Farewell to The New Forest Fungi

All the fungi is coming out to play! A wonder through the heather later and we found these lovely, but poisonous panther caps. Then, just before we had to leave the forest for our new job in Scotland, we found this delicious beef steak fungus hanging off an oak tree. We waited a day for it to grow a bit more, then took it to slice and watch it bleed like steak. We gave a slice to our families to try, but not sure if they tried it!!?? Unfortunately, our slice went off before we could eat it, but it's supposed to taste quite bitter, but lovely tossed in a salad?? Bye for now The New Forest!

Debates, Swings and Kingfishers

We went backpacking with Jonathan before he went back home, here he is with Will having one of their disagreable debates no doubt. At a guess, maybe they're discussing the life and times of camping cookers, or, another light weight debate?

Here's a naughty swing that isn't allowed in The New Forest, Jonathan had a go, but fell in the river :-). In the meantime I was the sensible one taking pictures and catching a flash of a kingfisher.

Freddie and Fungi

My family came up to visit for a few days camping, so it was great to see everyone. Here's my nephew, Freddie at the pub, zonked out after all that fresh air. We'd just found out we were going to go up to Scotland to work and do ranger walks, so time to revise... quickly! Alan, who is going to be a ranger in The New Forest in 2010 is helping Will identify some fungi.

Happy Birthday Will

Happy Birthday! Will celebrated by going for a walk amongst all the majestic 'kings of the forest' the might Oaks, then a meal at The Foresters with the gang.

Jonathan, our friend who we met on The Pennine Way last year came to stay and work with us for a bit so it was great to have him about!

Fun Time

GMTV's Matt Arnold, came to visit the campsite and had us put up his tent in Benny Hill style speed! He lied when he said he'd slept in it. We knew because it was a recycled tent and airbed that had a slow puncture : )

Had a complimentary canoe trip to a pub at Bulieau with Justin from Liquid Logistics. He was great fun and told us some local history and where to look for wildlife. We saw a barn owl and lots of jelly fish, but didn't manage to see a kingfisher.

Other New Forest Campsites

We cycled over to Matley Wood and nearly walked into this caterpillar hanging about on his silk.

A riverside Aldridge Hill is also a delight, as are Annie who looks after the campsite and her husband, Ian who is a Forest Keeper. We've learnt so much about the forest from them. Their house is fab', they get the deer ruts right outside. We will have to try and see one of the drifts one day. Will is asking Annie's opinion of a mushroom he found on the heath.

New Forest Pony Foal

I can't believe we were lucky enough to see a foal being born, the hundreds of campers oblivious to what was going on through the trees about 50 metres away. Both were up and about grazing within the hour, amazing!

Hollands Wood's Magical Heath

The heath looks so different everyday, with all those ancient root balls, ant hills or telly tubby hills -whatever you like to believe!

Spring Weather

The first foal to be born in the area, the next day it looked like this, lucky he has a fluffy coat!

Back to Work!

Hello, sorry for the delay in updating this, we'll update with photo's at the end of our first season as campsite wardens, so probably not until Septmeber! Yep, we're working again but it just feels like we're still on holiday despite the hard work! We're at Hollands Wood site in Brockenhurst, so it would be great to see you if you want to get away from it all!