Alice Holt Forest

Alice Holt Forest

This is the same Alice Holt of mediaeval times although it is now, of course, much smaller and much less dense. The wolves and highwaymen are now long gone and, apart from its official role, the forest is used for recreational and leisure purposes by the local population. Many of the main paths are now surfaced and provide an easy passage for walkers and horses. However, there are a number of other less well trodden paths for the more adventurous and those with suitable footwear in damper weather.

While the development of the local community over the last 1000 years has inevitably encroached on the environment in general and on Alice Holt Forest in particular there are still many square miles of the forest and local evironment left unspoiled.

Alice Holt Forest boasts a herd of deer believed to be about 200 strong and you can also often see deer along the banks of the River Wey during the early hours of the morning.

With care you will see birds you thought unlikely to be encountered again. jays, woodpeckers, owls, some hawks, finches and tits together with the more common varieties.

Foxes are there but rarely seen, the environment is such that they need not worry about man - there is plenty of space for all. Hence, the "Urban Fox" is an unlikely creature here.

Butterflies represent a thriving part of the local environment and Butterfly Conservation own and manage a reserve at Bentley Meadow adjacent to the Alice Holt Forest. Visit the Hampshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation at

www.hantsiow-butterflies.org.uk

Badgers, rabbits, crows, magpies and many other creatures are very common.

But beware, the forest is also home to snakes including the now somewhat rare and poisonous Adder - although they are seldom encountered under normal circumstanses. The Adder is not a threat provided you treat it with respect and take sensible precautions - just be careful where you walk, how you walk and wear sensible footwear and other clothing - and keep your eyes open.