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Acres Down

Hampshire  >  United Kingdom

This is a raised area of woodland and heathland. There are fine views over the surrounding district and it's said to be good for raptor spotting.

Added* by Axel Kirby
Most recent update 23 maj 2022

Description

Acres Down is one of the best birding areas in the New Forest National Park. Local guides highlight the variety of raptors. including Osičar and Jastreb. The site attracts heathland birds and lowland woodlands are easily accessed. Leganj have been reported.

Details

Access

There is a small free car park (which can become full) near Acres Down Farm (SO43 7GE). Public transport does not venture closer than Lyndhurst, some five miles away. On site, access is purely on foot ; wheelchairs are impracticable. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on leads during nesting seasons.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Plateau , Valley , Moors/heathland

Conditions

Hilly , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

There are no toilets or other facilities, but refreshments are available at Acres Down Farm Shop - when open. The Down is exposed to weather, although there are scattered trees for shelter and shade. The woods in the valley are readily accessed, but take care to keep a sense of direction - there are no direction signs. The New Forest ponies should be regarded as wild and not approached, particularly when with young.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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