Spring walks in the New Forest

Heather at Hale Purlieu Common, New Forest, Hampshire

Discover a wealth of wildlife and picture-perfect views with a spring walk in our New Forest Commons. We've got three very different downloadable trails for you to try, drawing you into some of the Forest's fascinating history, and magnificent ancient landscapes.

Open heathland areas are dotted with colourful wildflower displays throughout the season. Look out for ground-nesting birds such as the Dartford warbler - March to July is their breeding season, so they'll be establishing territories and building nests.

Dogs are welcome on your New Forest walk, but please keep them on leads to help protest the local wildlife.

A group of pine trees atop a hill known as Robin Hood's clump at Iblsey Common, in the New Forest

Walk to the Huff Duff 

A walk from Ibsley to Rockford Commons, taking in military history with a visit the Huff Duff (an old directional station) and lots of opportunities to spot exciting New Forest wildlife, such as lizards, butterflies and predatory birds.

A sunny view of Hale Common in the New Forest, with ferns and leafy trees

Hale Purlieu figure of eight walk 

A figure of eight walk through Hale Purlieu, taking in great views across the Common’s valleys and mires.

Heathland with trees on the horizon at Hightown Common in the New Forest, Hampshire

A short stroll around Hightown in the New Forest 

A short walk around our smallest heathland site in the New Forest, great if you are short of time but still want to experience the mosaic of habitats the New Forest has to offer. Walk across grazed lawns, through dark ancient woods and wonder off route to discover some hidden wetlands, all in under 30 minutes.

Guided spring bird walks

Discover New Forest birds as they start to migrate, nest and call on this early morning walk at Foxbury. Join our rangers and an expert in their field between 8 - 11am at Foxbury (SO51 6AQ) on Sundays 14 April and 5 May. Call 01794 344020 to book.