On 11th July a group of students from North Carolina State University spent a day in the New Forest, learning about its history and its modern day management. The trip was organised by their Professor of Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission’s Ranger, Richard Daponte. Students were able to compare US National Parks with a very special English one and to learn about forestry, past and present.
The day started in the Verderer’s Hall where the students were introduced to the history of the New Forest and the old Forest Law which together have shaped the forest we see today. After that it was out into the forest to see modern forestry and examples from the past. At Holmhill the students saw a modern plantation where the Forest Supervisor, Robin Mair, explained all about forest management today. Then in Holidays Hill the students went on a short walk where they were able to compare Napoleonic oak and beech with modern Douglas Fir planting.
The whistlestop tour continued with a visit to Mogshade to view the open forest and explain its importance for wildlife and biodiversity. The day ended with a visit to the Knightwood Oak and a discussion on pollarding which was so important in the past as it combined boundary maintenance with production of small timber for fences, baskets and other essential commodities.
The response from the students was overwhelmingly positive, and the success of the day was wholeheartedly endorsed by their professor’s final words: “I suppose it doesn’t count much in the “what did you do for the New Forest today” category, but it does count a lot in what you did for the bigger idea of forestry, sustainability and a worldwide partnership to manage this big blue and green marble well”