New Forest

Autumnal view through leaves at sunset — Photo credit: Nick Whittle

The New Forest

The New Forest is a spectacular landscape made up of a unique mix of woodlands and open habitats that are globally important for nature conservation.

Forestry England manages 47% of the New Forest National Park, including much of the best-known ancient woodlands, wetlands and heathlands, which are home to many rare species of plants and wildlife. In fact, we look after more land and more trees than any other organisation in England.

No BBQs or fires in the New Forest

To help prevent wildfires fires, BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment of any kind are now banned in the New Forest.

Follow the New Forest Code

Ensuring the New Forest is a safe place to come and protecting the very special nature we have here, requires all of us to respect and look after it, find out more: The New Forest Code

Stick to the marked trails

It's particularly important that cyclists stick to way-marked cycle trails in the New Forest, which is a highly protected and fragile landscape. There are over 100 miles of off-road waymarked cycle routes that you can use and cyclists must stay on these all year round. Please note that you cannot use e-scooters on land that we manage in the New Forest because they are currently illegal (except on private land or when used on public roads as part of formal government trial).

Keep your distance

Please help reduce animal accidents by driving with extra care on Forest roads. It's a fineable offence to feed the free roaming animals. The Forest is home to many grazing animals and wildlife that can be made ill from discarded food and litter that people leave behind. Please help us keep the New Forest a tidy place for people and safe place for animals by being responsible and taking your litter home.

Park and drive responsibly

Please park in one of our designated car parks. Parking is not allowed on grass verges or in access gateways. Keep highways clear and leave plenty of room for other road users to pass. Find out which car parks are open and have facilities:

Car parks and closures

Permissions:

Apply for Permission for an event or activity

Things to do

See more things to do

Cycling in the New Forest

Explore the New Forest on two wheels!

We have more than 100 miles of waymarked family-friendly cycle routes, much of it off the public highway and traffic-free. There are plenty of places to hire bikes.

Off-road cycling is only permitted on certain routes in the New Forest. Download the cycle map (located in the activity information box on this page) before you visit.

For more adventurous cyclists, there are purpose-built mountain bike circuits at Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood.

Follow the New Forest Cycle Code

The New Forest is a working forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow roads and tracks. Ponies, cattle and other animals are free to roam the forest and most of its roads. Please follow both the Highway Code and the New Forest Cycling Code:

Ride positively and well clear of uneven road edges but with consideration for other road-users. To allow vehicles to overtake safely, leave gaps for them to pull into and move into single file when necessary and safe to do so. Never ride more than two abreast. Off road, cycle only on the waymarked network of tracks, bridleways, byways, restricted byways and designated routes. Use a map to plan your route and try to be off Forest tracks by sunset Be polite to others. When passing people and animals, use your bell or call out a warning and allow them plenty of room. Be prepared to stop if necessary. Do not drop litter or feed the animals; human food and litter are a danger to them. Close gates behind you so the animals don’t stray. Respect the quiet of the Forest. Pass animals slowly and to one side if possible. Take extra care near horse riders; a kick or fall from a horse could be fatal. Be prepared to stop. Use your bell or call out a friendly warning well in advance. When it is safe, pass wide and at walking pace, to one side only. Look out for any reaction from the horse. Keep to a safe speed, on and off road, particularly on narrow lanes, steep hills and bends. Look out for pot holes, poor surfaces and cattle grids. Look out for and obey safety signs. Do not pass large vehicles and trailers until you know it is safe to do so. Ensure you are visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Use lights after dark and in poor daytime visibility. Avoid the use of earphones.

Electric bikes

As with any type of cycling, an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), electric bike or e-bike is only allowed on designated cycle routes. We urge people to behave responsibly and considerably, respecting other users as well as the New Forest Code. All e-bikes ridden on cycle tracks in the New Forest have to be fully EAPC compliant.

An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it and the electric motor must only have a maximum power output of 250 watts and should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph. Find out more about EAPC legislation: https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

Events

Organised events require permission from Forestry England.

If you are taking part in an organised event, follow the additional instructions to minimise your impact. Help us to protect this special place.

Find out more

Walking in the New Forest

Walking trails are suitable for all ages and abilities and some are pushchair and buggy friendly. You don’t even need a map. Follow the wooden posts with the coloured marker bands and take in the stunning views along the way.

There are over 130 car parks throughout the forest and each one has a gateway into the wider forest. You’ll find facilities at some sites, such as picnic tables, toilets and information. Throughout the Easter holidays and summertime, at Bolderwood, we offer a seasonal information cabin that provides advice on how to make the most of your visit. We ask visitors to follow The New Forest Code which focuses on nine simple ways you can help care for this unique and special place.

Recommended trails:

Bolderwood Blackwater Knightwood Reptile Centre Whitefield Moor Wilverley

Ground Nesting Birds

Between March to August rare, ground nesting birds nest on the open, heathland areas of the Forest. During this time we close a number of car parks and put up warning signs in the most sensitive areas. Please help support these special birds by sticking to the main tracks when walking in the Forest and keeping your dog with you here.

Walking your dog in the New Forest

The New Forest is great for dogs but to minimise disturbance to wildlife, livestock and other people, please keep your dogs close by you and visible at all times - if necessary use a lead. See the Forest Dog Code.

Clearing up after your dog

All dog owners are expected to clear up after their dog, to help maintain the cleanliness of the Forest for everyone. Dog fouling is unpleasant and can also be dangerous. As part of The New Forest Code we ask visitors to take dog waste home.

A place for everyone to enjoy

The New Forest is a working forest, with forestry, farming and equestrian activity on its narrow roads and tracks. Stay safe by looking out for warning signs and keeping away from work sites and vehicles.

Ponies, cattle and other animals are free to roam the forest, so please admire the ponies without getting too close and certainly don’t feed them.

Events

Organised events require permission from Forestry England. If you are taking part in an organised event, follow the additional instructions to minimise your impact.

Find out more

Camping in the New Forest

The 10 campsites in the Crown Lands of the New Forest are now operated by our partner – Camping New Forest. Enjoy a stay immersed in a unique and precious environment whilst supporting the local community and economy.

To book a new break, visit Camping New Forest For existing bookings, please Visit Camping in the Forest or call 01590 631641

Wild camping

Visitors are reminded that wild camping in the Forest is not allowed, as this is a highly sensitive area for wildlife. Wild camping can cause real damage, resulting from discarded litter, fly-tipped equipment, and fire risks from irresponsible fires and BBQs - all posing major risks to the landscape and wildlife.

BBQs and Stoves

Only BBQ’s and stoves that are raised off the ground can be used on official campsites within the heart of the New Forest (those operated by Camping New Forest). These are managed and patrolled areas and have a series of fire measures in place including metal containers for hot coals to ensure their correct and safe disposal, water points and fire-fighting equipment, and regular patrols by campsite staff.

Disposable BBQs are not permitted at these locations in line with the rest of the New Forest Crown lands. These campsites have Camping New Forest staff onsite at all times and local staff raise the profile of safety messages.

Find out more

Forest Find | New Forest

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or enthusiast amateur it's easy to take part, just start recording wildlife on your next visit...

Download the free iNaturalist app before you visit

Discover and record wildlife through the app on your forest adventure

Download now on iOS

Download now on Android

iNaturalist is an independent third party application. Please check their full privacy policy and terms of service before signing up You can create records without having 4G or Wi-Fi in the forest. Download our full user guide and top tips.

Find out more

The Deer Rut

The New Forest is a great place to see deer in their natural environment, but it is important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with respect. We ask people not to enter our deer conservation areas to avoid disturbance.

Learn more