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Get hands-on with nature in the New Forest

About | Activities | Woodland h Activity BookletGuided Walks | Meet the Expert | Contact us

Woodland h at Hoburne Bashley is a very special place that introduces the beauty and magic of the New Forest to visitors of all ages.

In a series of guided walks, hands-on workshops, talks and explorations, you can learn all about the history and traditions of this ancient woodland and try your hand at centuries-old crafts like bushcraft with the help of experts who keep them alive today.

There are stories to enjoy from Jack O’ The Green, our resident storyteller, who’ll bring the myths and legends of the forest to life before your eyes. There's also the tree spirit trail - ten hidden tree spirit carvings that'll take you on a journey of mystery and adventure through the woods. 

Whatever you get up to, Woodland h at Hoburne Bashley is a great way to understand more about the history of the New Forest and the nature that’s all around you.

Got a question about Woodland h? 

Call: 01425 612340 

Email: functions@hoburne.com 

Things to do at Woodland h

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Bushcraft*

Learn some back to basic skills that can help you and your family survive the zombie apocalypse. Includes building shelters, fire lighting and a little bit of marshmallow roasting too. Minimum age 5 years old.

*Charge applies.

Children looking at bugs under microscope

Bug hunts*

Spend a little time in the tiny worlds of insects, down in the soil and in the trees, finding the weird and wonderful creatures that dwell within. We will provide all the equipment needed to help you discover the many layers of the woodland realms.

*Charge applies.

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Build a bee house*

Spend an afternoon in the woods, building a house for solitary bees that you can keep in your garden and watch their busyness as they buzz about. It will bring a smile to your face when you see them in action. Please feel free to look at the ones hanging up outside the woodland office.

*Charge applies.

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Wands & walking sticks*

Take time to relax and unwind in the woods and have a go at making your very own magic wand or walking stick to keep. You will be given advice and instruction from Simon, who is a dab hand at turning sticks into something wonderful. All tools, gloves and arts and crafts provided.

*Charge applies.

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Storytelling*

Come and meet Jack, our woodland dweller storyteller for tales of the woods - fairies, escaped gorillas and naughty trees. You can take part in a woodland art competition, roast marshmallows, turn sticks into wands and fire magic.

*Charge applies.

See what's on offer at Woodland h

Download our woodland trail map

Download and print out our wildlife trail booklet for woodland challenges, activities and a map to help you along the way. You could even complete our tree spirit trail and win a prize!

Download
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Why not enjoy a guided walk?*

Stroll through some of the most stunning landscapes of the New Forest National park with our friendly woodland expert, Simon.

Discover the history, smugglers and highwaymen, the guardians and the keepers, the New Forest code, flora and fauna, myths and legends, tree folklore and even see the infamous New Forest ponies in this beautiful part of England. 

Please bring suitable footwear and waterproofs, and feel free to bring your camera and a picnic. Don’t forget the walking sticks you made earlier! Dogs are welcome on leads.

As well as seeing the spectacular New Forest, by taking part in a guided walk you’ll be helping the community as for every 4 guided walks, the 5th is free to a local school.

*Charge applies - under 18s go free.

Meet Simon, our Woodland Supervisor

Simon Hemsley - Woodland Supervisor

Simon is the beating heart of our woodland at Hoburne Bashley. With over 20 years of experience and training in outdoor education, behaviour management, risk assessment and working with special needs, he is not only brilliant at managing the woodland, but he's great with people too. That's why he makes the perfect tour guide! 

His knowledge of the woodland at Hoburne Bashley and the surrounding New Forest is unrivalled, so even if you don't fancy a guided walk, be sure to pop over to Woodland h during your stay and say 'hello' if you are planning a forest adventure of your own. He knows all the best routes! 

Simon knows how to tell a fantastic story, so don't miss him as Jack o’ the Green where he brings magical tales about the ancient woodland to life. Plus, visiting him often results in toasting marshmallows over the fire - yum!

Where to Find Us

Hoburne Bashley, Bashley, Sway Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 5QR
Sat Nav: BH25 5QS

Call 01425 612340.

Great service all year round
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