New Forest Photography: A Beginners Guide

New Forest Photography has become a big part of my life and I stay there several times a year to make the most of it.

It just feels like a whole other world. The Deer, Ponies, Donkeys & Pigs just roaming around in the wild never gets old.

Whether you’re capturing the amazing wildlife, heathlands, or the forest itself, the diversity of the New Forest makes it a must-visit destination for both amateur and professional photographers.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best locations, wildlife to watch out for, photography rules, and other tips for New Forest Photography.

A Brief Introduction to the New Forest

The New Forest in Hampshire UK was originally created as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror in 1079. Today, it is a national park that spans over 200 square miles and is characterised by a patchwork of landscapes, including ancient woodlands, open heathlands, wetlands, and small villages.

The New Forest is also home to a wide range of unique wildlife, making it a prime location for photography.

Photographers will find a variety of ecosystems in the New Forest, each offering unique opportunities to capture stunning images.

The changing seasons also transform the forest, offering different moods and colours throughout the year – my favourite being Autumn! (Check out these Autumn Photography Ideas)

Best Photography Locations in the New Forest

1. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

If you’re keen to photograph deer, this is one of the best spots in the forest.

The Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary has a viewing platform where you can often spot wild deer grazing. Although I have seen them further on in the next field when taking a walk in Bolderwood and you may see them in the surrounding areas too.

During certain times of the day, park rangers feed the deer, which makes for an ideal opportunity to capture close-up shots.

• • Best Time for Photography: All year round. Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer, and the deer are more active. I seem to have the most luck here during late afternoon.

2. Hatchet Pond

Hatchet Pond is a beautiful spot in the New Forest and very popular for photography because of the way the sunsets behind the trees.

Wetland birds are also common here, making it a great place for wildlife photography too.

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  • Best Time for Photography: Sunset for landscape shots (more so in the summer months when the sun sets directly behind the trees) and early morning for wildlife.

   

3. Burley Witch Village

My favourite village in the New Forest, especially during spooky season. You’ll find lots of little witchy shops, a deer park and a lot of ponies. If you head to Burley Manor you will find lots of Red Deer and as they are more contained on this land, it will give you a better chance of capturing Deer if you’re unsuccessful capturing them in the wild.

• • Best Time for Photography: Any time of year, but especially in the autumn when leaves are scattered across the road and the pumpkins are out.

4. Puttles Bridge

A hotspot for paddling in the river during the warmer months but walking the path will offer lots of cool photography opportunities on the way.

Ponies love it here and you will often find them roaming the woodlands having a little munch. During Autumn, this part of the forest is also amazing for mushrooms and I’ve found all different species here and in the spring/summer months there are lots of macro bug opportunities nearer to the water.

One particular day, I had found a good selection of mushrooms to photograph at Puttles Bridge and as I was snapping away, I heard something. I looked up and I was surrounded by 7 Ponies, all munching on leaves and then a little Shetland Pony wandered by and it was a truly magical moment.

• • Best Time for Photography: Spring/Summer for bugs/flower macro and having a cheeky dip in the river! Autumn for Mushrooms. You’ll find Ponies here all year round however.

5. Blackwater Arboretum

The Blackwater Arboretum is home to a variety of tree species from around the world. The towering trees and colours make this location ideal for landscape and macro photography.

Autumn is particularly special, as the trees change into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows and it’s my favourite time to be here.

You can also photograph the tall tree trail and there is plenty of bird photography opportunities here too.

• • Best Time for Photography: Autumn is the standout season here, but the arboretum is beautiful year-round.

6. Oakley

A much smaller and less notable location but I felt I had to mention it here, as it’s one of my favourite spots for New Forest photography.

During Autumn it is home to a massive variety of fungi and as it’s a less popular location, you have more time and space to set up your photos.

I have also been fortunate to see lots of the New Forest pigs at this location too.

• • Best Time For Photography: Autumn mornings for mushrooms but a beautiful spot all year round. Across the road from the car park is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Special Wildlife in the New Forest

The New Forest is teeming with wildlife that roam free, and for photographers interested in capturing animals in their natural habitat, it’s an ideal place to visit.

Below are some of the animals you will see in the New Forest:

1. New Forest Ponies

The iconic New Forest ponies roam freely throughout the forest and have done so for over 2,000 years.

They’re a hallmark of the national park and often become the subject of many photographers’ portfolios.

Although they are wild, they are accustomed to human presence, making them easier to photograph, but it’s important to respect their space.

• • Photography Tip: You can easily capture the ponies while they are grazing but the trick is to wait for the perfect moment and capture them with their heads up, looking up or doing something slightly different. Even better if you can snap them while they’re galloping.

2. Deer

My favourite animal to photograph.

The New Forest is home to several species of deer, including fallow, red, and roe deer.

Bolderwood is a popular place to spot them and Burley Village has a deer park, but they can be found throughout the forest.

In fact my favourite photo of the New Forest deer was in a completely random spot on the way to my next location, I had to stop my car and sneak over to them without them seeing, hearing or smelling me.

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to photograph these shy animals.

• • Photography Tip: Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots without disturbing the deer. Try to blend into the surroundings and be patient, as deer are easily startled.

3. Birds

The forest attracts various species of birds, including woodpeckers, buzzards, and barn owls.

In the wetland areas, you’ll find swans, ducks, and kingfishers and if you head to Eyeworth Pond you can see the Mandarin Ducks.

Bird photographers will have ample opportunity to capture both common and rare species.

• • Photography Tip: Patience is key with bird photography. Consider using a telephoto lens with a fast shutter speed to freeze the birds in action.

4. Pigs

During the autumn months, you may see the pigs which are let loose to eat all the acorns off the forest floor, as they’re poisonous to ponies. This is called pannage season and usually happens from mid September to mid November.

The best places to see the pigs are near Bolderwood or Bramshaw Village but they do roam, so you may get lucky elsewhere. As I mentioned earlier, I have been fortunate enough to see lots of them in Oakley.

• • Photography Tip: Try and capture the pigs running, as their ears flap in up and down, making for more movement in your images. Capture them from a far and use a telephoto lens.

5. Donkeys

Donkeys are very unique part of the New Forest and are great to photograph, mainly because they barely move most of the time.

You can often find them staring at a gorse bush, or stood aimlessly in the middle of the road. They are funny characters.

The best places to see Donkeys are Brokenhurst, Beaulieu & Fordingbridge. Look for them on the commons.

• • Photography Tip: The Donkeys are pretty easy to photograph as they’re very stationary compared to the other wildlife. Try capture them in unusual settings or interacting with each other.

Photography Rules and Etiquette in the New Forest

As a national park and an area of conservation, there are some rules and guidelines you should follow while practicing photography in the New Forest.

1. Respect the Wildlife

The wildlife in the New Forest is protected.

Keep a safe distance from the animals, particularly the New Forest ponies and deer, and never attempt to feed or touch them.

Always use a telephoto lens when photographing wildlife to avoid disturbing them.

2. Stay on Designated Paths

The New Forest is crisscrossed by walking paths and bridleways.

Stick to these paths to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.

Some areas are off-limits to visitors, particularly during certain times of the year, to protect nesting animals and plants.

3. Leave No Trace

Make sure to take all your rubbish with you and avoid leaving anything behind that could harm the environment.

This is especially important for photographers who may spend long hours in one location – don’t leave tripods, gear, or any other items unattended.

Remember the saying “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”.

4. Drone Use

If you’re planning to use a drone for aerial photography, be aware that drone use is restricted in many parts of the New Forest.

Always check the latest regulations and obtain the necessary permissions before flying.

5. Wildlife Laws

It is illegal to disturb wildlife, especially during breeding seasons.

Be mindful of any local restrictions and adhere to guidelines for protecting sensitive habitats and species.

6. Mushrooms

A special mention about mushrooms here, as there are lots of exciting species but please DO NOT TOUCH the mushrooms, especially if you have no knowledge of mushroom identification.

Foraging for mushrooms is also banned in certain areas of the New Forest.

Best Times of Year for Photography in the New Forest

Autumn

Autumn is a favourite season for many photographers and it’s certainly mine.

The New Forest turns into a canvas of warm hues and it’s also a great time for photographing fungi, as the damp conditions encourage growth in the woodland areas.

Spring

Spring is an excellent time to photograph new life in the forest.

The woodlands are filled with bluebells, the trees are lush with fresh leaves, and there are newborn animals around.

Wildflowers and blooming plants make this a particularly colourful season for photography and my second favourite after Autumn.

Summer

Summer brings longer days and more opportunities to photograph in early morning and late evening light.

The heathlands come alive with purple heather, and locations such as Hatchet Pond provide amazing sunsets.

Winter

Winter presents a different challenge and beauty.

The stark, bare trees and frost-covered landscapes can produce some hauntingly beautiful photography.

More chance to capture fog, a Starling murmuration and epic macro photos of frost & ice.

New Forest Photography

The New Forest is a whole new world for photography.

Its rich landscapes, abundant wildlife, and changing seasons make it a place you can return to again and again, each time discovering something new.

Remember to respect the forest’s rules, treat the wildlife with care, and always be prepared with the right equipment to make the most of your photographic adventure.

Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or intricate macro details, the New Forest is sure to inspire you.

Blackwater Arboretum Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary Shetland Pony Fly Agaric Mushroom at Oakley Blackwater Close up of a Pony Blackwater Arboretum & Tall Tree Trail Donkey Deer Park, Burley Lyndhurst War Memorial Horse in the Gorse Macro at Puttles Bridge Boltons Bench Blackwater Pony in Beaulieu Parasol Mushroom at Bolderwood Blackwater Macro at Puttles Bridge Hatchet Pond Cow near Hatchet Pond