plenty of indoor attractions and lovely things to do undercover. Or embrace the elements! Don your wellies and raincoats and you’ll also find a multitude of fun things to do outside.
Read on for our top 10 ‘all year round’ things to do when the heavens open!
We’re blessed locally with some excellent museums, open every day and all year round.
St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery in Lymington makes a truly interesting day out. The museum engagingly explores the history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast, brought to life with stories from the local community - its collections and colourful, hands-on displays offer a fascinating insight into the area for all ages.
The Art Gallery's exhibition programme features a fantastically wide range of subjects and includes loans from the country's finest public and private collections together with the best of local art. Keep an eye out for regular art and craft workshops, plus fun events for children, especially in the school holidays. Recharge in the spacious and airy Old School Café, which offers complimentary wifi and delicious morning coffee, light lunches, and afternoon teas.
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu will keep you entertained for hours, all undercover. With over 250 vehicles in its collection, the museum tells the story of motoring on the roads and circuits of Britain, from pioneering origins to the present day. From the earliest motor carriages to classic family saloons, displays include land speed record holders, motorcycles, a rustic 1930s country garage and 'Wheels' - a fun pod ride through motoring history. Fascinating for all - not just petrolheads (although they will absolutely love the World of Top Gear!)
Avoid the rain by catching the Veteran Bus or Monorail to explore Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the interesting Secret Army exhibition which reveals Beaulieu’s history as a top-secret training establishment for special agents of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War Two. It's easy to spend a whole day at the award-winning Beaulieu and there's plenty of opportunities to recharge in the coffee shop and restaurant during the day.
Keep an eye on the film schedule for The Malt Cinema at Lymington Community Centre, which shows a new, popular film every week, including Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. There are also regular Live Broadcast performances of ballet and opera - definitely worth watching out for - and dementia-friendly and child-friendly showings. Also at the Lymington Community Centre are monthly screenings of fringe and/or international films by Lymington Film Society. All of these are listed in our Events Calendar.
Afternoon tea is one of the most quintessential of English customs and no wonder – all those delicious sandwiches, fruit-laden slices, yummy scones and melt-in-the-mouth cakes. This summer you can enjoy a very special Honey Afternoon Tea at Careys Manor which celebrates the bees and reminds you it's still summer really! The New Forest is blessed with a number of excellent places to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea all year round - escape the wind and rain outside as you cosy up in front of a crackling fire and enjoy Afternoon Tea in the New Forest.
Even when the cold wind blows and the biting rain is horizontal there are some great locations for walks in the New Forest. As the Norwegians say, there’s no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong clothing! And what can be more fun than jumping in puddles together!
When the ground is boggy, seek out established paths, such as those at Wilverley Inclosure, Bolderwood (where you might see some deer from the viewing platform!) and Blackwater (part of the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, you'll see majestic Douglas Firs and Redwoods and a lovely arboretum too)
Grab your wellies and raincoats for a bracing walk around the Lymington-Keyhaven nature reserve. Even on the wettest of days you’ll see fauna and flora aplenty - and at the Lymington end, warm your toes afterwards by the fire in The Haven with a delicious hot chocolate! Do check the tides and forecast before you head out, in case of weather warnings as there is little protection.
Escape the wind and rain with a Spa Day! We're blessed in the New Forest area with some of the country's leading spa retreats, where you don't have to be staying at the hotel to book in for some relaxing time out. Our favourites include SenSpa at Careys Manor, Herb House at Lime Wood and the Spa at Chewton Glen.
Experience Hampshire is the gatekeeper for some of Hampshire’s best-kept secrets including some incredible, unique and genuinely interesting experiences. Use the Experience Hampshire website to save you time and stress when you need to find something that appeals to everyone on a rainy day!
Learn new cookery skills at The Kitchen at Chewton Glen, where there is a regular programme of classes and courses, some with celebrity chefs!
Ignore the rain and head for a garden centre to start planning your plot for the spring! Our favourite is Fairweather's in Beaulieu, where you'll find a wide range of plants, a well-stocked garden shop and an excellent café called Steph's Kitchen. Bring your brolly and head over the road to Patrick's Patch, an inspiring, educational and productive garden adjacent to the garden centre.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a New Forest family favourite attraction perfect for visitors of all ages. Even on a soggy day the magical atmosphere of Exbury has the power to lift the spirits, the many trees provide a degree of shelter, and dogs are welcome whatever the weather too.
A visit to Exbury is also an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway. The Rhododendron Line includes three engines and ten carriages, which embark half hourly from replica Victorian station Exbury Central and travel through a tunnel, over a bridge, around the new Dragonfly Pond and through the Summer Lane Garden. A short history of the gardens is included during the journey. It's a treat for all the family!
Come rain or shine, with New Forest Activities you can explore the stunning Beaulieu River as part of a guided tour. Opt for one of the stable ‘Canadian Style’ canoes with space for the whole family, or for something a little more adventurous jump into one of the Kayaks and take to the water as you learn about and discover the Beaulieu Nature Reserve.
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