Much of the area around Furzehill is open heathland so don’t expect Oakwoods on the doorstep. Hasley is the nearest ‘inclosure’ with good stands of trees and some parts have good Bluebell displays in early May.
Head North from Hasley along a gravel track and you will enter Sloden, my favourite part of the New Forest. Sloden is well a way from car parks and easy access so you won’t see many other folks around and you’ll sense the history that permeates this place of ancient trees and subtle archaeology. Sloden is where the Romans had pottery kilns and more recently there was a hunting lodge that is now almost completely untraceable.
Keep your eyes open for the native gladiolus – it is very rare and sadly diminishing. The gladiolus grows within easy walking distance of the CL – I won’t say where though, your challenge is to find it!
August sees the hillsides swathed in purple heather, as good as anything you might see in Scotland.
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