Foulford Bottom

 

Foulford Bottom

Phragmites Reed

 

Since the restoration of the forest streams, and the subsequent natural re-wilding of the bogs and mires which feed them, Phragmites Reed or Common Reed (phragmites australis) is fast becoming re-established in wetter spots. This has been particularly noticeable over the last couple of years. The higher levels of water retention is to their liking. I like it, they remind me of reconstruction illustrations of Mesolithic and Neolithic landscapes and hunting scenes.

Holmhill Bog

 

Our walk this morning was out on the exposed open heath of Wilverley Plain and Holm Hill and adjacent wet heath and bog valleys of Holmhill and Duck Hole bogs. Through Holmhill Bog there's a raised path at a point where a pond has developed; the pond is about half a mile from Ober Water into which the bog eventually empties; the water here is clean and clear, the colour of strong black tea.

Harvest Slade Bottom

Harvest Slade Bottom, a wetland valley and one of the headwaters of Mill Lawn Brook. Just one of the forests many hidden spots which has an eerie isolated beauty to it. You can understand why in the past landscapes like the forest’s were viewed as scary places filled with dangers, real and imagined, mythical beasts and strange unnatural forces. Today the hollow was nice, very still, with a certain peaceful tranquillity to it, though when shrouded and muffled by thick mists or in the midst of a storm these places will stir your primal fears...no matter how much you deny them. 

Clayhill Bottom

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.