See spring wildlife

Get out on your bike and watch the New Forest spring to life.

Bluebells

Throughout April and May, acres of woodland floor in the New Forest are carpeted with bluebells, setting the scene for a perfect spring walk or bike ride. You can even download the New Forest Bluebell Trail, which will guide you to some of the best sites, including Exbury Gardens and Roydon Woods. 

New Forest foals

New Forest ponies are rather wee anyway, but at this time of year you get to see an even tinier version of them when their foals are born, making this unique landscape even more enchanting. Just be careful not to get too close to a mare with her foals - the mares can be very protective!

Newborn chicks and ducklings

Head down to Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu, and you’ll be sure to see Mother Duck leading her trail of ducklings along the water. Just remember to bring your duck feed! And if you want to have a cuddle with a fluffy chick and other baby farm animals, Longdown Activity Farm offers wonderful interactive sessions.

Lambs

You can never get bored of watching these fluffy things leaping about in the grass. If you happen to be staying at Upper Kingston Farm Cottages, situated on a rural working farm on the edge of the New Forest, you’ll get to witness their lambing season in full swing.