The car park is closed for planned works. - Find out more
Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

Weekdays

Monday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk
Tuesday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk
Wednesday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk
Thursday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk
Friday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk

Weekends

Saturday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk
Sunday
Opening hours Dawn to dusk

How to find us

How to find us
Near East Boldre, off B3055, Hampshire
Sat Nav Postcode: SO42 7WE
By Car

From Beaulieu take the B3055 towards Brockenhurst.  Hatchet Pond car park is situated on the junction with the B3054.

OS Grid Ref
SU 369 017
Get directions

50.813936900969, -1.4777668624573

Parking and prices

Please park only in designated car parks, not on a verge or in gateways.

Please lock your car, taking any valuables with you and leave by dusk.

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Disabled parking available

Facilities and access

There are no toilets at this location, the nearest facilities are in the village in Beaulieu or Brockenhurst.

No swimming or boating is allowed in Hatchet Pond and other natural water sources that have potential dangers.

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Assistant dogs welcome

Contact details

Landline Number
0300 067 4601
Out Of Hours Number
0300 067 4600
E-Mail Address
southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk

Hatchet Pond is one of the UK’s most important Ponds for nature and wildlife

Hatchet Pond is the New Forest’s largest body of fresh water and home to some of the rarest wetland plants and freshwater animals long since lost from many other parts of the UK. As one of the most wildlife rich water bodies remaining in lowland England, it has the highest possible conservation status as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area for Conservation.

Unfortunately, this renowned local beauty spot is currently under major threat from pollution and over-use. Eroding banks and disturbance of the shallow Pond are affecting the health of the water, with the plants and wildlife that rely on it in suffering.

To help protect Hatchet Pond, an action plan has been put in place to try and reverse the decline. Visitors also have a critical role to play in helping to ensure this special place can survive by not entering the water for swimming, or any other reason, and not allowing dogs into the water.

The restoration plan

At a glance

No swimming (including dogs) or watersports
17/05/2022 12:28
Please take your litter home
17/05/2022 12:29
No toilet facilities
17/05/2022 12:28

Things to do

Coarse fishing at Hatchet Pond

A variety of fish can be caught at Hatchet Pond and Little Hatchet including; roach, bream, tench, pike, pearch, eels and rudd.

In order to fish at Hatchet Pond or Little Hatchet you will require a Forestry England fishing permit as well as an Environment Agency Rod License.

Forestry England fishing permits are available as day, week or season tickets. Please follow the link for how and where to purchase a permit.

The fishing season for this site starts from 16 June 2021 until 14 March 2022.

Purchase a fishing permit

Price for 2 rods      

Adults

Concession under 17 and over 65 Day £20 £14 Week £50 £30 Annual £150 £75 Price for 3 rods       Adults Concession under 17 and over 65 Day £30 £18 Week £60 £40 Annual £200 £150

 

Find out more

Nearby forests

White pony within rust orange shrubs

Tilery Road

Tilery Road is named after a historic Victorian brick and tile works. From the car park there's easy access following the cycle route into Pignall Hill, this is one of the largest collections of inclosure woodlands in the New Forest. 

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Keep Your Distance from livestock sign at Bolton's Bench

Bolton's Bench

Walk up to the top of the hill at Bolton’s Bench and take a moment to let your mind wander amongst the magestic ancient yew trees. You'll also be treated to picturesque views of the heathland, ancient woodlands and grassy lawns that make the New Forest so special. 

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Three New Forest ponies standing on open grassland.

Whitefield Moor

Enjoy the stunning views of the heathland and trees beyond. This is an ideal spot for all the family with good waymarked walking trail that pass by the nearby Ober Water stream.

Find out more
Boy counting tree rings on a very old tree that's been felled.

Blackwater

Blackwater arboretum is an idyllic setting with a stunning variety of beautiful trees from around the world. Inspired by the tree collection at this special place, a sensory sculpture trail complements the setting.

Explore Blackwater on two wheels by following the New Forest’s great network of cycle trails.

Find out more
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