Awakening Walk with a New Forest National Park Ranger

Join the New Forest National Park Authority’s People and Wildlife ranger Jim on a walk to explore hidden paths through Burley and out onto the wilds of the west of the Forest, complete with a wooded iron age hill fort and the atmospheric heath and mire of Church Moor.

This event is a great introduction to the New Forest, especially for people new to the area and anybody who wants to learn about the role of a National Park Authority ranger while enjoying the stunning landscape, discovering wildlife and learning about some of the threats to its survival – from non-native invasive species to climate change – and understanding how we can all do our bit to help protect it.

This walk will take roughly four hours and have time for stops. It will make use of surfaced and unsurfaced tracks, some of which are expected to be muddy. The route includes some hills and one climb over a stile which walkers must be able to negotiate.

Walkers should bring a drink and any snacks they might want. They should also wear warm and waterproof layers. Suitable waterproof footwear such as waterproof walking boots or wellies are essential. Anybody who wears trainers should bring a change of shoes and socks for the end of the walk (just in case).

Parking for the walk is in the main village car park by the meeting point. The walk is expected to last around three hours, so participants in possession of a short stay parking permit may wish to top this up with additional time. There is alternate free parking a short walk away near the cricket pitch.

A ranger will make themselves obvious on the grass close to the toilets. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.

Duration/distance: Approximately four hours

Difficulty: The walk will follow a mix of gravel and unsurfaced tracks with some hilly sections and one stile. There will be short stops along the way.

Cost: £5 / under 16s go free

Location: Burley Village car park, What 3 Words: ///frantic.flagged.lightbulb

Please book your ticket on:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/awakening-walk-with-a-new-forest-national-park-ranger-tickets-1983718883581?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is part of the New Forest Awakening Festival which runs throughout March 2026. Click here to  find more Awakening Festival events.