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The New Forest
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This is a fascinating area in Hampshire (UK). Ponies, donkeys, cattle, deer sheep and (at certain times of the year) pigs roam free. The animals belong to locals who have what are termed ‘commoners rights’ which came about because in 1079 William I (AKA William the Conqueror) wanted a hunting area (mainly for deer).
It is a unique area of historical, ecological and agricultural significance, and retains many of the rural practices conceded by the Crown in historical times to local people. The New Forest has also been an important source of timber for the Crown.
If you are interested in reading further a good website for more information is www.newforest.hampshire.org.uk There are many links from this website to others that are equally interesting.
We spent a couple of weeks in the area (July 2011) cycling, walking and taking photos. What was fascinating for us is how grazing animals are used, and have been for centuries, to manage the landscape. Despite the name the New Forest is not all forest, much of it is open heath and bog. In areas where more trees are desired the animals are fenced out (called Inclosures) and in areas where the land is to be kept open the animals are allowed to graze freely. In some of the towns and villages the animals have free access and can be seen on garden lawns and even walking down the high street! Signs everywhere ask people not to feed the ponies as this leads to them getting aggressive with picnickers and leads to more road accidents as they approach cars for food.