Ackender Wood is just on the edge of Alton and in April and May, it comes alive with carpets and carpets of bluebells. Our walk actually starts from neighbouring Bushy Leaze Wood, which allows for the bluebells to build up to a mid-point crescendo!

What a joy this walk was on a sunny spring day! The paths were lined with a multitude of spring flowers and the woodland carpeted with bluebells. West Meon itself is an attractive village with a traditional stores and well-loved pub. To complete the excursion, children will be excited by the new climbing towers and slides in the recreation ground, from where the walk starts.

Buckler’s Forest is a forty-two hectare site made up of woodland, grassland, heathland and ponds. Recent development in the area has brought a brand new play area and coffee shops, making this an excellent area for outdoor recreation including walks and bike rides.

A walk at Banstead Woods is literally like stepping into Narnia. Children will find four sculptures themed around The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe inside the woodland as well as some home made swings, dens and an enchanting bench.

Burton Mill Pond is a peaceful gem just south of Petworth. The historic pond has a series of viewing platforms and is twinned with Chingford Pond, which you will also pass on this walk. Varied woodland paths and reedbeds connect the two nature rich bodies of water.

This walk encompasses everything we love about the New Forest; an epic family pub, tracks suitable for walkers and cyclists, huge ancient oaks and magical conifer plantations, free-roaming ponies, heather clad open plains and bridges over gentle streams.