New Forest NPA’s Walking Festival back this month with guides from RSPB and Forestry England

A POPULAR walking festival will be back for its 12th annual outing next week.

New Forest NPA’s Walking Festival will run from 19th October to 3rd November, including the school half-term holiday.

Forest experts, including national park rangers and nature reserve wardens, Forestry England and RSPB will lead guided sessions, many of which are free to join.

There will be an introduction to Nordic walking, a series of fungi educational walks, a chance to learn about commoning, and an opportunity to join routes with the Rambler’s New Forest group.

Family-friendly and dog-friendly events will also take place throughout the fortnight.

Participants will be offered an “in-depth behind the scenes look” at the Forest’s legacy, its internationally important natural environment, and the people who live and work in it.

People of all abilities and interests are welcome at Walking Festival events with a variety of routes offering “something for everybody”.

NPA access and volunteering officer Adam Vasey said: “The Walking Festival is a fantastic way to get out into the Forest and see what it has to offer.

“There are lots of people working hard behind the scenes to keep the Forest special, and the Festival is a great way to meet them and discover more about the national park.”

Book tickets at newforestnpa.gov.uk/walkingfestival

Walkers can also download self-guided routes online at newforestnpa.gov.uk/walks