Bronzed Beeches and Possible Pannage Piggies

Location

New Forest, Hampshire

OutdoorLads shares the exact meeting point with people who have signed up, closer to the date. See the OutdoorLads listing for details.

About this event

Join me on this walk through some of the loveliest bits of the New Forest National Park, away from the crowds, across the wide open spaces of the heathlands and through ancient woodlands that should be in their autumn finery.We will be well away from the privately owned, enclosed areas are the National Park, with the entire walk within the 'perambulation boundary' of the Forest, which is the area where commoners' livestock are free to roam. Therefore I can confidently guarantee we will see plenty of the iconic New Forest ponies, quite likely some cattle and donkeys, but with a little luck we may also spot families of pigs out foraging freely.Pannage is an ancient practice that is still used today by New Forest Commoners, who turn out their pigs into the Forest during the season. The pannage season usually lasts around 60 days, between September to November. The start and finish of it is decided by the Verderers of the New Forest, with the season starting on the 14th September this year. One of the primary reasons for pannage is that fallen green acorns contain high levels of tannic acid, which is poisonous and potentially fatal to the area's free-roaming ponies and cattle. The pigs, however, will gladly hoover them up with no ill effect!Our route heads south out towards one of the more elevated parts of the Forest on Bratley Plain with extensive views all around, and particularly to Cranborne Chase in the NW. After passing under the A31, we'll pass by the area that was so badly affected by the big wildfire in early August. Fortunately spared was the peaceful, photogenic spot of Soarley Beeches, an isolated, atmospheric clump of ancient, gnarled beech trees set out on the open heath, on a slope facing towards the distant Solent and the Isle of Wight.We'll then head down to pick up the cycle track which climbs back up to Bolderwood. The Canadian War Memorial sits by the roadside at the top of the hill, honouring Canadian troops who gathered there for church services before heading to Juno Beach for the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Continuing north, we'll dip back under the A31 again and continue on to Ocknell Pond and Cadman's Pool where we'll take a break for lunch.On from there, we'll head down through mature ancient woodlands and then emerge into hamlet of Fritham where it would be rude not to stop for a drink at the Royal Oak. The final stretch keeps the high ground for a while over Fritham Plain then, with us perhaps starting to tire a little, decending the appropriately named Ragged Boys Hill. Following the line of Dockens Water stream will lead us back to our start point at the High Corner Inn.Dogs well-behaved dogs are welcome on the walk, but must be under close control at all times and on a lead in the vicinity of livestock or where wildlife may be disturbed. Also note that the entirity of this walk will be in areas where livestock is free-roaming, and you will need to confident that your dog will remain under control if we encounter animals it may not be accustomed to, such as pigs. Hot weather may also make it inappropriate to bring a dog for such a distance during the middle of the day.Don’t Waste That Space!Walks can get filled up quite quickly, so please only sign up if you know you are free to attend. Plans do sometimes change, but remember to free up your space so someone else can attend. If there is a waiting list, please sign up, as spaces often become available closer to the date.New Members:If this is your first event or you are new to OutdoorLads we’d love to see you. Please message me if you have any questions.All images used on this page taken by the event leader and permission granted for use by ODL