Wild Britain With Ray Mears Season 2 Episode 9 Ancient Forest: New Forest, Hampshire

Ray Mears, the renowned wilderness expert, presents the ninth episode of the second season of Wild Britain. In this episode, he takes viewers to the New Forest in Hampshire, home to an ancient forest that has been in existence for over 1,000 years.

The New Forest, which spans over 220 square miles, is a diverse landscape that features heathlands, woodlands, and wetlands. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, ponies, and a variety of bird species. This episode focuses on the forest's ancient woodlands, which have an ecosystem that has been in existence for centuries.

Mears takes viewers on a journey deep into the forest, where he unveils some of the secrets of this ancient ecosystem. He shows how the forests have remained so untouched for so long, and how the trees and the wildlife have adapted over time. He explains that one of the reasons for the forest's longevity is the way it has been managed over the centuries by the New Forest Verderers.

Throughout the episode, Mears takes time to explore the different habitats within the forest, from the open heathlands to the damp undergrowth where the fungi grows. He shows how the different trees, such as oak, beech, and holly, have adapted to the different soil types and conditions. He also shows the different bird species that call the ancient forest home, such as the Dartford warbler and the nightjar, and how they have evolved to make the forest their natural habitat.

Mears also introduces viewers to some of the human history associated with the forest, including its use in medieval times for hunting, grazing, and timber. He also explains how the forest has been used for charcoal production, which has had an impact on the ecosystem over the centuries. Mears visits a charcoal burner's hut, where he shows viewers how charcoal was traditionally made.

In addition to exploring the ancient forest, Mears also takes time to visit some of the nearby villages and towns that have grown up around the New Forest. He meets some of the locals, who share their stories of life in the forest and how their ancestors have lived there for generations. Mears also visits the forest's famous ponies, who have roamed freely in the forest for centuries.

Overall, this episode of Wild Britain provides a fascinating insight into the ancient forest of the New Forest in Hampshire. Mears takes viewers on a journey that showcases the natural beauty and the rich ecosystem that has remained in place for over a millennium, offering a glimpse into a land that has remained untouched for centuries.