The Enchanted
Forest Therefore not only is the forest vital to our wellbeing but it is also beautiful and magical. The New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pastureland, heath land and forest which has been in existence from the Bronze Age onwards. Explore it, protect it, love it.
Forest Facts • All of our forests are vulnerable. Conservation International estimate that up to 50% of all species indigenous to forests will be extinct before 2050, due to habitat destruction. That’s a rate of one every 20 minutes • In Europe alone some 22,066 species are vulnerable • These include the red squirrel, black grouse, common kingfisher, Scottish wildcat, harvest mouse, wolf and bear • In the New Forest the red squirrel could be found until the 1970s • But... the New Forest is home to the only cicada, native to Great Britain along with our three native snakes – adder, grass and the rare smooth snake. It also shelters rare plants such as the marsh gentian and birds such as the red kite and common buzzard • We must all play our role in ensuring the survival of the forest “When one tugs at a single living thing in nature, one finds it is attached to the rest of the world” John Muir
Photography: Jason James Model: Naomi Cullen
jasonbjamesphotography.com
“The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demands for its sustenance and extends generously the products of its life and activity; it affords protection to all beings.” Buddhist Sutra