While the Solent is often associated with ports, shipping, sailing and maritime industry, some of its greatest treasures lie a little further inland.

Stretching across Hampshire and reaching towards the Solent coastline, the New Forest is one of Britain’s most distinctive landscapes. With its ancient woodland, open heathland, picturesque villages and free-roaming animals, it attracts millions of visitors while supporting local businesses, communities and a unique way of life.

Created by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground in 1079, the New Forest has evolved into a landscape unlike any other in the UK. Its mosaic of woodland, heathland, coastline and villages has been shaped by centuries of human activity, farming, forestry and commoning traditions that continue to this day.

For many visitors, however, it is the famous New Forest ponies that provide the most memorable introduction.

Seen grazing beside roads, wandering through villages and relaxing on village greens, the ponies have become an internationally recognised symbol of the New Forest. Yet they are far more than a tourist attraction. Owned by local commoners and managed through a centuries-old system of commoning rights, the animals play a vital role in maintaining the landscape and biodiversity that make the New Forest so special. They are often described as the “architects of the Forest” because their grazing helps create and preserve the habitats enjoyed by both wildlife and visitors.

These iconic animals help to maintain the delicate balance of the Forest ecosystem, and are wild and are not for petting, with each pony owned by a Commoner who takes care of its welfare.

At the centre of the New Forest sits Brockenhurst, often regarded as one of the region’s gateway communities. The village combines traditional New Forest charm with excellent transport links, attracting visitors, businesses and residents alike. Its famous Watersplash, where ponies and donkeys frequently gather, remains one of the most photographed locations in the National Park.

Yet Brockenhurst is not simply a picturesque village. It is also home to one of the South Coast’s leading further education institutions.

Brockenhurst College has built a strong reputation for innovation, skills development and employer engagement. Serving students from across Hampshire, Dorset and the wider Solent region, the college plays an important role in preparing future talent for sectors including engineering, digital technology, business, hospitality, healthcare and environmental management.

Its commitment to innovation extends beyond the classroom. In 2026, the college received recognition through a New Forest National Park Building Design Award for its Foundation and Independence HUB, a project praised for combining educational excellence with sensitive design within the National Park environment.

This connection between heritage and innovation is increasingly characteristic of the wider New Forest.

Alongside traditional industries and tourism businesses, the area is embracing new opportunities linked to sustainability, skills, digital technology and environmental stewardship. Businesses across the Forest benefit from its unique identity while contributing to the economic strength of the wider Solent region.

Tourism remains a significant part of that story. Visitors come to explore ancient woodland trails, cycle routes, wildlife habitats, coastal landscapes and thriving villages. The Forest’s accessibility from London and major South Coast cities continues to make it one of the UK’s most popular destinations for day trips, short breaks and outdoor recreation.

For Solent Currents, the New Forest represents an important reminder that the region’s identity extends far beyond the shoreline.

It is a place where history, nature, education, enterprise and community come together. A place where centuries-old traditions continue to shape the landscape, while organisations, businesses and educators work to create opportunities for future generations.

Whether you visit for the ponies, the scenery, the heritage or the opportunities, the New Forest remains one of the defining landscapes of the Solent region.

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