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Lyndhurst in old pictures - Bolton's Bench and the foxhounds
Bolton' Bench, a well-known landmark on the outskirts of Lyndhurst, was for may years the meeting place of the New Forest Foxhounds and from at least the early years of the 20th century, the ensuing colourful and frequently chaotic scenes appeared on many contemporary postcards. Here is a selection, most dating from the first few decades of that century - the clothing worn by onlookers and hunt followers provides clues to the dates.
And finally, this largely unremarkable view near Bolton's Bench
shows ponies close to the cricket pavilion. It is perhaps made
more interesting, though, by the inclusion of the huge sandpit
that today forms part of the Parc Pale car park
shows ponies close to the cricket pavilion. It is perhaps made
more interesting, though, by the inclusion of the huge sandpit
that today forms part of the Parc Pale car park
New Forest Explorers Guide - home page
More links
New Forest heritage - introduction
Other related links
Lyndhurst, Bank and Emery Down history - introduction and topic links
Lyndhurst, Bank and Emery Down history: Bolton's Bench - an overview
New Forest pictures from yesteryear - introduction and village links
New Forest Heritage
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** New Forest ponies and other animals**
Sadly, 58 animals were killed - 35 ponies, 13 cows, 8 donkeys and 2 sheep, whilst a further 32 were injured - 3 pigs, 9 donkeys, 11 cows and 9 ponies.
(Forty-three accidents occurred in daylight, 15 at twilight and 101 in the dark. Twenty-seven accidents were not reported by the driver involved).
** Always take care when driving **
New Forest seasonal highlights
NovemberSika deer continue to engage in rutting behaviour, and will do so until December.
Pigs seek out the remains of the acorn crop.
Beech leaves are transformed into a magnificent mosaic of glorious reds and golds. Other deciduous trees, too, take on an autumnal cloak before their leaves fall.
Dragonflies can occasionally be seen on the wing on bright days early in the month.
December
Foxglove leaves survive the winter at ground level, and offer the prospect of colourful summer blooms to come.
Redwings and fieldfares, autumn and winter visitors, gorge on haws and holly berries.
Great grey shrikes and hen harriers hunt over the heaths and other open spaces.
Honeysuckle by the end of the month often shows welcome signs of new growth.
The Glorious New Forest
Marvellous landscapes, marvellous wildlife