Two walkers on the coast at Hurst Spit with heathland in the background and shingle in the foreground.

Activities

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Tap into a 'natural health service' with activities for all ages and abilities

The New Forest is a fantastic place to spend time in nature actively connecting to the heritage and cultures that shape communities. Doing this can bring proven and significant benefits for your health and wellbeing and have a lasting impact on you and your environment.

Activities to boost wellbeing

From active pursuits in the outdoors like walking and cycling to connecting with nature and the environment through local arts and heritage, there are many ways to get involved and experience the mental health and wellbeing benefits that come hand-in-hand with these opportunities. Why not spend time in your garden or a community plot, volunteer for a great cause in the New Forest area, or simply spend time in the environment around you?

Two cyclists ride along a gravel path through marshland near Keyhaven, with a line of trees in the distance

Cycling

Ride on New Forest tracks to discover special wildlife and connect with nature while enjoying exercise and fresh air

Cycling Cycling
Two walkers with a black dog on a lead on a grassy path in the New Forest with heathland in the background.

Walking

Discover the special landscapes on your doorstep and further afield on Forest tracks

Walking Walking
Two young people dressed in blue taking part in a Rhododendron clearance task.

Volunteering

Support the communities and wildlife around you, learn new skills, and meet new people as a volunteer in the New Forest

Volunteering Volunteering
Buckets of hedge saplings and shovels lined up on grass beside a fenced field, with trees in the background

Gardening

Nurture life in your own or a community garden to connect with your environment

Gardening Gardening
A young person's hands molding clay to make a Roman pot.

Arts and heritage

Connect to the New Forest's wildlife, landscapes, and communities to gain inspiration from the environment around

Arts and heritage Arts and heritage

Hear about activities boosting wellbeing