When you think of a forest, you think of trees, and of course there are plenty of trees in the New Forest, although I'd imagine that many visitors are surprised find that nearly half of the 'forest' is open grassland and open wet and dry heathland. The New Forest heathland is but a minor remnant of a extensive regional heathland which once spanned areas of Dorset and Hampshire, other pockets of which remain scattered across the two counties. I've said it before, the forest may look natural, though it exists as a direct result of clearance to facilitate ancient farming practice and is anything but a natural phenomena. Heathland would quickly disappear without vigorous management, you can see how rapidly birch and conifers colonize when left to their own devices. A grand landscape to roam at any time of the year, although in my opinion, it's barren beauty is best appreciated through the stark winter months.
