Driving in the New Forest: kill your speed - not an animal 

#add3minutes - Add three minutes to your journey time on New Forest roads 

Disappointingly, each year the number of animal deaths on New Forest roads is not declining.

17 September 2021 update: In one dreadful night last weekend four New Forest animals were killed on the roads. It's even been on the BBC that New Forest motorists have been clocked at 71 mph in 40 mph limits.

Whilst driving at a steady 40 across open forest I frequently find big trucks literally on my rear bumper, it may save them a fine and the odd animal from a fright but it's not a pleasant experience. However whilst the various authorities debate potential solutions we can ALL surely do our bit and #addthreeminutes - see below!

Meanwhile on our doorstep Project Edward has just been launched, too: Hampshire police have been targeting speeding drivers near Hatchet Pond during the launch of Project Edward road safety partnership. 

At the event was Dave Luckhurst, who is behind Project Edward – an acronym for Every Day Without a Road Death.

He launched the UK-wide operation with the long-term objective of a road traffic system free from death and serious injury, in 2016. It has since reached over 54m people online and partnered with police forces around the country to help tackle speeding.

It has teamed up with Hampshire Police for what the force is calling Project Edward, a campaign against speed, and a number of other organisations have joined in and were at the launch.

They included Forestry England, the British Horse Society, New Forest National Park Authority, Commoners Defence Association (CDA) Verderers, Agisters and the New Forest Roads Awareness (NFRA) campaign.

Agister covering the Hatchet Pond area Robert Maton said improving driver education and awareness was paramount, and that while average speed cameras helped, they were fixed in one place. Having mobile cameras was better since it made drivers stick to the limit as they could be caught anywhere. He suggested localising driver awareness punishment days given to people who speed. "If someone was caught in the Forest it would maybe be an idea to show them videos that related to the locality, such as horses and the damage that can be done to vehicles in such incidents."

Darkness is always the greatest danger

The majority of accidents in the New Forest involving animals occur during the hours of darkness, and every year there is a spike in collisions when the clocks go back. 

The worst routes for animal accidents are Lymington to Dibden Purlieu, Brockenhurst to Sway, Burley to Picket Post and Cadnam to Godshill. And, many of those ghastly accidents happen during those key hours when people are driving home from work – in a hurry.

#add3minutes – New Forest slow down campaign

The National Park Authority has been working with Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council and other local groups including Hampshire Constabulary to build a Forest-wide campaign to increase drivers’ awareness of the need to take extra care on the dark evenings, and to cut the number of animals killed or injured on New Forest roads on dark winter evenings.

A spokesman for the National Park Authority said: “People are three times more likely to kill or injure an animal after the clocks go back than before. Animal owners and organisations are appealing to commuters to add three minutes to their journeys and drive slowly for New Forest animals.”

A spokesman for the Forest's Animal Accidents Reduction Group said: "Weekdays are worse than weekends and Thursday and Friday are worst days of the week with the peak time of day being the evening, when people are driving in darkness: 5pm-6pm and up to 10pm in winter with an additional peak between 7am-8am in winter."

Three minutes has been measured as the difference between driving along the B3054 from Dibden to the Lymington cattle grid at Portmore at 30 mph instead of 40.

At 30 mph anybody who’s been on a driver awareness course will know that there is a far greater chance of stopping in time to avoid an accident.

So – simply allowing three minutes longer for your journey both morning and evening, could make all the difference.

The hashtag #add3minutes is being used to generate social media volume. We’ll be supporting it.  Please do too - and put it into practice!

Dangers in autumn and winter

Typically, a quarter of the crashes each year take place in the two months after the clocks go back.

New Forest animals tend to congregate closer to the roads in winter. And, if their backs are facing us, we don’t see the collars and don’t see them - until we’re potentially too close to stop.

Dangers in spring and summer

In April and May as the newborn foals start to appear is another timely reminder to slow down on our New Forest roads.

One of the first brand new 2021 foals was captured here by local photographer Graham Wiffen. Everybody was delighted to see them all, but several donkey and pony foals were then killed on our local roads, one gorgeous fun filled donkey foal beside Hatchet Pond, the driver didn't stop and left it to die in agony.

Foals are skittish, unpredictable and desperately delicate, it is important to slow down to practically a standstill if they're close to the roadside.

Hit and run drivers are now being targeted

Meanwhile, the Official Verderer, Lord Manners, and Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane, have also joined forces in a specific effort to prevent badly-injured animals being left to suffer.

They are going to work more closely with police and insurance companies, in an attempt to ensure that hit-and-run drivers are identified and prosecuted.

So apart from the suffering caused to both animal and owner and the damage to your vehicle,  surely that’s another incentive to slow down.

More information about 'Animal Road Deaths in the New Forest' from the Verderers to download and print.

What to do if you find an injured New Forest animal

If you see an animal which looks ill, is injured, or in distress you should report it as soon as possible, giving a clear description of the animal and what you think may be wrong with it as well as where you saw it and at what time.

If you witness - or are involved in - a road traffic accident involving a New Forest animal, you must report the incident, even if the animal runs off. The animal may be in distress, have serious injuries that require immediate veterinary attention or have fatal injuries that would necessitate the animal being put to sleep. Some animals run away in fear and panic, even on broken limbs which can make you believe that it is unhurt. As a result, the animal can suffer unnecessarily.

Who to contact

The Verderers state that if a collision with a Forest animal occurs (for whatever reason) drivers are required to report it to the authorities as soon as practicably possible, and certainly within 24 hours. Drivers must not leave the scene of an accident (unless it is to call for help), particularly if the animal is still on the highway as it may cause a further accident.

Road traffic accidents involving Forest animals should be reported immediately to the Police by dialing 999 (emergency) or 101 (non emergency).

If you find a sick, injured or distressed pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep, contact  the Verderers’ Office on 023 8028 2052 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm), or the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600 (24 hours).

If you find a sick, injured or distressed deer, contact the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600 (24 hours).

Download these numbers on a handy credit-card to keep in your purse or wallet.

Forest animals have no road sense and they have right of way. Drive slowly, especially at night, and give animals a wide berth.

Drifts in the New Forest National Park.

2020 dates and locations to avoid due to pony round-ups.

The​ ​Drift​ ​(or​ ​Round up) is​ ​an​ ​annual​ ​tradition​ ​that​ ​is​ ​carried​ ​out​ ​in​ ​many​ ​areas​ ​of​ ​the​ ​country​ ​that have​ ​wild​ ​or​ ​semi-feral​ ​stock. It​ ​is​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​management​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stock​ ​to​ ​maintain the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​welfare​ ​of the​ ​animals.

In​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest,​ ​the​ ​5​ ​Agisters​ ​who between them cover the entire forest area, ​constantly​ ​monitor​ ​the​ ​animals​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​they​ ​are​ ​fit​ ​and​ ​healthy. Any animal​ ​looking poor​ ​may be taken off the forest at​ ​any​ ​time​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year​ ​and it is then the Commoner's (owner's) responsibility to take it ​back​ ​to​ ​their​ ​smallholding​. ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​organised​ ​in​ ​the​ ​autumn​ ​to​ round up and ​check​ ​on​ ​the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​well​ ​being​ ​of all the​ ​ponies.​ ​Over​ ​30​ ​drifts​ ​happen​ ​in the​ ​Forest​ ​each​ ​year​ ​with​ ​a​ ​small​ ​area​ ​covered​ ​at​ ​a​ ​time.​ ​This helps​ the ​Commoners,​ who are the ​owners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ponies, ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​check​ ​the ​animals​​ ​brought​ ​in to their own location and also to help each other. 

The Agisters​ ​work​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Commoners​ ​who​ ​attend​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​as​ ​many​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​are​ ​'rounded​ ​up'. Not​ ​an​ ​easy​ ​task​ ​as​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​clever​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​get​ ​each​ ​one​ ​in. The​ ​main​ ​aim​ ​is​ ​to​ ​gather the​ ​mares​ ​with​ ​foals.​ ​Each​ ​pony​ ​is​ ​checked, wormed​ ​, and​ ​has​ ​its​ ​tail​ ​clipped​ ​to​ ​show​ ​they​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in,​ ​and​ ​which Agister​ ​has​ ​checked​ ​them.​ ​Each​ ​Agister​ ​has​ ​his​ ​own​ ​unique​ ​cut. Foals​ ​are​ ​either​ ​branded​ ​and​ ​'turned​ ​back​ ​out'​ ​or​ ​taken​ ​off​ ​from​ ​their​ ​mother​ ​to​ ​be​ ​weaned. Every​ ​Commoner​ ​has​ ​an​ ​individual​ ​brand. 

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders please avoid the drifts

Following​ ​two​ ​incidents​ ​in​ ​2012​ ​when​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public​ ​unwittingly​ ​became​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​a pony​ ​drift,​ ​as​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Verderer's​ ​review​ ​into​ ​safety​ ​during​ ​the​ ​drift​ ​season ​the​ ​Verderers decided​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​advance​ ​notice​ ​of​ ​upcoming​ ​activities.​ ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​avoided​ ​by​ ​the​ ​public. It​ ​is​ ​unsafe​ ​for​ ​people​ ​to​ ​attend,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​unpredictable. Although​ ​the​ ​round-up​ ​is​ ​a coordinated​ ​activity​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​without​ ​risk,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​why​ ​only​ ​experienced​ ​Commoners​ ​assist​ ​with the​ ​drifts.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​riders​ ​on​ ​the​ ​drifts​ ​now​ ​wear​ ​body-protectors,​ ​which​ ​lessen​ ​the​ ​risk​ ​of injury​ ​to​ ​their​ ​necks​ ​and​ ​backs,​ ​should​ ​an​ ​accident​ ​occur.​ ​The​ ​Agisters,​ ​who​ ​are​ ​expert horsemen,​ ​also​ ​take​ ​added​ ​precautions​ ​and​ ​wear​ ​the​ ​new​ ​style​ ​air​ ​vests​ ​that​ ​inflate​ ​if​ ​the​ ​rider is​ ​disconnected​ ​from​ ​the​ ​saddle.

A​ ​spokesman​ ​for​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​Verderers​ ​said:​ ​“For​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​the​ ​public​ ​is​ ​urged​ ​to avoid​ ​each​ ​area​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​the​ ​drift.” 

2020 Drift Dates

Please​ ​note:​ ​the​ ​dates​ ​of​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​drifts​ ​are​ ​advertised​ ​to​ ​alert​ ​visitors​ ​and​ ​road-users​ ​to beware. ​The​ ​Public​ ​will​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​move​ ​on​ ​for​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​of​ ​the​ ​animals. The 2020 planned drift days are as below.

More information can be found at https://www.realnewforest.org/about/you-the-forest/ and https://www.verderers.org.uk/news/pony-drifts-2020/

Drifts in the New Forest National Park

About the drifts or "round-ups" and where to find 2021 dates and locations to avoid 

Ed note: Sally Fear is a "fear-less" local photographer who "gets in where other people don't" to capture the gritty and stunning realism of life in the heart of the New Forest.

Sally has also published some amazing books full of fascinating forest facts as well as her incredible photography. 

For more images like this one visit this gallery page on Sally's website.

This year's pony drifts start on the weekend of 21-22 August, keep an eye out for dates and locations by checking this link where the remaining dates and locations will be posted.

Members of the public are urged please to stay clear of the forest folk doing this important and sometimes dangerous work to preserve our forest heritage.

About the annual pony drifts

The​ ​Drift​ ​(or​ ​Round up) is​ ​an​ ​annual​ ​tradition​ ​that​ ​is​ ​carried​ ​out​ ​in​ ​many​ ​areas​ ​of​ ​the​ ​country​ ​that have​ ​wild​ ​or​ ​semi-feral​ ​stock. It​ ​is​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​management​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stock​ ​to​ ​maintain the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​welfare​ ​of the​ ​animals.

In​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest,​ ​the​ ​5​ ​Agisters​ ​who between them cover the entire forest area, ​constantly​ ​monitor​ ​the​ ​animals​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​they​ ​are​ ​fit​ ​and​ ​healthy. Any animal​ ​looking poor​ ​may be taken off the forest at​ ​any​ ​time​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year​ ​and it is then the Commoner's (owner's) responsibility to take it ​back​ ​to​ ​their​ ​smallholding​. ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​organised​ ​in​ ​the​ ​autumn​ ​to​ round up and ​check​ ​on​ ​the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​well​ ​being​ ​of all the​ ​ponies.​ ​Over​ ​30​ ​drifts​ ​happen​ ​in the​ ​Forest​ ​each​ ​year​ ​with​ ​a​ ​small​ ​area​ ​covered​ ​at​ ​a​ ​time.​ ​This helps​ the ​Commoners,​ who are the ​owners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ponies, ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​check​ ​the ​animals​​ ​brought​ ​in to their own location and also to help each other. 

The Agisters​ ​work​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Commoners​ ​who​ ​attend​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​as​ ​many​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​are​ ​'rounded​ ​up'. Not​ ​an​ ​easy​ ​task​ ​as​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​clever​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​get​ ​each​ ​one​ ​in. The​ ​main​ ​aim​ ​is​ ​to​ ​gather the​ ​mares​ ​with​ ​foals.​ ​Each​ ​pony​ ​is​ ​checked, wormed​ ​, and​ ​has​ ​its​ ​tail​ ​clipped​ ​to​ ​show​ ​they​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in,​ ​and​ ​which Agister​ ​has​ ​checked​ ​them.​ ​Each​ ​Agister​ ​has​ ​his​ ​own​ ​unique​ ​cut. Foals​ ​are​ ​either​ ​branded​ ​and​ ​'turned​ ​back​ ​out'​ ​or​ ​taken​ ​off​ ​from​ ​their​ ​mother​ ​to​ ​be​ ​weaned. Every​ ​Commoner​ ​has​ ​an​ ​individual​ ​brand. 

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders please avoid the drifts

Following​ ​two​ ​incidents​ ​in​ ​2012​ ​when​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public​ ​unwittingly​ ​became​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​a pony​ ​drift,​ ​as​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Verderer's​ ​review​ ​into​ ​safety​ ​during​ ​the​ ​drift​ ​season ​the​ ​Verderers decided​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​advance​ ​notice​ ​of​ ​upcoming​ ​activities.​ ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​avoided​ ​by​ ​the​ ​public. It​ ​is​ ​unsafe​ ​for​ ​people​ ​to​ ​attend,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​unpredictable. Although​ ​the​ ​round-up​ ​is​ ​a coordinated​ ​activity​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​without​ ​risk,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​why​ ​only​ ​experienced​ ​Commoners​ ​assist​ ​with the​ ​drifts.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​riders​ ​on​ ​the​ ​drifts​ ​now​ ​wear​ ​body-protectors,​ ​which​ ​lessen​ ​the​ ​risk​ ​of injury​ ​to​ ​their​ ​necks​ ​and​ ​backs,​ ​should​ ​an​ ​accident​ ​occur.​ ​The​ ​Agisters,​ ​who​ ​are​ ​expert horsemen,​ ​also​ ​take​ ​added​ ​precautions​ ​and​ ​wear​ ​the​ ​new​ ​style​ ​air​ ​vests​ ​that​ ​inflate​ ​if​ ​the​ ​rider is​ ​disconnected​ ​from​ ​the​ ​saddle.

A​ ​spokesman​ ​for​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​Verderers​ ​said:​ ​“For​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​the​ ​public​ ​is​ ​urged​ ​to avoid​ ​each​ ​area​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​the​ ​drift.” 

2021 Drifts

Please​ ​note:​ ​the​ ​dates​ ​of​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​drifts​ ​are​ ​advertised​ ​to​ ​alert​ ​visitors​ ​and​ ​road-users​ ​to beware. ​The​ ​Public​ ​will​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​move​ ​on​ ​for​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​of​ ​the​ ​animals. 

The drifts begin in late August this year with the first announced for 21-22 August, please check this link for locations as they become published on the Verderers website:

https://www.verderers.org.uk/announcements/advance-warning-of-pony-drifts/ 

Friday 24th September Brockenhurst Weirs The cycle route will be closed at North Weirs Track and at the School Green. Beachern Wood, Whitefield Moor & Whitemoor Pond car parks will be closed for the duration of the drift.

Sunday 26th September East Boldre Bull Hill, Norley Wood, Crockford & Beaulieu Heath car parks will all be closed for the duration of the drift.

For your own safety please avoid the area of the planned drifts, respect the temporary closures and find an alternative car park. Please do not park in front of car park barriers and do not verge park. The Drifts are an essential part of the welfare and management of the Forest Herd.

Reporting an incident

Please also make a note of this page on the Verderers website for in case you you should unfortunately become involved in a road traffic accident:

https://www.verderers.org.uk/reporting-an-incident/

More information

More about the traditions of the New Forest and more amazing photos by Sally Fear too can be found on the Real New Forest website:

https://www.realnewforest.org/about/you-the-forest/ 

Drifts in the New Forest National Park

About the drifts or "round-ups" and where to find 2022 dates and locations to avoid 

Updated 30 September

Ed note: Sally Fear is a "fear-less" local photographer who "gets in where other people don't" to capture the gritty and stunning realism of life in the heart of the New Forest. Sally has also published some amazing books full of fascinating forest facts as well as her incredible photography. For more images like this one visit this gallery page on Sally's website.

This year's pony drifts began last month and continue throughout September, keep an eye out for latest dates and locations by checking the links below.

Members of the public are urged please to stay clear of the forest folk doing this important and sometimes dangerous work to preserve our forest heritage. See below for more information...

Meanwhile, if you don't already receive it sign up now for the Lymington.com Weekly What's On e-newsletter. We bring only positive news from the Lymington and New Forest area, including what's on and things to do. How often have you missed an event and wished you'd known about something earlier?! Subscribe and we'll keep you up to speed. Whether you are local to the Lymington, New Milton, and New Forest area or visiting on holiday, there'll be articles of interest and key dates for your diary. 

About the annual pony drifts

The​ ​Drift​ ​(or​ ​Round up) is​ ​an​ ​annual​ ​tradition​ ​that​ ​is​ ​carried​ ​out​ ​in​ ​many​ ​areas​ ​of​ ​the​ ​country​ ​that have​ ​wild​ ​or​ ​semi-feral​ ​stock. It​ ​is​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​management​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stock​ ​to​ ​maintain the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​welfare​ ​of the​ ​animals.

In​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest,​ ​the​ ​5​ ​Agisters​ ​who between them cover the entire forest area, ​constantly​ ​monitor​ ​the​ ​animals​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​they​ ​are​ ​fit​ ​and​ ​healthy. Any animal​ ​looking poor​ ​may be taken off the forest at​ ​any​ ​time​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year​ ​and it is then the Commoner's (owner's) responsibility to take it ​back​ ​to​ ​their​ ​smallholding​. ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​organised​ ​in​ ​the​ ​autumn​ ​to​ round up and ​check​ ​on​ ​the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​well​ ​being​ ​of all the​ ​ponies.​ ​Over​ ​30​ ​drifts​ ​happen​ ​in the​ ​Forest​ ​each​ ​year​ ​with​ ​a​ ​small​ ​area​ ​covered​ ​at​ ​a​ ​time.​ ​This helps​ the ​Commoners,​ who are the ​owners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ponies, ​to​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​check​ ​the ​animals​​ ​brought​ ​in to their own location and also to help each other. 

The Agisters​ ​work​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Commoners​ ​who​ ​attend​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​as​ ​many​ ​as​ ​possible​ ​are​ ​'rounded​ ​up'. Not​ ​an​ ​easy​ ​task​ ​as​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​clever​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​get​ ​each​ ​one​ ​in. The​ ​main​ ​aim​ ​is​ ​to​ ​gather the​ ​mares​ ​with​ ​foals.​ ​Each​ ​pony​ ​is​ ​checked, wormed​ ​, and​ ​has​ ​its​ ​tail​ ​clipped​ ​to​ ​show​ ​they​ ​have​ ​been​ ​in,​ ​and​ ​which Agister​ ​has​ ​checked​ ​them.​ ​Each​ ​Agister​ ​has​ ​his​ ​own​ ​unique​ ​cut. Foals​ ​are​ ​either​ ​branded​ ​and​ ​'turned​ ​back​ ​out'​ ​or​ ​taken​ ​off​ ​from​ ​their​ ​mother​ ​to​ ​be​ ​weaned. Every​ ​Commoner​ ​has​ ​an​ ​individual​ ​brand. 

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders please avoid the drifts

Following​ ​two​ ​incidents​ ​in​ ​2012​ ​when​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public​ ​unwittingly​ ​became​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​a pony​ ​drift,​ ​as​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Verderer's​ ​review​ ​into​ ​safety​ ​during​ ​the​ ​drift​ ​season ​the​ ​Verderers decided​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​advance​ ​notice​ ​of​ ​upcoming​ ​activities.​ ​

Drifts​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​avoided​ ​by​ ​the​ ​public. It​ ​is​ ​unsafe​ ​for​ ​people​ ​to​ ​attend,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​ponies​ ​are​ ​unpredictable. Although​ ​the​ ​round-up​ ​is​ ​a coordinated​ ​activity​ ​it​ ​is​ ​not​ ​without​ ​risk,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​why​ ​only​ ​experienced​ ​Commoners​ ​assist​ ​with the​ ​drifts.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​riders​ ​on​ ​the​ ​drifts​ ​now​ ​wear​ ​body-protectors,​ ​which​ ​lessen​ ​the​ ​risk​ ​of injury​ ​to​ ​their​ ​necks​ ​and​ ​backs,​ ​should​ ​an​ ​accident​ ​occur.​ ​The​ ​Agisters,​ ​who​ ​are​ ​expert horsemen,​ ​also​ ​take​ ​added​ ​precautions​ ​and​ ​wear​ ​the​ ​new​ ​style​ ​air​ ​vests​ ​that​ ​inflate​ ​if​ ​the​ ​rider is​ ​disconnected​ ​from​ ​the​ ​saddle.

A​ ​spokesman​ ​for​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​Verderers​ ​said:​ ​“For​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​the​ ​public​ ​is​ ​urged​ ​to avoid​ ​each​ ​area​ ​on​ ​the​ ​day​ ​of​ ​the​ ​drift.” 

2022 Drifts

Please​ ​note:​ ​the​ ​dates​ ​of​ ​the​ ​New​ ​Forest​ ​drifts​ ​are​ ​advertised​ ​to​ ​alert​ ​visitors​ ​and​ ​road users​ ​to beware. ​The​ ​Public​ ​will​ ​be​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​move​ ​on​ ​for​ ​their​ ​own​ ​safety,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​of​ ​the​ ​animals. 

Please check for locations as they become published:

Latest information on the Verderers website: https://www.verderers.org.uk/announcements/advanced-warning-of-pony-drifts/

The Verderers are providing advance notice of upcoming pony drifts as follows:-

Friday 30th September – Wootton Brownhills, Wootton Bridge, Broadley, Yew Tree Bottom, Longslade Heath and Horseshoe Bottom Car Parks will be closed for the duration of the drift.

Sunday 2nd October – Ober Ober Corner car park and the Cycle Route from Ober Corner to Black Knowl and Hursthill before the New Park Entrance will all be closed for the duration of the drift.

Tuesday 4th October - Car parks will be shut at Longslade Heath, Horseshoe Bottom, Longslade Bottom, Longslade View, Yew Tree Bottom, Wootton Bridge and Setthorns.

Friday 7th October - Ashurst

Forestry England reminds visitors to the area to not park on verges, along access tracks or in gateways and to use alternative car parks.

Advance notice of drifts and car park closures 

Information also on the Forestry England website: https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/new-forest-car-park-closure - 

Reporting an incident

Please also make a note of this page on the Verderers website in case you should, unfortunately, become involved in a road traffic accident:

https://www.verderers.org.uk/reporting-an-incident/

More information

More about the traditions of the New Forest and more amazing photos by Sally Fear too can be found on the Real New Forest website:

https://www.realnewforest.org/about/you-the-forest/ 

Rick Stein's Sunset Cinema set to delight at the Chewton Glen

Great food and classic movies combine at an idyllic location near the New Forest - summer 2017

This summer heralds the launch of the Pop-Up Picture Company - creators of unique food and film experiences, all set in stunning locations - with chef Rick Stein headlining its first installment of movie nights.

Entitled Rick Stein’s Sunset Cinema, the event will debut at Buckinghamshire’s Cliveden House, from 21st June before heading to the Chewton Glen Hotel from 9th to 23rd July. The gastronomic film nights follow the winter sell-out success of the Pop-Up Picture House’s run of movie screenings within the Old Town Hall building in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. The hit event ran from 1st December 2016 to 5th February 2017 with two-courses of indulgent comfort food created by two Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge served to cinemagoers throughout the movie, plus a mouth-watering treat of The Hand and Flowers’ ice cream.

In the grounds of Cliveden House and Chewton Glen, guests can expect a suitably summery menu of seafood dishes curated by Rick Stein. The menu will use the finest seafood and produce, sourced from Rick’s trusted suppliers and the local area where possible and will include diverse tasty menus featuring lamb, a vegetarian option and plenty of Rick’s signature seafood dishes.

“I’ve always loved going to the cinema, but sometimes I just love making myself something delicious to eat, putting on a great movie and settling down for the evening," said Rick. "The Pop-Up Picture Company is a perfect combination of all these elements – that great cinema atmosphere, with dinner served to the comfort of your sofa and the added bonus of simply beautiful locations. I’m really looking forward to the summer.”

With a different classic film to be screened each evening, the Chewton Glen will provide an idyllic backdrop for a unique, al fresco summer evening of fun, food and film, to be shared in comfort with family and friends.

Tom Kerridge, one of the four friends that initially came up with the Pop-Up Picture House concept, is delighted the culinary movie experiences are continuing. To celebrate his ongoing involvement in the project, Tom’s famous ice cream will be served ‘usherette style’ at each screening, carrying on the tradition from the Pop-Up Picture House. He explains: “We were absolutely blown away by the demand for the event in Marlow and now want to share this with people in more unique and diverse venues. Rick is one of my all-time food heroes and to have him on board for the summer launch is phenomenal. What a great way to make a special occasion out of a trip to the cinema.”

From Top Gun and Gladiator to Good Will Hunting and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Choose from a wide range of cinema classics....

Discover the Sunset Cinema programme at the Chewton Glen

Tickets are selling fast, with two events already sold out. Book your tickets today!

Click here to book tickets

New Forest Verderers, Agisters, Commoners and Rangers

The New Forest is a natural masterpiece but there is much work that needs to be done behind the scenes. All in the name of conservation, everything must be monitored and amended. From clearing weeds to controlling vegetation, the verderers, agisters, rangers and commoners really are all important when it comes to keeping the land alive - they are the true heroes of the forest!

The New Forest ‘System’

Verderers are appointed by authoritative organisations and elected by the commoners. Agisters are appointed by the verderers to carry out instructions provided by the Court of Verderers. Commoners occupy land that is free for stock to graze upon. 

New Forest rangers are something else. Not part of the historical 'system', rangers are appointed by the National Park to help to preserve and restore the forest.

Recreation is vital in the New Forest and with a vast proportion of the forest being Crown land, access to the greater part is open and free to all. Conservation, preservation and protection are key to managing and maintaining the forest. Through a number of organisations working together, including the verderers, who protect the forest from development and safeguard the rights of commoners and the Forestry Commission, this is achieved. Read on to find out in greater depths about the roles that these people play in perpetuating the countryside.

Verderers

The Verderers Court is a statutory body set up under the New Forest act of 1877.  It is the last remnant of the old form of Forest Government which was at one time found in many parts of the Country.  The Verderers regulate commoning (the exercise of common rights such as grazing ponies) in the Forest.  They also have wide responsibilities in respect of development control and conservation.  The present Court consists of 10 Verderers.  5 are elected by the Commoners (people with common rights) and the other 5 are appointed, one each by DEFRA, the Forestry Commission, the National Park Authority and the Countryside Agency.  The Official Verderer is chairman of the Court and is appointed by the Queen.

The role undertaken by verderers in the New Forest is to:

• Conserve and execute the New Forest's exclusive arboricultural commoning practices;
• Maintain the New Forest’s natural landscape, including it’s character and wildlife, flora and fauna, tranquility, natural allure and cultural heritage
• Ensure a positive future for commoning

To help them with their work, the Verderers employ a Clerk (administrator), a part-time Assistant to the Clerk and 5 Agisters.

Agisters

The word 'agister’ is derived from the word agist, which means to take in graze for payment. Agisters are responsible for supervising the day-to-day welfare of the ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep which graze the Forest and are owned by the commoners. Should there be any ruptures to the laws that the Verderers set, it is the agister’s job to report it. They are often also commoners themselves, meaning that they have an outstanding knowledge of the workings and the systems of the forest.

On standby 24/7, agisters are there to help with any dilemmas concerning livestock in the forest. When the autumnal ‘drifts’ occur, the agisters are called upon to care for any first aid needs that the livestock may have. Perhaps their most important job is to keep track of the numbers of stock on the open forest.

The job of an agister originates from Medieval times, when the role consisted of collecting grazing fees (a charge for grazing a specific type of livestock on a monthly/annual basis) from people who let their livestock graze without permission. However, the commoners did not have to pay a fee because they owned the land. Nowadays, they collect an annual fee in the spring- a payment that each commoner has to make for every one of their animals. This is how the agisters are paid.

Commoners

Commoning consists of occupying acreage to which the right to graze stock on the open forest is attached. This is also known as the ‘rights of common’. What are they? First of all, the right to gather wood for fuel, the quantity that each commoner takes is organised into ‘cords’ (stacks of wood) that are left at the side of the forest paths. The second right is the right to turn sheep out on the forest. Presently, no commoners practice this right as it is only applicable to very few properties. Thirdly, the right to pannage in the autumn (to enrol pigs into the forest). This is good for the pigs because they can feed on the fallen acorns and also good for the ponies and cattle because some acorns can be poisonous to them. The last right, and possibly the most important, is the right to pasture, to put donkeys, cattle and ponies out to graze in the forest.

Since the Medieval times, Commoning has been a way of life for many in the New Forest. Unfortunately, the role no longer is fit to provide a satisfactory income, so those who remain in the industry only do so as a subsidiary role. In this modern age, relations and descendants of commoners are finding it progressively arduous to maintain the institution due to lack of funding, a large portion of the lands that have communing rights attached have become too expensive or are being used for other purposes. It is mandatory that the traditional occupation is continued, as the land will develop into forest should the animals discontinue to graze there. This will negatively provoke the activities that many enjoy all over the forest everyday.

New Forest Rangers

Many rangers in the New Forest have been appointed by the New Forest National Park. There are other rangers and volunteer rangers in the New Forest National Park including from the Forestry Commission, National Trust and Hampshire County Council. They have three main jobs:

• To be a ‘visible presence’ in the forest as a point of contact
• To educate visitors and local people on what makes the National Park a unique place- from its wildlife and landscape to it’s culture
• To help to progress local community projects that safeguard and boost the exceptional qualities of the National Park and enhance access to it

Other jobs of theirs include:

• Collaborating with community groups to support the development of local projects such as accessibility improvements and habitat management
• Assisting with outreach projects aimed at under-represented groups such as people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, those from deprived areas and young people
• Supporting the National Park education team with school visits or working with informal education such as youth clubs, specialist interest groups and children’s centres
• Attending local events with the distinctive National Park Explorer mobile unit and mini-marquee. These include local shows and fairs, food festivals and farmers’ markets as well as partnership events and activities organised by the Forestry Commission and the New Forest Centre
• Assisting with campaigns to encourage people to help care for the New Forest, for example, reducing litter, preventing animal accidents and protecting ground nesting bird
• Developing and maintaining knowledge of individual areas including Local Information Points, facilities, key venues, libraries, parish councils, accommodation providers and retailers
• Distributing National Park publications to local outlets and helping to identify new ones

For more information about the New Forest rangers, visit the New Forest NPA website. 

For more information about the New Forest verderers, visit the Verderers website.

LYMINGTON AND PENNINGTON TOWN COUNCIL – THE COUNCILLORS

Volunteers who work together to serve the community

The Councillors of Lymington and Pennington Town Council are democratically elected to represent the electors in the town. 

They do not have to belong to any political party. They are volunteers and are held accountable by local people for things that happen locally. Their main aim is to work together to serve the community and bring local issues to the attention of the council and help it make decisions on behalf of the local community. They play a vital part in representing the interests of the communities they serve and improving the quality of life and local environment. They can influence other decision makers and can in many cases deliver services to meet local needs. 

They add diversity, because each councillor has different backgrounds, enthusiasms and interests. All have different skills and attitudes, some work with ideas while others are very practical, some like accounts while others prefer reports. But for all of them their main aim is that they want to do something positive for the community they live in.

At Lymington and Pennington Town Council there are 15 elected councillors including one chairman who is called the Town Mayor.

Since 2021 Lymington and Pennington’s Town Mayor is Cllr James Hoare and the Deputy Mayor is Cllr Andrew Gossage.

You can meet all our local councillors here:  https://lymingtonandpennington-tc.gov.uk/councillors-1

The council committees

There are 4 committees held normally every month, chaired by a head chairperson for each committee

• Council – to discuss matters pertaining to the locality and Council.
• Amenities - to discuss our open spaces and how we might want to spend money on these areas.
• Policy and Resources - to discuss and decide how money is spent. Usually deciding on Amenities meeting items.
• Planning - to input Lymington and Pennington Town Council's views before planning is finally decided by NFDC or the National Park Authority. The Town Council are consultees only for NFDC and National Park Authority planning. They do not make the overall decision.

For more information about the Town Council please see http://lymington.com/lymington-pennington-town-council

LYMINGTON AND PENNINGTON TOWN COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include open spaces, play areas, sports and other facilities, allotments and some events

Lymington and Pennington Town Council is the first tier of local government serving approximately 15,000 local residents across both Lymington and Pennington.

The aim of every Town Council is to work towards improving community well being and providing better services at a local level. Their activities fall into three main categories: representing the local community; delivering services to meet local needs; striving to improve quality of life and community well being.

Through an extensive range of discretionary powers Lymington and Pennington Town Council provides and maintains a variety of important and visible local services. Their day to day responsibilities, maintenance and administration include:

Open Spaces

• Woodside Park, Rookes Lane, Lymington SO41 8FP
• Pennington Common, Ramley Road, Pennington SO41 8HF
• Chequers Green, Lymington S041 8AH
• Woodley Gardens, Alexandra Road, Lymington
• Forest Gate, Lymington
• Old Orchards, Lymington
• Meadowlands, Pennington
• Farnleys Mead, Lymington
• Vitre Gardens, Lymington
• Grove Gardens, Grove Road, Lymington SO41 3RF
• St Thomas Park, Lymington
• Priestlands Pond, Lymington

If you would like to apply to use the land at Woodside, Bath Road or Pennington Common for an event – please complete an Open Spaces form available from the council offices (call 02380 285893)

Play Areas

• Emsworth Road Play Area, Emsworth Road, Lymington SO41 9AW
• Deneside Copse Play Area, Deneside Copse, Pennington SO41 8JJ
• Howards Mead Play Area, Howards Mead, Pennington SO41 8GH
• Pennington Common Play Area, Ramley Road, Pennington SO41 8HF – to be completely refurbished summer 2017
• Woodside Park Play Area, Rookes Lane, Lymington SO41 8FP
• Woodside Park Skatepark, Rookes Lane, Lymington SO41 8FP
• Bath Road Play Area, Bath Road, Lymington SO41 3SE
• Lymington Meadows Play Area, Lower Buckland Road, Lymington SO41 9DH

Take a look at Lymington.com's article about Lymington's playgrounds (by 3 intrepid 'experts')

Sports Facilities

• Woodside Pavillion: Rugby, Cricket, Football, Croquet, Netball (Tennis Courts in Woodside Park have no charge but are on a first come/first serve basis). The pavillion underwent a complete refurbishment in 2016.
• Pennington Recreation Ground, Lodge Road, Lymington SO41 8HH (Football and Cricket)
• Lymington Sports Ground, Southampton Road, Lymington SO41 9AS (Football and Cricket) – an extensive £344,000 refurbishment programme is currently underway (spring 2017) and the Town Council has appointed contractor HH Drew to deliver the programme which once completed will provide new changing rooms and toilets plus improved disabled user facilities and an upgraded and extended clubroom. The scheme is being funded with grants from the Football Stadia Improvement Scheme and the ECB, plus developer contributions and Town Council resources.
• Lymington Bowls Club, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9PA
• Lymington Tennis Club, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9PA is owned but not run by the Town Council. Find out more about Lymington Tennis Club. 
• Petanque Court, Emsworth Road, Lymington SO41 3SE. Players meet on Tuesday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm. Newcomers are welcome and can be supplied with all the kit required. A social session takes place each Thursday from 6pm. If you would like to get involved, you are welcome to turn up at 2pm on Tuesdays or call Chris on 01202 425063 or 07968 486762 for more information. It is free for anyone to use during daylight hours.

Allotments

You need to live within the respective ward to apply for an allotment.

• Deneside Copse Allotments, Deneside Copse, Pennington SO41 8JJ
• Marsh Lane Allotments, March Lane, Lymington SO41 9EW
• Woodside Park Allotments, Rookes Lane, Lymington SO41 8FP

Other Facilities

• Band Stand, Bath Road, Lymington
• Lymington Sea Water Baths, Bath Road, Lymington. This is currently run by Lynx Management.
• Lymington Charter Market, High Street, Lymington (Saturdays only)
• War Memorials: Pennington, Walhampton and St Thomas Church in Lymington
• Clocks: St Thomas Church and Pennington
• Bus Shelters: Lymington and Pennington
• Woodside Public Conveniences, Rookes Lane, Lymington SO41 8FP
• Pavilions in Pennington and Woodside

Lymington & Pennington Town Council organises the following events

• Lymington Charter Market every Saturday
• Christmas in Lymington High Street (This year 24th November 2017 from 4pm to 8pm)
• Remembrance Day Parade (This year 12th November 2017)
• Italia Festival (July each year)

Other occasions including Fireworks, Donkey Derby etc. are organised by outside parties (such as the Rotary Club) who apply to use our Open Spaces for such events.

What the Town Council does NOT do

There is sometimes confusion about the responsibilities of the different councils in the region. The Town Council is NOT responsible for the following areas which are the responsibility of the respective authorities listed.

New Forest District Council is responsible for housing, council Tax, local planning, garden waste, benefits, car parking, road closures, recycling and waste collection. You can contact NFDC at: New Forest District Council, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG. Tel: 02380 285000

Hampshire County Council is responsible for roads and footpaths, education, highways and strategic planning within the county. You can contact HCC at: Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester SO23 8UJ. Tel: 0300 555 1375

New Forest National Park Authority is responsible for trees and planning in the National Park. You can contact NFNPA at: New Forest National Park Authority, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG. Tel: 01590 646600

Contact the Town Council

The Contact details for the office are:
Lymington and Pennington Town Council, Town Council Office, Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington, SO41 9ZG.
Tel. 01590 630830
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Updated 2020

CRGV (Alabama ROT) NOT JUST in the New Forest

Be vigilant and seek advice if your dog develops unexplained skin lesions. 

Updated January 2023

In recent years, you may have heard about a mystery dog illness that causes symptoms similar to Alabama Rot. The correct term for it is idiopathic Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (CRGV) - Idiopathic means that the cause is unknown.

The mystery illness is not limited to the New Forest; there have been a total of 191 confirmed cases across the UK since 2012. The first reports came out of the New Forest but it has also been confirmed in many different counties in the UK. Greater Manchester, Dorset, Devon and the New Forest in Hampshire have seen the highest number of cases. Dog owners are not currently advised to avoid any particular locations. Although an environmental cause for this disease is considered possible it has not been proven with testing to date.

In recent year more CRGV cases have been seen between November and May than between June and October, suggesting a possible Winter / Spring seasonality. CRGV has not been seen in animals other than dogs. Owners of dogs affected by CRGV have not been affected by this illness.

The advice for dog owners is still to be vigilant and to seek advice from their local vet if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions or sores. Although an environmental trigger for this disease is suspected, this has not been proven.

Click here for help recognising some of the signs and confirmed cases near your location

Click here to read latest news about Alabama Rot in the UK including Hampshire.

What is CRGV?

Alabama Rot is a disease that has been known about since the late 1980s in the USA, caused by a toxin released by E.coli bacteria.

CRGV has similar symptoms to Alabama Rot, it is a condition that causes acute kidney failure usually with concurrent skin wounds. Despite extensive testing the actual cause is still unknown. The disease does not appear to pass from dog to dog. It hasn't been seen in animals other than dogs and owners of dogs affected by CRGV have not been affected by this illness.

In a recent article in the Sunday Telegraph (March 2018), David Walker from Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists, said diagnosis could not be confirmed until the disease had spread to the kidneys as currently the disease cannot be diagnosed on the basis of blood tests.

What to look for

* Is there a wound, lesion or blister on your dog’s leg or face?

Affected dogs develop sores on their limbs usually below the elbow or knee. These can appear as swollen lumps that ulcerate or skin wounds. If you notice a wound, lesion or blister on your dog's leg or face, then you should seek veterinary attention. This may be hard to spot but you may notice your dog licking itself more than usual. Most lesions will not be caused by this condition.

Most of the time a skin problem will not be caused by CRGV; however, the sores in CRGV can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is better to seek advice from your vet. Even if the skin changes are caused by CRGV, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will recover fully.

* Is your dog quiet, has it started vomiting or stopped eating?

Within 7 days dogs then start to vomit, lose their appetite and become tired. The kidney failure can be irreversible and lead to death.

A presumptive diagnosis is made on clinical signs. A definitive diagnosis requires post-mortem examination of kidneys and skin and can take 4-6 weeks to be confirmed.

If you are at all worried about your dog then visit your vet as soon as possible. Should your dog be affected then early recognition and aggressive management of the condition is likely to lead to the best outcome. 

Treatment

If your dog develops a skin lesion your vet will be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment and will decide if your dog needs antibiotics and if the area needs covering. Some forms of painkiller (called non-steroidals) may be best avoided. Dogs developing kidney failure (acute kidney injury) will need much more intensive management and your vet may recommend referral to a specialist.

Advice about walking your dog in the New Forest

As the actual cause or trigger of the disease is unknown it is very difficult to give specific advice on prevention. Suggestions from The Dogs Trust include the following:

• Where possible stick to dry paths and keep your dog out of muddy or wet areas
• After a muddy New Forest walk, wash your dog thoroughly.
• Examine your dog after every walk for lesions or wounds and if you spot any go to your vet (this is also good practise to check for ticks)
• If your dog licks a specific place repeatedly check it for skin lesions. If you find anything that looks like a lesion go straight to the vet.

Remember:

Although the problem is being treated very seriously, many thousands of dogs are walked in the countryside every day and it is important to remember that only a very small number of dogs have been affected by CRGV.

Investigations into CRGV

Research into new diseases requires a lot of funding. This pays for the development of new diagnostic tests, investigation of the causes of the disease and ultimately the development of more effective treatments. The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF) is a national charity aiming to raise awareness and funds for Alabama Rot (CRGV) research. The first CRGV conference took place in May 2017 to progress the ongoing research.

Locally, research has been supported with financial assistance from New Forest District Council, Forestry Commission, Bridge Pathology and Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists. A large amount of work has also been performed on a goodwill basis by interested scientists. To help facilitate further investigations into this disease, New Forest Dog Owners Group has set up a fund and collect donations. The fund will be opened with a donation of £2,000 from NFDOG and all contributions are welcome.

Heather Gould (Chairman of NFDOG) said, “Since the fund opened we have collected over £15,000 to help this research. Projects authorised have covered histology, microbiology toxicology, ricin intoxication and genetic faecal testing. A number of possibilities have been ruled out, but, as yet, nothing definite has been identified. This makes it really important that, while cases continue to occur over the country, this research should continue.”

You can donate via the NFDOG website at: www.newforestdog.org.uk/researchfund. 

Testing

Tests have been carried out on both the environment and the affected dogs. All of the more common, well-known causes of acute kidney failure were excluded in all of the dogs. Detailed further investigations have been performed on blood, urine, faeces and post mortem tissue. This has included bacterial (including e-coli), viral, and heavy metal testing, which has been negative.

Additionally, kidney tissue has been examined by a number of Veterinary pathologists and human nephropathologists (specialist kidney pathologists). Water testing for hazardous chemicals in the New Forest was also performed. Testing is ongoing and any significant results will be made available.

For more information about CRGV, visit the Anderson Moores website or the The Alabama Rot Research Fund (ARRF).

Donate now and help up stop Alabama Rot. To donate, visit http://www.arrf.co.uk/donate.html 

Published May 2017. Updated March 2018.

LYMINGTON'S Curious Arts Festival unveils exceptional 2017 line up

LOCAL LEGEND AND FESTIVAL FAVOURITE, JOHN ILLSLEY TO PERFORM AT CURIOUS ARTS FESTIVAL!

We couldn’t be more excited to announce that local legend and festival-favourite John Illsley, founding member and bass guitarist of Dire Straits, will be performing as a guest vocalist at this year’s Curious Arts Festival with the London Whoredogs on Saturday 22nd July. 

Mark Knopfler and John are the only founding members of Dire Straits to remain in the line up from 1977-1995 during which time they sold over 120 million albums. John Illsley has four solo albums and two live albums to his credit for more info go to www.johnillsley.com

If you've not already booked your tickets for Curious Arts then don't delay - day tickets are still available for adults and families and if you do fancy making a weekend of it, there remain a few weekend tickets - and camping is FREE!

Click here to book tickets!

FULL PROGRAMME for the 2017 festival

The Curious Arts Festival programme for the weekend has now been announced. Whether you are planning to camp (or glamp!) over for the weekend or can only make one of the days, take a look at the fantastic line-up, showing the music, literature, comedy, childrens events and other workshops and curiosities happening each day. This year's line up is truly brilliant, we're sure you'll agree!

Take a look at the 2017 Curious Arts Festival programme here!

Plan your days and book your tickets now! Weekend tickets and day tickets are still available - but are selling fast, so don't delay! 

Click here to book tickets!

Chapel Down and Curious Drinks official beer and wine supplier at Curious Arts

England’s leading winemaker, Chapel Down and Curious Drinks have become the Official Beer & Wine supplier of the Curious Arts Festival this summer. The Curious range of award-winning beers and cider, along with Chapel Down’s unbeatable range of sparkling and still wines, will be served at the main bars. The English wine producer will also be hosting a series of free wine and beer masterclasses throughout the weekend.

Chapel Down Group CEO, Frazer Thompson, said: “Britain is known as being a global hub of creativity and the Curious Arts Festival is a celebration of this. We are delighted to be supporting this glorious event and will be aiming to surprise and delight festival-goers throughout with the best of British drink from Curious Drinks and Chapel Down.”

Curious Arts Festival Director, Patrick Keogh, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Chapel Down and Curious Drinks to the Curious Arts Festival 2017. Our festival is a celebration of British eccentricity with a food and drink offering that is focused on quality, provenance and a sense of fun - and so Chapel Down and Curious Drinks represent a perfect partner for us.”

Seeking a curious forager!

The Curious Arts Team are seeking a forager (ideally who lives locally) for the festival as there are a number of authors who will be talking about foraging. If you can help, please contact the Curious Arts team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

POET-EXTRAORDINAIRE MURRAY LACHLAN YOUNG JOINS FANTASTIC CURIOUS LINE UP

Satirical soliloquy, rock-n-roll reverie and ditty comes to the New Forest with news that BBC 6 Music and Radio 4 regular Murray Lachlan Young will be performing his stunning new live 'up-close and personal' show – How Freakin’ Zeitgeist Are You? - at this year’s Curious Arts Festival.

A delightful romp into the bizarre facets of fame, fashion, people, politics, a mild erotic folk ballad and the space-time continuum, this is unique stand-up comedy/spoken word performance, from one of the very best in the business. Always topical, his show effortlessly addresses the way we live and our trying to make sense of society.

Murray is a playwright, actor, screen-writer and poet-extraodinaire who made his name in rock clubs and underground cabaret venues in London in the 1990s when he was signed to EMI. Celebrated for his hybrid mix of stand-up comedy with delightful commentaries on contemporary life, expect flamboyant, punchy wit, brooding subtext and empathetic humour.

We thoroughly recommend this local festival which really does have something for everyone; a delightful combination of music, literacy and art, for adults and children alike. 

Curious Arts Festival 21st-23rd July 2017

Now in its fourth year, the Curious Arts Festival is an eclectic boutique festival now firmly on the culturally-minded festival-goer’s calendar given its creative programming spanning music, literature, comedy and thought-provoking inspirational events. This year, Curious will be taking place between Friday 21st and Sunday 23rd July 2017. The festival is set in the glorious grounds of Pylewell Park near Lymington, home to the Hon David and Melanie Roper-Curzon. Positioned on the south coast in the New Forest with a large agricultural and sporting estate, the house sits majestically surrounded by traditionally laid out parkland with unrivalled panoramic views over the Solent along the South coast. The sea serves as a stunning backdrop to the grounds, which include 27 acres of pleasure gardens and a 15-acre lake.

This year's Curious Arts Festival is setting new standards for illuminating green field arts festivals. 

Renowned for attracting the cream of UK and international literary talent this unique festival offers a glittering array of the cultural, creative and curious including comedy, music and a packed children’s programme. From life drawing, midnight bat walks and cocktail masterclasses to snail racing, poetry workshops, pop up fine dining and even an opera and a cricket match no other festival offers anything like this dreamy, fun, eccentric and ultimately inimitable weekend. This year’s packed programme of events, activities and experiences will delight the Curious of all ages.

Curious partnership with Coda Music Trust

And the Curious Arts Festival is now reaching out further than ever before. The Festival announced recently a three year partnership with local music charity Coda Music Trust, which will see the festival supporting the charity until 2019. Coda Music Trust is an award-winning, innovative charity, based on the Dorset/Hampshire border, which uses music as a tool for personal and social change, often tackling issues of social deprivation, isolation, ill-health and disability. Find out more.

Paradise will not be lost at this year's Curious Arts Festival!

The line up for the Curious Arts Festival is looking increasingly exciting with more artists confirmed including headline music acts for Friday and Saturday nights Izzy Bizu and Tom Odell. At the launch event for this year's festival last weekend at Pylewell House it was also announced that following the success of last year's Sonnetathon, the epic poem in blank verse Paradise Lost has been selected this year and all who wish to try their reading aloud skills  in front of an audience are invited to participate.  It's looking likely that the pop up Choir will be back too - an amazing opportunity to create wonderful, uplifting sound together.  Camping beside the Solent shore is magical as is the whole of this unique weekend!

Read on for more details about the Curious Arts Festival attractions and headliners...

Book tickets for the 2017 Curious Arts Festival 

LYMINGTON'S BOUTIQUE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES KEY ATTRACTIONS AND HEADLINERS

The UK’s most illuminating and eclectic boutique festival has announced key headliners and attractions to this summer’s showcase. Headline music acts include Tom Odell and Izzy Bizu. Other highlights of the 2017 festival will include: 

• The legendary writer, film-maker and publisher Dave Eggers
• The People’s Poet Lemn Sissay
• The foremost chronicler of our emotional lives, Joanna Trollope
• Mock The Week’s hilarious Ed Byrne 

Read on for more details about the Curious Arts Festival attractions and headliners...

The Curious Arts MUSIC Line Up

Music headliners include stellar singer songwriter Tom Odell, Brit Critics Choice Award winner Izzy Bizu, and A&R man turned novelist, John Niven, will be taking to the stage with his new band featuring some extraordinary special guests, to be announced shortly.

The Solent-side music stages will also feature electro-soul act Seramic, Ibibio Sound Machine who blend Nigerian pop and British electronica, Icelandic musician Junius Meyvant, Brighton talent Martha Gunn, Time Out Rising Star Alex Francis with his emotive blend of rock and soul, hotly tipped Jordan Mackampa, 21-year old Irish singer songwriter Aine Cahill and dreamlike pop from Benedict Benjamin.

THE CURIOUS ARTS LITERARY LINE UP

We are delighted that romantic and historical novelist, Joanna Trollope OBE, will be at this year's festival. The outstanding 2017 literary line up also features multi award-winning American author, commentator, writer and editor Dave Eggers; extraordinary poet Lemm Sissay; Matt Haig (REASONS TO STAY ALIVE, A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS) on new book out in July called HOW TO STOP TIME; Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Eimear McBride (A GIRL IS A HALF FORMED THING) on her new novel THE BOHEMIANS and James Stourton who will be discussing his book KENNETH CLARK, LIFE, ART AND CIVILISATION.

Other highlights will include internationally acclaimed British Indian novelist, Hari Kunzru, will be talking about his latest work WHITE TEARS; psychotherapist Phillippa Perry; Peter Dunne (THE FIFTY THINGS:LESSONS FOR WHEN YOU FEEL LOST); Ross Raisin;  American novelist, journalist and art critic Katie Kitamura (A SEPARATION); Jess Kidd (HIMSELF); Andrew O'Hagan (THE SECRET LIFE); Keggy Carew (DADLAND) and Chelsea Flower Show winning gardeners to the aristocracy and Prince Charles Julian and Isabel Bannerman.

THE CURIOUS ARTS COMEDY LINE UP

Comedy curated by Curious Comedy host and Radio 4 regular Simon Evans includes TV stars Ed Byrne and Paul Tonkinson; children’s favourite Howard Read; lightening-quick sketch group The Noise Next Door; the insanely talented Nat Luurtsema and accomplished comedian, jazz singer and actor Charlie Baker.

George Egg will be cooking up a three-course meal on hotel equipment in his comedy show Anarchist Cook; Daphna Baram will be exploring the world of alternative facts and expect long words and beautiful linguistic flourishes from Ivo Graham.

THE CURIOUS ARTS LINE UP FOR CHILDREN

Childrens’ events will include Breath of Life Puppetry workshops, a Jabberwocky Hunt, Ella Berthoud will be offering STORY CURES for children and their families and there will be a series of events with The Week Junior.

Join all of the above for illuminating adventures, lively literary chat, breakfast briefings on the day’s news, cartoon clubs, and a fine array of food providers, including a pop-up restaurant. And what other festival begins with a cricket match??

The Curious Arts Festival is a wonderful experience and goes from strength to strength each year. Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Book your tickets now!

Tickets are now on sale at www.curiousartsfestival.com and booking is fulfilled by new festival partner Sky Tickets. Tickets are priced at £128 weekend adult, £300 weekend family, £23 weekend child (5-13), £55 day adult, £20 day child (5-13).

Check the website for availability of Early Bird Tickets.

Camping is FREE and GLAMPING options are now available.