What is the New Forest?
The New Forest is a national park in Hampshire, southern England, famous for its free-roaming ponies, donkeys and cattle, ancient woodlands and open heathland. Despite its name, it was created as a royal hunting forest in 1079.
William the Conqueror declared the area a royal forest for hunting deer. Strict forest laws protected the animals, and harsh punishments were given to those who broke them.
William's son, King William II, was killed by an arrow while hunting in the New Forest in 1100. The Rufus Stone marks the place where he is said to have died.
Ponies and commoners
Around 5,000 New Forest ponies roam freely, along with cattle, donkeys and pigs. The animals are owned by local people called commoners, who have ancient rights to graze them on the forest.
In autumn, pigs are released to eat acorns, which are poisonous to ponies, in a tradition called pannage.
The New Forest became a national park in 2005. It is popular for walking, cycling, horse riding and camping. Villages such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu attract visitors. Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum.
Drivers must take care, as animals often walk on the roads, and visitors are asked not to feed or touch the ponies.