Animals of the New Forest
The New Forest is home to many different species and variety of animals including deer, ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs. These domesticated animals live along side the many wildlife living in the forest such as foxes, bats, mice and even vipers!
The ponies, cattle and donkeys that graze the forest all belong to a 'commoner' living in the area and each commoner is required to pay a small fee the park authority to keep their animals on the land. Every commoner has their own personalized brand for their animal so it is possible to see who owns which animal.
It is extremely important when driving through the New Forest to drive carefully as the animals do roam freely and may cross the roads. Adders are also commonly found in the forest so if walking care must be taken to avoid disturbing them. If you are bitten you must go to the nearest hospital straight away as an adder bite can be dangerous.
When you think of the New Forest and the animals that live there, it is most likely that it will be deers or ponies that most readily spring to mind. Read on to find more in-depth information about these animals and their place in the forest.
