Wood ants

On July 3, 2021June 24, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Joan Begbie, New Forest, Northern New Forest, Trees and forestry, WildlifeLeave a comment

In which I admire some busy wood ants in the New Forest

Ibsley Common and Dockenswater: hill, valley and mire

On June 26, 2021June 24, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Archaeology and history, Butterflies, Joan Begbie, New Forest, New Forest heaths, Northern New Forest, Wildflowers2 Comments

In which I set out in mist and finish in sunshine on a walk to explore Ibsley Common and Dockenswater. Along the way I meet a Silver-studded Blue butterfly and lots of lovely wild flowers.

In the New Forest: landscape, history, and the network of things

On June 19, 2021June 18, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Archaeology and history, Joan Begbie, New Forest, New Forest heaths, Northern New Forest4 Comments

In which I begin to learn about how to understand a landscape, by lifting my eyes and knowing where my feet are planted.

Amberwood, Sloden and Alderhill: memories and magic among the trees

On June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Archaeology and history, Joan Begbie, New Forest, Northern New Forest, Trees and forestry, WildflowersLeave a comment

In which I find a haunted wood and memories of a woodsman's cottage, and spend some peaceful moments sitting on a bench deep in the forest.

Hampton Ridge: skylarks and history

On June 5, 2021June 10, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Archaeology and history, Joan Begbie, New Forest, New Forest heaths, Northern New Forest, WildlifeLeave a comment

In which I am surrounded by skylark song, and learn some New Forest history. In particular, I am surprised by Second World War archaeology masquerading (according to the OS map) as tumuli.

Things to know about bilberry

On May 22, 2021May 22, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Joan Begbie, New Forest, Northern New Forest, Trees and forestry, Wildflowers2 Comments

In which I find bilberry in Godshill Wood in the New Forest.

Ringwood to Rockford: town and lake

On April 24, 2021April 23, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Archaeology and history, Joan Begbie, New Forest, New Forest towns and villages, Northern New Forest4 Comments

In which I grieve for lost fields, but discover some local Ringwood history...This walk starts in Ringwood, heading for Rockford Common and the New Forest woods, streams and heaths beyond.

The Coppice of Linwood, King’s Garn Gutter and the Rufus Stone: woods and history

On April 10, 2021April 21, 2021 By Amanda ScottIn Archaeology and history, Joan Begbie, New Forest, Northern New Forest, Trees and forestry4 Comments

On a bitingly cold day, I walk vanished paths through the Coppice of Linwood, King's Garn Gutter and Long Beech Inclosure, visiting the Rufus Stone in the New Forest on the way.