Hampshire (seaside, sailing and an island city)
Hampshire is a large sunny county in southeast England, home to the Solent (a stretch of water that reaches over to the Isle of Wight) and the South Downs.
It’s also home to the nice city of Winchester, which has strong links to writer Jane Austen. And where most of England’s watercress grows!
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (learn how to upright an overturned sheep). Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
At the coast, keep dogs away from nesting birds and sand dunes. Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside. Check beach bans before travel.
The ancient city of Winchester
This city used to be capital of England, and is home to one of England’s poshest private schools (Rishi Sunak was a student). It also has strong links to the writer Jane Austen.
The New Forest
This ancient forest is in both Hampshire and Dorset, and of course home to wild ponies. Never disturb or feed them, they are looked after by local verderers.
Recently they all ran for their lives during the wildfires. While Richard Tice was saying we should all be happy, as it means better sparkling wine???
Southampton (a maritime heritage)
This large town is associated with sailors (it was where the old series Howard’s Way was filmed). It also has a tragic history, as it was from here that the doomed Titanic ship set sail on its first and last voyage).
Portsmouth (England’s only island city)
Portsmouth is not far away, and from here you can take a hovercraft over the water to the Isle of Wight. Just up the road is Southsea, a sweet little seaside resort that is within walking distance.
How to help New Forest ponies
The New Forest Ponies are cared for by commoners (who benefit from right to graze animals). The New Forest Verderers employ five Agisters who ensure commoners abide byelaws, and oversee grazing ponies, livestock, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep (but not deer or other wild animals).
Learn more tips for happy healthy horses (including toxic trees and plants to avoid).
Do not touch or feed New Forest ponies
Also don’t let dogs approach or chase ponies or any other animals. Never use flash photography (use a zoom lens if taking photos).
Slow down and pay attention if driving
Ponies wander onto lanes and streets, so drivers must slow down and pay attention. Local signs warn visitors to watch out for ponies, especially at dawn and dusk, when they often cross busy roads.
Road Traffic Accidents involving ponies, cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep must always be reported immediately to the Police on 999.
Report sick and injured animals
Sick and injured animals can be reported to the Verderer and Agisters website. This page includes numbers to call and details of penalties, for failing to report incidents.
Do everything to avoid wildfires
Don’t drop cigarette butts (use a pocket ashtray) and never use disposable barbecues or release/use fire lanterns.
Recent wildfires in the New Forest have caused decades of destruction. And killed a lot of wildlife. Thankfully the wild horses would have gone elsewhere on smelling smoke. But there are videos showing how terrified they were, panicked and running away from fires.
But Richard Tice thinks that ‘net zero’ is stupid, and we should just enjoy the warmer weather and drink sparkling wine?
