Horse grazing at Rockford Common in winter in the New Forest, Hampshire — A horse grazing at Rockford Common, New Forest | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Countryside and woodland in Hampshire

Discover the varied winter landscape of Hampshire, with woods, sparkling chalk streams, farmland and wetland waiting for you to explore, from the huge expanses of New Forest common to the wildlife-rich downland and marshes of Stockbridge.

A herd of New Forest ponies grazing peacefully with a small pond and trees in the background at New Forest Northern Commons, Hampshire

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New Forest Northern Commons

A romantic mix of landscapes set within this centuries old forest. Undulating heaths and open grassland grazed by wild ponies and littered with paths. Panoramic views, gravel-fed streams and ancient woodland.

A flock of birds landing on the River Hamble, Curbridge Nature Reserve, Hampshire

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Curbridge Nature Reserve

Explore Curbridge Nature Reserve on the River Hamble, an ancient riverside woodland important for wild birds, waterfowl, salt marsh and rare invertebrates.

Pathway through the heather on the heathland of Ludshott Common, Hampshire

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Ludshott Common

The heathland at Ludshott Common dates back 5,000 years and contains some of the few remaining areas of lowland heath in Europe. Discover some of the birdlife and wildlife you can see here, as well as similar heathlands and woodlands you can visit nearby.

Long grass and a gap in the trees at Selborne Common, Hampshire

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Selborne Common

This diverse and unspoilt corner of Hampshire offers plentiful opportunities to spot wildlife and find plants and flowers, as well as some impressive views.

Swan on the River Test at Stockbridge Marsh, Hampshire

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Stockbridge Marsh

A Site of Special Scientific Interest in the peaty river valley of the River Test. This picturesque yet fragile wetland habitat of unimproved grassland and fen-like vegetation is rich in wildlife including water voles and butterflies.

Path sloping through chalk downland, with fields and trees in background, Stockbridge Down, Hampshire

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Stockbridge Down

A chalk hill supporting grassland, scrub and woodland, with spectacular views, and a huge array of wildlife. Take in ancient burial mounds and the remains of an Iron Age hillfort.

A view of a stream running through the glad at The Chase is Hampshire, with a small wooden bridge visible in the distance and trees either side of the stream in the foreground on a sunny day.

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The Chase

This quiet nature reserve of 143 acres sits close to the village of Woolton Hill on the Hampshire/Berkshire border. Take in woodland, meadows and heathland. A river tributary runs through the Chase, which attracts plenty of birds including kingfishers.