Discover what's new in the New Forest

A site steeped in history, the New Forest dates back to its establishment in around 1079 by William the Conqueror as a royal forest for deer hunting. However, it's not just about glimpsing the past when it comes to exploring the pristine New Forest surrounds. Understandably recognised as something of a unique natural setting, the woodlands, grasslands, heathlands, and tree plantations that characterise the New Forest landscape contribute to the area's noted ecological value. In addition, the New Forest is home to diverse species of local wildlife – including the only species of cicada native to Great Britain! Unusual insect and plant species abound, and also the three British native species of snakes call the Forest home. Now protected, the snakes used to be harvested in their thousands and sent back to the London Zoo, sold to tourists, or utilised for the melted-down snake fat as a cure for bruises, sprains and even adder bites.

Hampshire local character Harry 'Brusher' Mills (1840-1905) has entered the pages of local and even national history as the legendary snake catcher of the New Forest. It is estimated that he had caught some 29,233 snakes in his lifetime, but of course this figure is impossible to verify! He used to rid the people of snakes on their properties and also helped to cure sick animals. Brusher Mills even claimed that adders were an effective remedy for rheumatism, and to this end he would bake the snakes, clarify the dripping, and rub it on to the afflicted region of the body.

Today's tourists are able to witness the spectacle of snake harvesting from a safer and more comfortable distance, as it's possible to enjoy a drink of an afternoon or evening at the pub in Brockenhurst named in Mills' honour, The Snakecatcher.

Apart from the reptilian life in the New Forest, birdwatchers will delight at the vast range of heathland and woodland birds that frequent the site. Cattle and ponies, including the indigenous New Forest Pony, are a common feature of the New Forest - even in the villages! Deer, on the other hand, are a shyer inhabitant of the Forest, and are most frequently seen early and late in the day.

Getting to the New Forest

Getting to the self-styled capital of New Forest, Lyndhurst, is an easy affair by public transport or vehicle. Once you're there, there's even a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that passes through the Lyndhurst main car park.

If you've opted to fly into either England or Scotland, you'll be able to rent a car and head out from London hotels or Edinburgh hotels in the direction of Southampton or Bournemouth.

Alternately, regular trains run from London Waterloo station to Brockenhurst, via Winchester, en route to Bournemouth. Local trains link Brockenhurst and Lymington.