When
was the last time you saw the stars illuminate the night sky? Or had no signal
on your mobile? In this remote corner of the New Forest, Matley Wood feels like a
million miles from the glow of street lamps, frustration of traffic jams and
the buzz of ringtones. After a wonderful day exploring the New
Forest’s wealth of walking trails, most campers relax by their tent, marvelling
at that clear night sky. If you watch for long enough you’re bound to see a
shooting star or three, and if you listen carefully enough, you’ll hear
absolutely nothing at all. Fabulous.
Matley
Wood is a small, secluded campsite that blends seamlessly into its stunning
surroundings of ancient oak trees and grazing wild ponies. As with many campsites round these parts, there are no marked pitches,
so visitors have the freedom to pitch where they like. However, Matley Wood
won’t be for everyone. Modern-day campers seeking even the most basic
facilities may wish to look elsewhere, as there are no showers, toilets or
cooking facilities to be found. But what you do get is a unique, back-to-basics
camping experience, set amongst some of England’s most inspiring scenery.
The
New Forest has long been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the diverse mix of habitats that
support the area's animal and plant life. Not only home to the UK’s largest
breeding population of the rare Dartford Warbler, The New Forest also plays
host to all three native species of snake; adder, grass, and smooth snake.
The forest's plant life is equally varied. Around 700 species of wildflower is
said to grow in the forest, (that’s a third of the total found in Britain),
while rare species such as the ‘Blue Marsh Gentian’ and the unfortunately named
‘Bog Orchid’ can be found flourishing in the New Forest’s mires.
Matley Wood is the
type of site that attracts those looking to ‘get away from it all’. This really
is forest camping at its finest, and is the ideal spot for campers wishing to
let loose on a bike or fancy getting lost (hopefully not literally) on one of
the forest's countless walking trails. Or, you could always chill by your tent, amid
greenery and pure peace and quite. We suppose that’s not the worst decision to have to make.