Update June 2025: I am now working full time for the New Forest Agricultural Show Society and Camping New Forest as Education and Activities Engagement Officer. I will still be posting my Nature Notes and continuing with Wild Floristry.
New Forest Discovery – all year
There is so much to find out about the Forest: the iconic ponies, rare and secretive wildlife and unique traditions and way of life. On this introductory nature walk you’ll discover what makes the Forest special, such as how the animals shape the Forest and how it has survived since the days of William the Conqueror.
A mindfull wildlife walk – all year
The New Forest is a biodiversity ‘hotspot’ of internationally renowned flora and fauna. It makes the perfect location to connect with nature and explore the benefits for our health and wellbeing. You will be guided on a gentle and relaxing walk and invited to take part in activities carefully designed to enhance your understanding of the New Forest.
Creatures of the twilight – an evening guided walk
A guided walk returning just after dusk, with the opportunity to look and listen for New Forest wildlife such as deer, bats and birds such as woodcock and nightjar.
You’ll use bat detectors to locate and identify different bat species and discover their secretive lives. Sound recordings of New Forest deer and bird calls, together with field guides and photographs will help you get the most from the walk.
Start times for evening walks vary throughout the season to allow a return time just after dusk.
Walks run – June, July, August and September
Wild foods of the Forest
Experience a walk to find out how to sustainably forage a feast from the Forest. We will look for and identify hedgerow fruits, berries and woodland wild foods.
For families, activities include making leaf gathering parcels, a forager’s charm and an ‘I-Spy’ challenge. There will be opportunities to taste wild food jams and syrups brought along on the day.
This is an educational walk and there will be no collection of fungi to eat.
Walks run – August, September and October
Fungi explorers
An introduction to the mysterious and secret world of New Forest mushrooms and toadstools. Meet the ‘Fungi family’ to learn how to identify and group the more common fungi and discover how fairy-tale toadstools get their spots!
No fungi is collected to eat.
Games and challenges include: mushroom roulette, mushroom murder mystery and ‘true or false’ fungi name game.
Walks run – September, October and November
Prices:
A bespoke two hour guided walk starts from £60 for your group; £90 for a half day (3 hours).
Options for a shorter 1.5 hour walk suitable for family groups with young children start from £50.
All walks include a pre-walk check, activity planning and use of equipment such as binoculars, field guides and activity props.
Get in touch today to book your special New Forest walk!
Additional information:
Walk times are flexible. Introductory walks start at around 2 hours, which is usually a short 1.5 – 3 mile circular walking route. My knowledge of the Forest will help select a route and start point suitable to your location, abilities and interests.