Photo 1 - Typical East Inclosure Scenery

Introduction

The New Forest in SW Hampshire is now a National Park, having acquired this status in 2005. Whilst its name in modern day English implies a large wooded area (and almost half of its 150sq miles consists of native deciduous and coniferous woodland), there are also large areas of heathland, as well as a coastal area and a river estuary within the national park boundary.    

For this first site feature on the New Forest, I have chosen the large area of woodland on the east side of the National Park which stretches east and south east from the Lyndhurst–Brockenhurst road towards Beaulieu. The area consists of a patchwork of "inclosures" bisected by the Southampton-Bournemouth railway. Since this area of woodland alone covers more than 10 sq miles, I have selected 3 specific inclosures to describe in more detail. Each of these inclosures has its own particular characteristics which reflect in their butterfly populations. This approach affords the visitor the flexibility to explore one or more or these specific locations in depth, or use any one of them as a gateway to adjoining inclosures in the complex, not all of which have convenient direct access from nearby roads.

Before proceeding further, it is relevant to mention that, whilst the New Forest is a special place for wildlife, including butterflies, an alarming report was published in 2001 by Butterfly Conservation, highlighting the decline in its butterfly populations. High levels of grazing by domestic livestock, lack of adequate woodland management and habitat destruction by forest operations were cited as the main reasons. Happily, the situation today is significantly improved, through more sympathetic management and operations, and in some areas at least, better control of grazing.

The New Forest is justifiably a popular place to visit, both for days out and longer holidays. During the main summer holiday weeks and especially at weekends, its roads, car parks and even the more popular forest locations can become very busy, which is something to bear in mind when planning a “butterfly” visit. It should also be noted that, since the New Forest is a working forest, it is occasionally necessary to close parts of some inclosures to the public for forest operations, such as timber extraction.

Highlights

• 3 different inclosures selected (Pignal, Pondhead and Hawkhill) can be explored individually or in combination, each with easy access from nearby roads. They also provide starting points to explore other areas of this large woodland complex, including the more remote inclosures without direct road access.
•  In summer, woodland species such as White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary can be encountered in any of the inclosures - but look out for other woodland dwelling species such as Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Brimstone, Peacock and the Skippers (Large/Small/Essex) depending on time of year.
• The area radiating north and west from Pignal (encompassing other inclosures such as Ramnor, Parkhill, Denny Lodge, Perrywood-Hazeley and New Copse) now has the largest population of Pearl-bordered Fritillary in Hampshire, and they will be seen along many of the tracks during May weeks 2,3 & 4. This success has resulted from more favourable woodland management practices, for instance to provide "scalloped" areas at the woodland edge and areas of regeneration, used by the butterflies as breeding sites.
• Pondhead inclosure is a true inclosure (i.e. fully fenced) with clear evidence of the beneficial effect of reduced grazing on its butterfly populations. Purple Hairstreak are also present.
• Hawkhill inclosure contains one of the few woodland-based colonies of Dark Green Fritillary in Hampshire. The area in front of the inclosure also provides a glimpse of heathland habitat with Silver-studded Blue present.

Pignal

Pignal inclosure (Photo 2) is at the western apex of the woodland complex, close to Brockenhurst. Park at the Standing Hat car park (arrowed on map). Being well known and close to Brockenhurst, the car park does get very busy in summer, and the area is also popular with cyclists and groups – so perhaps Pignal is not necessarily the best choice for a summer weekend visit, depending on your perspective. Nevertheless it is what I would call the archetypal New Forest inclosure, consisting of mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland with wide rides, areas of woodland regeneration, and a good network of gravel tracks and paths.

Photo 2 - Area of Regeneration Within Pignal

For those who prefer a specific route,  an enjoyable walk of almost 4km is described below. In May (except perhaps the first few days) look out for Pearl-bordered Fritillary along the tracks and areas of regeneration, wheras July and early August is the time for Silver-washed Fritillary. White Admiral may also occasionally be seen in July, however the other two inclosures described below are usually better for this species. Commoner species, mentioned in the highlights, should at least provide some butterfly sightings from April through to September.

Enter Pignal through the 5 bar gate and take the left track of the two, heading NE. The inclosure in this area is mainly coniferous but deciduous areas and areas of regeneration will be seen later in the walk. Continue up the track for about 1km until it is about to make a right angle bend to the left. At this point, turn right to maintain a NE direction, passing along the northern edge of a large area of regeneration (clearing) on your right. This clearing is a breeding area for Pearl-bordered Fritillary. At the end of this section, you reach a T junction, where you bear right again and soon reach marker post 34. At this point you are on the edge of Parkhill inclosure and may choose to continue further into the complex or start the return leg of the route. One interesting detour is to continue up the track (indicated for Lyndhurst on the marker post) for about 200m, where you will see the forestry commission display board marking the entrance to the Frohawk Ride. This ride is dedicated to the naturalist, Frederick Frohawk, who visited the forest throughout his life to observe and study its butterflies. Indeed the rare Valezina form of the Silver-washed Fritillary, which can occasionally be found in the forest, is named after his daughter.

For the return to Standing Hat, turn right at marker post 34 (indicated for Brockehurst) and continue down this track without deviating, for a further 1km, until you reach a gravel cross track. Turn right here through a predominantly deciduous area of Pignal which leads back to your starting point at Standing Hat car park.

Pondhead

Pondhead Inclosure is at the northern end of the complex, close to Lyndhurst and is a true inclosure, with the individual woodland areas fenced with access via gates. Whilst this perhaps slightly detracts from its aesthetic appeal, the benefits to its butterflies are all too evident and result from the much reduced levels of grazing. Access is via a gate at its western end (arrowed on map). Limited parking is available close to the gate supplemented by street parking if necessary. The best time to visit Pondhead is midsummer, and especially during July when the summer woodland species such as Silver-washed Fritillary and White Admiral are on the wing – the main track (Photo 3) which runs SE from the entrance is normally good for both. Silver-washed Fritillaries are partial to the brambles along the track and I have seen several White Admiral in flight along here. There are also a number of oak trees along this part which are home to Purple Hairstreaks. Late afternoons from mid July until early August are the best time to look for them flitting around these oaks - occasionally coming to lower levels in search of nutrients or moisture.

Photo 3 - Shady Section of Main Track in Pondhead

A circular walk can be made through Pondhead by turning left through the second gate on the main track after just ½km and following this track round and back to the entrance. Alternatively continue up the main track, over the little bridge into the northern part of Parkhill inclosure, or explore some of the rides branching north or south from the main track. For instance, the ride to the right from marker post 36, leads into Hollands Wood, eventually reaching a campsite. Another lovely ride, shown in the photo at the top of the page, is the first one on the left after marker post 36. It is also a good location for Silver-washed Fritillary. Both these rides are entered via gates.

Hawkhill

The third inclosure selected for a mini-feature is Hawkhill, located about midway between Brockenhurst and Beaulieu. Unlike Pondhead and Pignal, Hawkhill is predominantly coniferous, but just as attractive nevertheless. Indeed because of its evergreen nature, Hawkhill provides a pleasant walk even early or late season, complete with its little stream which goes by the curious name of Worts Gutter. However for butterflies, the best time to visit is mid-summer and especially the month of July. There is ample parking in the Hawkhill car park (arrowed on map) just off the Brockenhurst-Beaulieu road. North of the car park there is a network of tracks, but the important point is to head essentially in a north or north-easterly direction in order to intersect the stream. Species to look out for in July are Silver–washed Fritillary and White Admiral which should be encountered along the forest tracks, the White Admirals likely to be skimming along the boughs above head height.

Photo 4 - Open Areas in Hawkhill Looking West Along"Worts Gutter"

Close to Worts Gutter, and particularly in the more open areas (Photo 4), Dark Green Fritillary can also be found. Even on the wing, their slightly smaller size and very powerful flight is usually enough to distinguish them from the Silver-washed, but both types of fritillary can sometimes be found in this area, feeding on thistles close to the stream or along the nearby forest tracks. Indeed, this location is one of the few in Hampshire where these two species are in regular company, bearing in mind the Dark Green Fritillary is a species normally associated with downland or heathland. In the photo above (map), the Worts Gutter flows west-east under the track on the left. Another good location for Dark Green Fritillary is reached by following the stream east from here into a group of silver birch trees just off picture to the left. Grayling are also occasionally reported in this area.

Finally on the subject of Hawkhill, a mention of the heathland area immediately in front of the Inclosure, by the car park, is deserved. which is really an extension of Beaulieu Heath across the road. In July and early August, Silver-studded Blue will be seen flitting amongst the heather here and yes, a few Dark Green Fritillary as well - one could hardly choose two more contrasting species to find in the same place!