One of the highlights of my days is when the sun goes down in Burley. The twighlight brings out one of the magical and celebrated creatures of the night, the bat. These elusive creatures often skim over my rooftop as they hunt for insects.

There are 17 species of bat in the UK. I am not sure what species the bat in my photo comes from, but all the same, he or she is a fascinating warm blooded creature. Like the snake, numbers of bats have decreased drastically over the last century. Visit Bat Conservation Trust to learn more about protecting these wonderful flying mammals.

If you too are batty about bats you could sign up for the Family Bat Discovery guided, short walk this Friday on August 22nd 2008.

One of the New Forests most celebrated residents, and certainly one of the oldest, The Knightwood Oak. This regal old oak tree is fondly known as the ‘Queen of the Forest’.

Probably five or six hundred years old, this famous old oak tree, is the main attraction of and gave its name to, the Knightwood Oak Stroll. Situated just off the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, the Knightwood Oak Stroll is a wonderful place for a  leafy picnic in the shadows of this historic oak tree.

The family and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon today at the 2008, Burley Village Show. Held at the Manor Park in Burley, just in the shadows of the Burley Manor. The Burley villagers came out in force to enjoy an afternoon of fun.

There were many different shows including a fun dog show, a dramatic bird of prey flying exhibition, live music and of course the usual village fete style vegetable and flower growing competitions. Being in The New Forest, and especially in Burley there was a fine selection of equestrian events and demonstrations.

All in all, a great afternoon, which was fantastic for the children as well as the adults.

After visiting the Rufus Stone, without a picnic. We found the Sir Walter Tyrell Inn, and we are very glad we did.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the delicious home cooked food was both generous and tasty.

The family and I, spent a wonderful, sunny afternoon at the Rufus Stone, near Lyndhurst. In the shadow of an oak tree, possibly a descendant of the original tree which glanced an arrow from Sir Walter Tyrell towards the chest of King William The Second, surname Rufus.

Burley Manor, in Burley

The Tall Trees Trail

Following the Tall Trees Trail in Rhinefield Drive, The New Forest on the hunt for Giant Sequoias (Giant Redwoods).

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