Pamber Forest

A 478-acre area of ancient woodland managed by Hampshire Wildlife Trust on behalf of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council who have leased it form the owner, Englefield Estate. The forest is a remnant of the once extensive Royal Forest of Windsor, dating back to at least Norman times, when it was a royal hunting ground.

Ownership passed to the Benyon family in 1745, as part of the Englefield estate. The forest became a major source of materials for local woodland crafts (e.g. besoms & rakes).

Designated a SSSI in the 1950’s the forest is an area of exceptional wildlife interest. Forty species of butterfly have been recorded including white admiral & purple emperor.

Current management policies include rotation coppicing and are aimed at providing a range of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife.

For further information see http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/reserves/pamber-forest

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The long distance path The Brenda Parker Way passes through the forest. For details go to www.brendaparkerway.hampshire.org.uk