Important Information

The National Park is a fabulous place to visit but there are a number of things worth bearing in mind to make sure you and your family stay safe and healthy.

Ticks are found in the wooded and grassy areas of the New Forest and are most abundant in the late spring and summer. They feed on the blood of passing animals including humans and sometimes cause Lyme disease or Alpha-Gal Allergy.

You can reduce the risk of infection from ticks by:

keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass when out walking
wearing appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas (a long-sleeved shirt and trousers tucked into your socks)
wearing light-coloured fabrics that may help you spot a tick on your clothes
using insect repellent on exposed skin
inspecting your skin for ticks, particularly at the end of the day, including your head, neck and skin folds (armpits, groin, and waistband) – remove any ticks you find promptly
checking your children’s head and neck areas, including their scalp
making sure ticks are not brought home on your clothes
checking that pets do not bring ticks into your home in their fur.

For further information and guidance about ticks, preventing bites and what to do if you are bitten visit NHS Direct or the Public Health England website.

Adders - the adder is the only poisonous snake native to Britain. They are not aggressive and will only bite if they are disturbed. For more information visit NHS Direct. If you get bitten go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

Ponies - although ponies appear tame and are accustomed to people, they are semi-wild and may bite or kick, so it’s sensible to take care and certainly to avoid standing behind them! It is also important not to feed the ponies as this encourages them to congregate on roadsides and in car parks. It may also make them aggressive and they become greedy and demand more food. There is plenty of natural food for them in the Forest.

Leeches - medicinal leeches are found in water in New Forest so be aware if you go paddling.

Have you got everything you need?

Here is a list of things you may wish to consider bringing with you:

Bag / rucksack (to keep all or some of the things listed below in!)

Clothing:
- An extra layer (e.g. fleece, jumper - depending on time of year / forecast)
- Comfortable boots or shoes
- Gloves, hat & scarf (again, depending on time of year / forecast)
- Waterproof(s) (with our unpredictable weather, don't leave home without!)

Drink / Food:
- A bottle of water (it is very important to keep yourself hydrated, especially if it is hot or warm)
- A hot drink in a flask / Thermos (for those chillier days)
- A snack (e.g. biscuits; crisps; flapjack; high energy bar etc. for emergency medical situations such as Hypoglycemia in diabetics or just as a release of energy)

Medication (any regular medication required at certain times of the day as well as for any unforeseen emergencies)

Mobile phone (fully charged)

Mobility aids / walking aids:
- Portable seat
- Walking pole or stick

Photography equipment (after all, you're going to see some stunning New Forest scenery!)

Protection:
- Blister relief (if this is something you regularly suffer from)
- Suncream (even if it doesn't look that sunny, UV rays can still get through to our skin)
- Sunglasses (not just for those bright, sunny days - winter snow can be very bright as well as very pretty)
- Torch (especially through the Autumn / Winter months)

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