This morning we drove to Ringwood for Jackie to make some purchases with her M & Co vouchers, and then on into the forest.
Homeowners at Mockbeggar were happy for ponies to crop the lawns in front of their houses, but installed cattle grids to keep them from their inner sanctums and away from their washing lines.
Donkeys lazing outside Corn Store Cottage had no intention of emulating their equine cousins.
The residents of an extensive thatch cottage at North Gorley could look out on a gathering of ponies and cattle strewn about their green. Many of the ponies seem to have earned a rest. Most of the cattle continued chomping. One cow had indulged in a nether mudpack.
In the vicinity of Emery Down Jackie parked the car and I went off-piste across the forest floor. Alternately crunching on fallen twigs and last autumn’s leaves, or sinking into the now fairly dry mulch beneath my feet, occasionally reaching out to retain my balance with the help of still standing trees,
I wandered among fallen trunks and branches of varying girths making their own contribution to the ecology of our historic forestation.
As the arboreal remains returned to the soil from whence they originated, mosses, lichens, and fungi made their homes in trunks and branches while celandines, violets, and wood sorrel sprang from the mulch which will soon nurture ferns and bracken to replace those of last year.
Ponies provide additional fertilising nutriment.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s superb chicken jalfrezi and savoury rice served with vegetable samosa, onion bahjjis, and paratha. She drank more of the Sauvignon Blanc and I drank more of the Carménere.
Always interesting ponies and donkeys….did not know they lay themselves down so easily and often. And such emerald mossiness! Which I really love–we, of course, have so much in the NW, as well.
Thanks very much, Cynthia. Just like humans, it is the young ones who can flop anywhere, while th older ones are extremely ungainly in the process
Ha– isn’t that just so…!
I really love the picture of the donkey laying down.
Thanks very much, msw
nice pics with great post
Thanks very much, Obaid
I knew about New Forest ponies but never realised there were so many! Your blog certainly informs, educates and entertains. Thank you.
Thank you very much, John
I love the pics of the forest life – your comments on the natural regeneration process are noteworthy.
Very many thanks, Pauline – a good phrase
Fantastic picture of the violet. They are so small that it’s not always easy to get a good shot. And Mockbegger? The names of our towns aren’t nearly as cool as yours are.
We do have some amazing names. The juxtaposition I like best is that of Tiptoe and Sway. Thanks very much, Laurie
Wonderful juxtaposition! What boring names we have in Maine.
I am impressed that you were able to wander in such rough terrain. Did you vault over any fallen branches?
I didn’t even trip over any 🙂 Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
“As the arboreal remains returned to the soil from whence they originated,” well – that is pretty fabulous.
I was just thinking today that Johnny Jump-Ups (Violets to you) are one of my favorites. I have both them and the Celandines blooming in my own yard right now.
So you are back to leaping out of the car and tromping through the forest? Bravo, sir.
Thanks very much. Jodie. Certainly not a leap, but very encouraging
Atta boy
🙂
So many ponies just lounging around, Derrick. I think your area has more than its fair share. Thanks for showing them to we pony-less folk. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sylvia. I’m pleased you like them
Eat and sleep…they sure have the life! I love the donkey all stretched out! Great shots, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Jill
Lovely. Enjoy your weekend
Thanks a lot, Mrs W. You, too
Your welcome
Such graceful stallions that also double over as Nature’s lawn mower. Your excursions recall to my mind the words of Wordsworth, the pensive mood and ‘the bliss of solitude’ that such an excursion affords. It is truly a sterling effort towards forestation when the concept of preservation of the planet is at a deeep discount.
Many thanks, Uma. Such a good point about preservation of this part of the planet
I have never been to the New Forest but for two days we have been in the Forest of Dean which must be similar. Yesterday we saw Wild Boar!
I don’t think we have any of those, Andrew. Thanks very much
Oh, what a wonderful day you and Jackie shared with the animals and nature! 🙂
I’m so glad you were able to wander safety among all that beauty on the forest floor! 🙂 You captured such amazing details! I love woods and forests…I feel such peace and humility to be able to walk among the trees and flora and fauna, even for just a few minutes. Thank you for sharing your walk with us, Derrick.
HUGS!!! for you and Jackie! 🙂
So pleased you liked it Carolyn. Thanks very much 🙂
The cycle of Life continues…. with the occasional lie down for a well earned rest! 😉
Your forest posts always bring a ray of sunshine and quiet into an often cloudy, noisy world we live in.
Thank you very much, Bob
What a post for me today!! All those ponies and donkeys and cattle! I hope that walk in the woods was level enough so that you didn’t injure your knees.
Many thanks, GP. Knees bore up 🙂
Glad to hear it!
I’ve never before seen horses stretched out on the ground the way the are here. So wonderful and extraordinary to me to imagine looking out a a group of cattle, horses, and donkeys on the lawn!
The photos of the woods and the close-ups of the moss and small flowers are wonderful, Derrick.
Very many thanks, Merril. I’m pleased you liked this
I love the celandines, violets, and wood sorrel, Derrick. And of course, the horses! Wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing. <3
Thanks very much, Jan
Excellent photos again, Derrick. I love the woodland flowers and all those lazing animals!
Thanks very much, Clare
Your photos are so rich and full of depth! I especially like the grey pony and the moss.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Wonderful photos of the forest, as well as ponies and donkeys, Derrick
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick
The forest looks serene but of course an entire ecosystem thrives in these places. lovely photos as usual.
Very many thanks, LL/PS