New Forest
The New Forest is one of the most important areas for wildlife in lowland western Europe and as such is one of the key focuses for Trust activity in Hampshire.
The well being of the open New Forest is dependent on the continuation of the extensive grazing regime that is inexorably linked to the Commoning tradition of land management.
The Forest is however much more than the open rolling heathlands and grazed pasture woodlands that immediately spring to mind. The enclosed landscape of meadows, hedgerows and small woodlands is almost as important for wildlife as the open Forest and is vital in supporting the Commoning way of life. In addition the coastline of the New Forest, stretching from Hurst Castle in the west almost to the Trust's Lower Test Reserve is of international importance for overwintering and breeding seabirds and waders.
