| The New Forest was given National Park status in | | | | forts, idyllic villages, market towns, Roman villas, |
| 2005, which means that the strongest level of | | | | country pubs, stunning countryside views and much |
| protection possible in the UK has been given for this | | | | more. |
| 218 square miles of grassland, heathland, bogs and | | | | There are also many rivers and a dramatic coastline |
| woods. Its future is completely secure for generations | | | | to explore with boat trips, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, |
| to come to enjoy the area as much as we do today. | | | | surfing, yachting, with regular ferries across to the |
| The New Forest National Park has a coastline that | | | | channel islands and the Isle of Wight if you fancy an |
| runs along the sunny south coast of England, mainly in | | | | adventurous day out. |
| the County of Hampshire. The popular coastal resort | | | | The neighbouring county is Dorset, known for its |
| of Bournemouth, the sailing centre at Christchurch, and | | | | breathtaking coastline of which there is over 95 miles. |
| the major port of Southampton, are all a short drive | | | | Much of this coastline is known as the Jurassic coast |
| away. | | | | and Lulworth Cove in Dorset is a good example of |
| Domestic animals are permitted to roam freely | | | | what that means. The Coastline was shaped over a |
| throughout the forest. The people who own them are | | | | period of almost 250 million years. At Lulworth some |
| called "commoners" You can hardly turn a corner | | | | of the rock formations are in almost vertical layers. |
| without seeing ponies, cows or donkeys wandering in | | | | There are over half a million visitors to Lulworth alone |
| the road. Visitors to the area can also enjoy the wildlife | | | | each year because of the geological uniqueness of |
| that lives throughout the forest. You can catch sight of | | | | the area. It is one of hundreds of attractions for visitors |
| rare red squirrels at Brownsea Island, watch deer | | | | to the area. |
| wander freely throughout many areas, listen out for | | | | There are many camping sites in the forest for touring |
| the famous Dartford Warbler singing his merry song, | | | | caravans and tents as well as caravan parks |
| and, if you tread carefully, many reptiles and insects | | | | throughout the area. Children can enjoy rock pooling, |
| including the rare smooth snake can be found in the | | | | cycling, fossil hunting, the beaches, horse riding, wildlife |
| undergrowth. | | | | centres, swimming and even ice skating in the winter |
| You can pursue almost any outdoor interest or activity | | | | months. This beautiful area has so much to offer |
| whilst staying in the area. There are miles of footpaths, | | | | every age group and wherever you stay there is sure |
| cycle trails, and bridle paths to explore. The area also | | | | to be something close by that will interest you. |
| offers visitors historic houses, gardens, ancient castles, | | | | |