Abbot's Wood is a mixed woodland of approximately 360 hectares, offering waymarked forest trails,an adventure play area and barbecue/picnic sites.Abbots Wood derives it's name from the times of Henry I, when the wood was gifted to Battle Abbey and overseen by the Abbot ( hence Abbots Wood ). Ditches and banks within the trees give clues to ancient times.
This ancient forest is famous for its oak trees which once supplied timber for navy ships. Recently Alice Holt oak has been used to build a replica of Shakespeare's Globe threatre in London. Whether you have come to walk, cycle, picnic, or see the wildlife, there is something at Alice Holt for everyone who loves the countryside.
This wood is set high in the Chiltern Hills with amazing views over the surrounding countryside. There is a great mix of habitats in this small wood and plenty of paths to explore. The bluebells in May are like a blue carpet and well worth a visit.
Friston Forest offers an infinite number of way marked routes for visitors to explore the beech woods. It's undulating terrain makes it popular with walkers and mountain bikers. Both are served with waymarked trails of varying lengths. Two car parks service the forest, giving visitors a choice of facilities, views and landscapes. Quiet valleys within the forest offer sheltered habitats for many species of wildlife. Glimpses of rare butterflies like the fritillaries and elusive deer, can reward patient observers.
Much of the central area of this 90 hectare woodland is of ancient origin, with records of its existence dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Surrounding this ancient core, secondary semi-natural woodland of the 18th, 19th and 20th century has developed. The wide range of soil types and its mixed history has resulted in Hodgemoor possessing an extensive variety of woodland trees and shrubs, making it an excellent site for wildlife and an interesting place to visit.
Covering 145 square miles the New Forest is a place of ancient history, fascinating wildlife and stunning beauty. Originally a royal hunting preserve, the thriving working forest that you see today has survived for nearly 1000 years.
