Exploring Bolderwood: Woodland Walks and Wildlife

Bolderwood, nestled in the heart of the New Forest, is a favourite spot for walkers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts. With ancient woodland, open glades, and the famous deer viewing platform, it’s easy to enjoy the forest at a gentle pace. Whether you’re after a short stroll or a longer woodland adventure, Bolderwood has trails suited to all abilities, with opportunities to see deer, ponies, foals, donkeys, and cattle in the surrounding area depending on the time of year. There is also a visitor centre which is open seasonally, staffed by knowledgable volunteers who are there to help educate visitors about the local wildlife and landscape.

(Photo of the visitor centre at Bolderwood from august 2025)

The Trails at Bolderwood

Starting from Bolderwood Car Park there are three waymarked trails, each offering a slightly different perspective of the forest:

(start of the trails near the picnic area / toilets blocks)

1. Deer Watch Trail – ~0.3 miles / 0.5 km

A short circular walk from the car park to the deer viewing platform. Ideal for a quick introduction to Bolderwood and very family-friendly with easy gravel paths.

What you can expect:

• Deer grazing visible from the viewing platform

• Shaded woodland paths

• Benches for short rests and wildlife watching

  
  

2. Jubilee Grove Trail – ~1 mile / 1.6 km

A gentle loop through woodland and open glades, showcasing some of the forest’s older trees and providing easy wildlife-spotting opportunities.

What to expect:

• Deer, ponies, and occasionally donkeys grazing

• Birdwatching along shaded paths

• Easy gradients and well-marked route

  
  

3. Radnor Trail – ~1.9 miles / 3.1 km

The longest of the loops, Radnor Trail takes you deeper into the surrounding forest, along streams and glades. Perfect for those looking for a longer, immersive walk.

What to expect:

• Deer and foals grazing in open areas

• Free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and sometimes cattle

• Streams, woodland glades, and picnic spots

Wildlife at Bolderwood

Bolderwood is best known for the wild deer that frequent the area and it's purpose-built deer-viewing platform. Depending on the season, you may also see:

• Spring: Newborn foals and young ponies learning to trot

• Summer: Active wildlife, including ponies, donkeys, and deer

• Autumn: Pannage season, when pigs are turned out to forage for acorns

• Winter: Quiet walks with tracks in frost or snow, and resident birds easier to spot in the forest.

Visiting Tips

• Parking: Main car park or smaller nearby car parks for a quieter start (e.g Canadian War Memorial Car Park around the corner.

  
  

• Knightwood Oak car park is a short 5 minute drive away along the Bolderwood Ornamental Drive. Here you can find the largest Oak tree in the New Forest, measuring 7.4m in girth with an age of over 500 years.

  
  

• Facilities: Picnic benches, toilet block, accessible paths, ice cream & refreshments.

  
  

• Family-friendly: All three trails suitable for children and casual walkers, large green

  opposite car park is suitable for sitting on and having picnics etc when dry.

  
  

• Timing: Early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings

  
  

• Safety: Please keep a safe distance from wildlife and respect the New Forest Code. A link can be found on our main website explaining the New Forest Code further.

Enjoying Your Walk

Bolderwood is perfect for a short stroll, longer walk or relaxing by the green. Choose a trail to suit your time and energy, or make a day of it by walking or cycling from Burley. After exploring the trails, you can grab a coffee, ice cream, or a light snack, making it a perfect pause before heading home or continuing your New Forest adventure.

Whether you have a wander over to the Deer viewing platform or walk the Jubilee/Radnor Trail, Bolderwood delivers a classic New Forest experience: woodland walks, seasonal wildlife, and peaceful glades, all best enjoyed at your own pace.