Small-group New Forest Discovery Walk from Lyndhurst

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Getting off of the beaten track this tour will explore a diverse mix of habitats looking both for wildlife and exploring the rich history of the New Forest.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Each guide has over 20 years experience surveying wildlife in the New Forest.

What To Expect

Meeting at the iconic Bolton’s Bench the walk will follow ‘The Ridge’ with panoramic views across classic New Forest heath and mire to distant woodland. The route then enters the ancient woodland of Denny Inclosure before passing through a mix of woodland habitats, then returning via the working coppice woodland of Pondhead Inclosure. Focusing on the broad range of wildlife we might encounter, from the iconic Dartford Warbler to the enigmatic Fallow Deer or ancient Beech and Oak. We will also be treated to an array of wildflowers, fungi, butterflies and invertebrates. We will explore how the ancient tradition of commoning has and continues to form the landscape as we see it, taking the time to look at the important role that ponies and cattle have played in managing the landscape that we see around us. In addition, we will look at the mixed history of the Forest from the remains of the historic Parc Pale right up to the WW2 bombing range, demonstrating what an important role the Forest has played in Britain’s history. The walk will cover about 8 km and will take a relaxed pace, giving plenty of time to drink in the surroundings and explore whatever wildlife should present itself.

Options

Small-group New Forest Discovery Walk from Lyndhurst

Reviews

5.00

28 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Informative Tour
AW1965-04,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an informative walk with someone (Marcus) who had a huge knowledge of his subject matter, particularly birds and fungi. It was a pleasure to spend two hours in the company of someone who knows his stuff. Would highly recommend this tour.
New forest fungi walk
lindseyh719,
Oct 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I would highly recommend joining one of these walks, the team are really knowledgable and friendly. On our walk, we had 4 people helping which I wasnt expecting and it made it possible for people to ask lots of questions along the way. Marcus and Emily are so enthusiastic about wildlife and the Forest, its a few hours well spent.
Super experience
clivep525,
Jul 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was very informative and very relaxed - Many interesting facts and lovely sites. Our guide was a keen birdwatcher and that made it even more interesting as he identified all of the birdsong that we could hear.
A walk on the wild side
StrawberryHotel,
Mar 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was actually the Lymington walk along the river and the bird sanctuary. This is a very regular walk for me and my dogs along the sea wall overlooking the reserve. I was astonished at just how much more I discovered in the company of Marcus. We spotted almost 30 different species and observed many behaviours (courtship, territorial tussles). I highly recommend it as a way to get an in depth experience of the wildlife in the area.
Thoroughly Recommend
S165LSjenniferp,
Mar 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We have visited the area many times and have wanted to explore more and learn more about the forest and its wildlife. The walking tour with Emily and Marcus was just what we were looking for. A couple of hours with great knowledgeable company and we would thoroughly recommend it.
Superb walk. Great guides. Definitely recommended
32philippac,
Mar 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We really really enjoyed this walk. Thank you Marcus and Emily for such great information. It was a perfect length. We saw a great many different things and learned loads. You guys were easy to chat to, and it was lovely to see your passion for what you do. I'd definitely recommend this walk to others looking for an informed insight into the Forest and its inhabitants (from birds to bugs, flora to fungi).
A very enjoyable and inspirational introduction to birdlife in the New Forest
AshPart,
Dec 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wildfowl ID Masterclass. I felt privileged to spend half a day with Marcus, who was so passionate and knowledgeable about not only wildfowl, but all aspects of bird and mammal life in the New Forest. The day started with a fabulous cooked breakfast, then a short presentation, followed by a couple of hours walking around Lymington Marshes, spotting and identifying the birds that we had been talking about earlier. A thoroughly enjoyable day, in which I learned a lot and felt inspired to learn a whole lot more! Very highly recommended.
Great experience
JaneD701,
Nov 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lovely walk Marcus made it so interesting I live in Lyndhurst friends booked it so joined them. It was great to learn the Forest history and about the wild life will look at doing another walk. Thank you
New Forest
Happiness29040200759,
Nov 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Marcus's knowledge of the area and the wildlife especially birds was outstanding and impressive. In addition his friendly and inclusive style was very appreciated.
Lovely way to spend a morning
AmyBrighton,
Oct 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were camping just outside the forest and wanted to get to know some of the flora and fauna. Marcus and Emily-Louise were really understanding when we got stuck in traffic, welcoming us warmly and calmly catching us up with what we'd missed. Emily-Louise even waited for us in the car park so that we didn't get lost. We loved the walk, learned lots and felt much more connected to the forest as a result. Thank you.