The New Forest Walking Festival is underway this week and gives you a great opportunity to get out during half term and make use of your outdoor clothing jackets. This brand new festival gives you the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of this National Park. Aimed at walkers of all ages, expert guides will be leading a series of walks highlighting the unique countryside, wildlife, culture and history of the landscape.

Running until November 3rd the event aims to showcase some of the best walks that the Park offers. There is a small fee for some of the walks but this will be reduced or even waived if you can show that you arrived by bus, train, and bike or on foot. Free mini-buses are also provided for some of the walks.

Tomorrow sees a nature walk taking place at Ashurst. A short two mile walk, suitable for all the family, including those with pushchairs, taking you past forest lawns, ancient trees and through nearby Deerleap enclosure. This provides a great opportunity to discover more about the creatures of the forest, including ponies, deer, reptiles and insects.

Alternatively, there for those who are keen bird watchers, there is a guided walk of Keyhaven Marshes, giving you the chance to discover the rich variety of seabirds that visit the marshes, including waders, gulls, geese and ducks. Learn how to identify them by their plumage and their calls, so bring a pair of binoculars and test your knowledge, or lack of it as both beginners and experts are more than welcome.

The Forestry Commission are also involved running daily walks and talks to allow you to enjoy the different colours in the woods. Check out the New Forest website for further details. And if you can’t make it to the New Forest, check out your local areas for other Autumn activities that will give you plenty of opportunity to use your outdoor clothing jackets.