Visitors to the National Trust Mottisfont Abbey and gardens can look forward to a good day out but many are unaware that the countryside around the village of Mottisfont can be equally rewarding.

The winter of 2013/2014 proved to be one of the wettest on record and the relatively dry spell in March served only to lower the flood levels

Following our recent presentation on the history of the New Forest we were able to expand our knowledge with a visit to Pondhead inclosure near Lyndhurst.

The purpose of our visit to Ovington was primarily to look at the Snowdrops which flower reliably during February every year and carpet the area around the Bush Inn.

The walk from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard along the Beaulieu River is a very popular walk at any time of year but is especially so during the winter months because of the well maintained and sturdy paths.