Kingston Great Common National Nature Reserve
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Overview
The Kingston Great Common NNR near Ringwood is part of the Cranes Moor and Vales Moor valley mire complex within the New Forest National Park. National and international designations for the reserve include a Special Protection Area, a Special Area of Conservation and it is also a Ramsar (wetland) site. The chief habitats on the reserve include the mires, which, particularly in winter, can become waterlogged, and the rare examples of lowland heath. Some of the most interesting species of birds you might see on the Kingston Great Common NNR are woodlark, nightjar, the rare Dartford warbler and the occasional hunting hobby, but the reserve is probably most notable for providing a home to over 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies around the pools and wetter areas. These include the emperor and golden ringed dragonflies, and the keeled skimmer, small red, the black darter, azure and emerald damselflies.
About the area
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
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Caravan & Camping
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- Wifi available
- Calor Gas
Nearby places to stay
Moortown Lodge
Moortown Lodge was originally a Georgian hunting lodge and is just 10 miles from the Dorset coast, not far from Christchurch. A warm welcome is assured, with every effort made to ensure...
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park
Harrow Wood Farm Caravan Park is set in 80 acres of farm land on the edge of the New Forest. It has 60 hard standing pitches with electric hook-up and grass pitches for camping. There i...
High Corner Inn
Approaching the High Corner Inn builds a sense of anticipation, discovering this wonderful location with wraparound New Forest countryside. There's a long history here and the inn is fu...
Woolsbridge Manor Farm Caravan Park
A small farm site with spacious pitches on a level field. This quiet site is an excellent central base for touring the New Forest National Park, Salisbury and the south coast, and is cl...
Back of Beyond Touring Park
This lovely adults-only park, a member of the Tranquil Parks group, is set in 30 acres of woodland and offers plenty of pleasant walks. Visitors are sure to receive a warm welcome from ...
Rhinefield House Hotel
Dating back in part to the 12th century, Rhinefield House is a remarkable example of Tudor-Gothic architecture at the heart of the New Forest. Interiors are awash with finely crafted mo...
St Leonards Farm Caravan & Camping Park
A private road accessed from the A31 leads to this well-screened park divided into paddocks that have spacious pitches. The site has an excellent, well-equipped and secure outdoor child...
Hoburne Bashley
There’s a multitude of holiday attractions during a stay in one of Hoburne Bashley’s luxury caravans or lodges. To name a few, there’s a nine-hole golf course, heated indoor and outdoor...
