Wild Wisdom Wellbeing

26/08/2026

A positive update and ray of light after the recent challenges within the Forest.

Raising awareness and much needed hope for us all to cultivate and grow. 🥰

I just wanted to bring a ray of light into your lives.

Please read and share. If from a shared post, click the 3 dots that will get you to the orginal post.

It's been a turbulent few weeks here in the New Forest, but there are brighter sides I think you should all hear about.

The Fire off the A31 is out, fences fixed and traffic is almost back to normal.

Yes, Equine flu is still here, but the number of fatalities is still under what was predicted.

Rain, remember that? It will happen, and the rivers, streams and ponds might just refill.

As I am typing this, the road traffic collisions for August are down from last year.

I will work backwards on that list now.

Data shows the the New Forest B roads carry as much traffic as an A road. Close one of the 2 A roads, then If I am really honest I was expecting carnage of our livestock. In fact it was the total opposite. Over the two weeks there were only two reported accidents where no animals were injured.

So Thank You all. Yes lots of people got frustrated, angry and annoyed. Yes, a very small percentage behaved appallingly, but no livestock died or were injured. I think that is unprecedented considering the extra traffic. Win number 1.

The Forest is brown in some areas, but there is, due to the unique management of the New Forest still a lot of water out there for Livestock. Please remember if you are by a stream, the livestock must be allowed to go and drink. NEVER put out water for them in buckets. It changes their behaviour and can mean foals do not learn where to find water. If the lead mare of a herd drinks a bucket of water, she is no longer thirsty and will not take others to water. And the wet stuff is forcast!

Flu. The August and September Pony drifts and the pony sales have been cancelled as it would be irresponsible to do them. As Commoners our livestock and their foals safety and health is our main concern. Our Agisters have worked so hard checking the condition of the stock, and anything looking poor will be removed back to the Commoners holding.

Finishing with the fire on the A31. I will repeat my thanks for all the work by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the other units that attend that and other fires that have happened recently.

I was up at the site on Sunday and yes, green shoots are coming through. Not surprising the amount of water they had to put on a deep seated fire.

The media got very excited about the fire and the road closure, but do not want to cover anything on the positive side.

Over 1000 years, The New Forest has had many issues to deal with and recover from. These last few weeks are just a moment in that time.

Thank you all for your support and love for The New Forest.

21/08/2026

For the horses - I feel I must speak up! Because sometimes things are not always as they appear...- https://mailchi.mp/cc1a6e3e51a1/for-the-horses-i-feel-i-must-speak-up

12/08/2026

When things don’t go to plan… What do you do?- https://mailchi.mp/83f6271d137f/when-things-dont-go-to-plan-what-do-you-do

04/08/2026

As a horse owner, do you ever feel judged or guilty? - https://mailchi.mp/fed9574c3a75/as-a-horse-owner-do-you-ever-feel-judged-or-guilty

14/07/2026

Give a local tree a drink today. 🌳

I’ve seen a few youngsters that have died recently.

So let’s give them a hand and they’ll reward you with some refreshing shade for years to come. 🌿

That’s the beauty of reciprocity.

12/07/2026

Fond memories of fun times, Forests and friends at Brownsea Island this week.

Filling my cup for the next adventures…

What fills your cup?

11/07/2026

Yes! 🌿

06/07/2026

I feel so blessed to have these iconic ponies on my doorstep. 🐴

So please spread the word and respect their space through these challenging times.

Thank you. 🙏

🚨 Equine Flu in the New Forest 🚨

As many of you may already be aware, there is sadly an ongoing outbreak of Equine flu in the New Forest. This particular strain is especially severe and has already sadly claimed the lives of some of my fellow commoners free-roaming ponies.

As much as we all love seeing and taking photos of these beautiful animals and enjoying the freedom of the Forest, I am asking everyone to please take a step back during this time to help protect them.

How you can help:
• Give ponies, donkeys, and other livestock an extra wide berth
• Avoid visiting affected areas where possible
• Do not approach, feed, or touch the animals
• Be mindful that the virus can be spread via clothing, footwear, and equipment

Personally, I am taking extra precautions by disinfecting my footwear and changing clothing after checking on ponies to help reduce the risk of transmission.

These animals are incredibly vulnerable right now, and a small change in our behaviour can make a big difference in protecting them.

Please do your bit to help safeguard the New Forest’s ponies and donkeys during this difficult time ❤️🐴

Thank you for your understanding and support. 🙏