ランドフォードの天然記念物・トップ16

Sorry I really don't like the Rodger Penny Way, as a local I try not to ride it anymore.. I'd go through Woodgreen, Lover, Passed Hampworth Golf Course, No Mans Land... much quieter roads... On the way back most of my routes go into Ringwood... and through the forest from there (I live near Lyndhurst)

Beautiful spot, site of an ancient gunpowder works.

The nature reserve was part of a group of Royal Forests until the 16th century when, unlike the New Forest, they declined and reverted to farmland and landscaped parks. The reserve's ancient woodlands have a long history of management and would have provided local people with a valuable source of timber, wood fuel, forage for pigs (known as pannage) and grazing for livestock. Coppicing was particularly important, and as you walk through the reserve look for old banks and ditches that mark the boundary of coppice enclosures. Coppicing is the method of cutting trees such as hazel or oak to ground level on a regular cycle. This produces fast-growing shoots for fodder, firewood and making charcoal.

Abbots Well was formerly known as Alleynewell within the ancient boundaries of the New Forest when defined during the reign of King Edward I (1272-1307). This perpetual spring was, for centuries, the main watering place for travellers on the old road to Southampton. Theoretically the chamber on the left is for forest fauna and under the wooden flap on the right water intended for human consumption. I’m not sure I’d drink from it though - make your own mind up!!!

Lovely place to stop and have a snack, and relax looking at the water!

The Rufus Stone stands in the spot where King William II, also known as Rufus, was fatally wounded by an arrow during a hunting outing in the forest during medieval times.

The place where Sir Walter Tyrrell killed King William II. by accident with an artow during a hunt.

Here stands the strongest reminder of the origin of the New Forest. The Rufus Stone is an iron-clad landmark marking the spot where King William II was killed with an arrow. It happened in 1100 AD during a royal hunting outing in the Forest.