For comprehensive information about the New Forest National Park
***** For information about New Forest access restrictions and related matters, check out the Forestry England website. *****
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).
Here's just one horrific example - Three donkeys killed in collision with van at notorious New Forest blackspot (Advertiser and Times)
** Always take care when driving **
New Forest seasonal highlights
MayBluebells and other wild flowers brighten the woods, usually in relatively small numbers.
Bird song can be heard throughout the day but is at its loudest at dawn and, to a lesser extent, dusk.
Foals are born in increasing numbers and can be seen beside ever-attentive mares.
Dragonflies are more frequently observed on the wing as spring progresses.
June
Badgers can now often be watched above ground well before darkness falls.
Deer - fallow, red, roe, sika and muntjac deer are all present - give birth, although the youngsters are unlikely to be noticed until July.
Heath spotted-orchids add delicate pink colour to many of the heaths.
Hobbies, dashing birds of prey, can often be seen aloft, hawking for insects.
The Glorious New Forest
Marvellous landscapes, marvellous wildlife