Top 20 Natural Monuments around Netley Marsh
Best natural monuments around Netley Marsh are situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park, offering access to diverse natural sites. The area features unique ecological significance, including lowland heath, ancient woodlands, and distinctive marshlands. These locations provide opportunities to appreciate varied landscapes and wildlife.
Best natural monuments around Netley Marsh
- The most popular natural monuments is Dead Trees Marsh, New Forest National Park, a natural monument characterized by a swamp adorned with jagged, leafless trees. It is considered a fantastic spot for photography due to its unique and atmospheric scenery.
- Another must-see spot is Bolton's Bench, a viewpoint and historical site. A huge yew tree sits atop Bolton's Bench, offering commanding views across the New Forest.
- Visitors also love Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, a forest with picturesque scenery and leisurely trails. It features a purpose-built deer viewing platform where visitors can observe deer being fed.
- Netley Marsh is known for its forests, viewpoints, and unique marshlands. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from ancient trees to wildlife sanctuaries.
- The natural monuments around Netley Marsh are appreciated by the komoot community, with 259 upvotes and 43 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
Dead Trees Marsh, New Forest National Park
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Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
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Bolton's Bench
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Pondhead Inclosure Dragon Sculpture
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There is a New Forest tradition that a dragon once had his den at Burley. There are several versions of the tale, one being that the creature "flew" every morning to Bisterne, where it would be supplied with milk.
In order to kill the dragon, a valiant knight (usually named Berkeley) built a hide, and with two dogs lay in wait. The creature came, as usual, one morning for its milk, and when the hut door was opened the dogs attacked it, and while thus engaged the knight took the dragon by surprise, the dogs dying in the affray.
The dragon slayer himself, says another version of the tale, only succeeded by covering his armour with glass, and a popular telling of the story has it that the fight raged throughout the forest, with the dragon finally died at Boltonβs Bench.
Though the knight had defeated the dragon he had been mentally broken by the battle, and after thirty days and thirty nights he went back to Bolton's Bench to die alone atop it, his yew-wood bow falling on the ground beside his body and eventually sprouting into the yew tree which can still be seen today.
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The New Forest
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Pre-existing rights of common pasture are still recognised today, being enforced by official verderers and agisters. In the 18th century, the New Forest became a source of timber for the Royal Navy. It remains a habitat for many rare birds and mammals.
It is a 28,924.5-hectare (71,474-acre) biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Several areas are Geological Conservation Review and Nature Conservation Review sites. It is a Special Area of Conservation, a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area. Copythorne Common is managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Kingston Great Common is a national nature reserve and New Forest Northern Commons is managed by the National Trust."
Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Forest
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Bolton's Bench is a well-known natural knoll and landmark situated on the edge of Lyndhurst, the "capital" of the New Forest. A prominent ancient yew tree grows at the top of the hill, which is surrounded by grassy lawns where the New Forest's famous ponies, donkeys, and cattle often graze freely. According to a medieval tale, a dragon that terrorized the nearby village of Bisterne was slain on the site by a knight named Sir Maurice de Berkeley. The dragon's body supposedly became the hill, and the ancient yew trees grew where the knight and his hounds later died.
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An amazing and very charming place that hides some secrets from the past..
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there is a purpose built platform which overlooks a large meadow. The platform is just a short walk from the car park. This is a great place if you're looking to get some great photo opportunities of the natural surroundings of the New Forest as well as the wildlife that surrounds the area. There is also information panels giving you more information about the deer found in the New Forest.
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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)
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Nothing lives in this place. Legend from commoners ( habitants of the new forest ), tell of the death of a young boy here in the early 1800's. His family buried him here and within days the woods around his body decayed and died. Birds won't even sit on the branches. it's a very eerie place.
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Always check to forecast for the New Forest. Even days after a rainfall, the ground can stay flooded for long periods of time. Tracks can be washed away and even streams over them. Make sure you have the correct equipment to tackle these problems.
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The New Forest has the most extensive area of heathland remaining in Europe (over 10,000ha β the equivalent of 14,000 football pitches). Drier areas are dominated by heather, with bracken and gorse and a very rich lichen flora.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other must-see natural monuments around Netley Marsh?
Beyond the most popular spots, consider visiting Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, known for its picturesque scenery, leisurely trails, and a purpose-built platform for observing deer. Another unique site is Bolton's Bench, a historical viewpoint featuring a huge yew tree and commanding views across the New Forest.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments near Netley Marsh?
Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary offers easy trails and a deer viewing platform, which children often enjoy. Testwood Lakes is another excellent choice for walks and wildlife spotting. Westwood Woodland Park Local Nature Reserve also provides diverse habitats and stream-side walks suitable for families.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at these natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Netley Marsh are rich in wildlife. At Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, you can observe herds of deer. Netley Common Local Nature Reserve is home to reptiles like common lizards and adders, as well as various butterflies and dragonflies. Testwood Lakes and Westwood Woodland Park also offer opportunities to see diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species.
Are there any natural monuments with historical significance?
Absolutely. Bolton's Bench commemorates an 18th-century New Forest Master Keeper and is steeped in local folklore, including tales of a dragon. Netley Common Local Nature Reserve contains a Bronze-Age round barrow dating back 3,500 years and is crossed by a Roman road. Westwood Woodland Park Local Nature Reserve features remnants like banked ditches that supplied water to Netley Abbey and concrete bases from a World War II Z-battery.
What are the best natural monuments for photography?
Dead Trees Marsh, New Forest National Park is considered a fantastic spot for photography due to its unique and atmospheric scenery, characterized by a swamp with jagged, leafless trees. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, with its towering Douglas firs, redwoods, and giant sequoias, also offers stunning visual opportunities, especially during seasonal changes.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Netley Marsh is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the Test Way and Testwood Lakes Loop near Testwood Lakes. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Netley Marsh guide. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is renowned for road cycling, offering a beautiful climb through redwood trees. Running trails are also available; check out the Running Trails around Netley Marsh guide for options like the Testwood Lakes & Lower Test Nature Reserve loop.
Are there any natural monuments featuring unique trees or forests?
Yes, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is famously lined with impressive Douglas firs, redwoods, and giant sequoias, some reaching over 150 feet. Westwood Woodland Park Local Nature Reserve boasts ancient woodlands with hazel coppice and oak pasture. Bolton's Bench is notable for the huge ancient yew tree atop it.
When is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Netley Marsh?
The best time to visit depends on what you wish to experience. Spring is excellent for seeing bluebells at places like Pondhead Inclosure and vibrant rhododendrons along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, particularly in the woodlands. Summer is ideal for enjoying walks and wildlife spotting, while the unique atmosphere of Dead Trees Marsh can be appreciated year-round.
Where can I experience lowland heath ecosystems?
Netley Common Local Nature Reserve is an important lowland heath, featuring open heathland and grassland interspersed with scrub and gorse. It's home to native heathers like Ling, Bell Heather, and Cross-leaved Heath, providing a unique ecological experience.
Are there any natural monuments with water features like lakes or marshes?
Yes, Dead Trees Marsh, New Forest National Park is a distinctive swamp area. Testwood Lakes, though reservoirs, are part of the larger Test Lakes Nature Reserve and offer beautiful views of the water and the surrounding Lower Test Nature Reserve, known for its chalk stream. Westwood Woodland Park also features streams, ponds, and marshes.
Can I find easy walking trails at these natural monuments?
Many natural monuments offer easy walking trails. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary has leisurely trails suitable for all ages. Testwood Lakes features accessible paths, including sections of the 3.7-mile Test Way and Testwood Lakes Loop. For more easy options, consult the Easy hikes around Netley Marsh guide.
What is the Pondhead Inclosure Dragon Sculpture?
The Pondhead Inclosure Dragon Sculpture is a modern-day wood carving inspired by the local folklore of the Bisterne Dragon. It's located within Pondhead Inclosure, a community woodland project focused on restoring biodiversity and enhancing public enjoyment of this unique area of New Forest woodland.
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