Please note that whilst care has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information in this document, Friends of Brockenhurst (FoB) cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

 

1. Administration

Brockenhurst is the Iargest village in the National Park with around 3500 inhabitants and 1500 dwellings.  Hampshire CC https://www.hants.gov.uk/ deals with education, registrar services, roads and social care.  New Forest District Council https://www.newforest.gov.uk/ collect the council tax and deal with rubbish and car parks.  New Forest National Park Authority https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ are the planning authority including trees.  The  Parish Council’s website at  http://www.brockenhurst.gov.uk/ is excellent and the source of much information and duplicates and expands on much of the subject matter in this letter.  If your house adjoins the open forest, your neighbour is Forestry England https://www.forestryengland.uk/new-forest  We are in the New Forest East parliamentary constituency and Our MP is Dr Julian Lewis.  He may only be contacted by a letter to 3 The Parade, Cadnam, Hampshire SO40 2NG

 

2. Village Walk

As a contribution to the New Forest Walking Festival, normally held in October, FoB have designed a two mile walk around the village.  FoB would be happy to take you on this walk and expand on the subjects in this section.  Email grahambrookley@gmail.com to arrange a date or ask for the full description.

 

3. History

Brockenhurst originated from three Saxon manors at the time of the Norman conquest.  Two of these were absorbed into William’s Nova Foresta in 1079 and became subject to Forest Law.   Many activities were banned but concessions were made to residents.  These rights of common were gradually formalised and extended and their continued extensive use is a unique feature of the New Forest.

 

Improvements in transport fuelled the growth of the village. The Southampton to Dorchester Railway arrived in 1847; the Lymington branch line quickly followed and then in 1888 a straighter route from Brockenhurst to Weymouth opened thus establishing Brockenhurst as an important junction station. Good transport links led Brockenhurst to be chosen as a hospital village in WW1, treating troops from India and then New Zealand.   

 

4. New Forest Common Rights

Most of the properties in Brockenhurst have the right of Pasture (horses,donkeys and cattle) and Mast (pigs in season), but exercising them requires the use of enough land to keep the stock when off the Forest.  Only properties that existed in the early 19th century may have the right of Fuelwood.  The New Forest Verderers https://www.verderers.org.uk/ have the maps and for a fee will advise your rights.

 

The traditions of the New Forest are fascinating and many books and websites exist on the subject.  My favourites are http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk and a book written in the ‘80s but still available on Amazon entitled Explore the New Forest. The Facebook group Brockenhurst - Memories; History; Events and Family History is the place to find the characters and features of old Brockenhurst.

 

5. Ponies etc.  

Much of the village is part of the Open Forest and stock roam free.  The animals shape the village and are its essence.  They are only attracted into the village by the grass and leaves and FoB prioritises retention of all areas of grass and hedges.  Stock is best helped by being left alone. They will survive drought, heat, rain and snow without help and are regularly checked. If you see a sick or injured animal on common land phone 03000674600.  Horses are very susceptible to colic which is often fatal.  Please don't dump anything edible, including apples and grass clippings, on the open forest.

 

6. Brockenhurst - Planning matters

A multitude of environmental protections effectively prevent any expansion of the village and development concentrates on making the best of the land we have by refurbishment and rebuilding.  Where new houses are possible they must be small.  Houses are too expensive for youngsters who grew up in the village and FoB seeks affordable homes wherever possible.  Many national Permitted Developments do not apply in the National Park and even replacement fences over 1 metre high and facing the road require permission.  The NPA offer pre application advice https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/planning/pre-application-advice/

FoB will give informal advice and show examples to members info@friendsofbrockenhurst.org.uk.  Please feel free to contact FoB if you have concerns about your neighbour’s plans for his house, garden or trees.  Your identity will be protected.

 

FACILITIES  

Brockenhurst attracts many visitors and enjoys excellent facilities, with a large range of shops, pubs, coffee shops and restaurants to explore.  Notices of events are posted on the notice boards by Tesco and the Watersplash.  Notices posted elsewhere spoil the rural character and are often removed.  Below are facilities particularly aimed at residents.

 

7. Facilities

Open spaces within the village are the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and a  children’s play area in Highwood Road: the war memorial garden in Sway Road is surprisingly peaceful.

 

8. Facilities - Room Hire

Rooms of various sizes are available for hire at the village Hall http://brockenhurstvillage.org.uk/room-hire-2/

 the church hall at St Saviours office@brockenhurstchurches.com

and the Masonic Hall https://brockenhurstmasoniccentre.wordpress.com/for-hire/

 

9. Facilities - Allotments

The village soil is acidic with a low organism count and clay about half a metre down.  The Parish Council will advise on allotment availability http://www.brockenhurst.gov.uk/Assets__and__Services_8127.aspx

 

 

10. Facilities - Doctors, Chemists etc.

The New Forest Central Medical Group https://www.newforestmedicalgroup.co.uk/ have surgeries in Highwood Road and in Railway Road, Sway.  They are currently operating an appointment service only after a telephone consultation.  Repeat prescriptions can be ordered by Email at whccg.nfcmg-prescriptions@nhs.net  The pharmacy, Day Lewis in Brookley Road, tel:623206, can deliver your prescriptions.  Adjacent to the village car is a dentist https://www.merrygatedental.co.uk/ , a podiatrist  http://www.noblefeet.co.uk/ , and an osteopath https://www.thenewsurgery.com/ .  There is another dentist in Rhinefield Road https://www.oaklodgedentalpractice.com/.  Brockenhurst Care Cars is a volunteer organisation that provides transport to any medical appointments for those with transport difficulties at a reasonable cost.  If you need to use this service phone 0845 643580 in good time.

 

11. Facilities - Youth

The Scout hut is in Highwood Road and hosts Brownies, Guides, Beaver Scouts, Cub scouts and Scouts.  Details are available at http://www.brockenhurst.gov.uk/Sports_Recreation__and__Leisure_8141.aspx

 

12. Facilities - Churches

There are two Anglican churches - St Nicholas (a visit is a must) and St Saviours.  Details of all aspects including Mothers Union and pastoral care can be found at  https://brockenhurstchurch.com/ Church Office 01590 624584.  The village school is a C of E aided primary.

Details of St Anne’s Catholic Church are at  https://www.nfwp.org.uk/brockenhurst-st-anne-s and the parish office can be contacted on  676696.  The nearest catholic school is Our Lady & St Joseph Primary School in Pennington 

Brockenhurst Methodist Church is in Avenue Road.  The minister can be contacted at martin.keenan@methodist.org.uk (01425612510) and the steward at richard.waterman1@btinternet.com (623328).  The church runs a pre-school playgroup on Tuesday mornings.

The village churches produce a useful monthly magazine Brockenhurst Parish News covering all denominations, which can be delivered to your door for a small annual fee.

 

13. Facilities - Education

Brockenhurst C of E Primary School and Pre School is located in Sway Road.  The 50 year old community pre school is now based in a beautiful new home on the primary school site.  Details of both pre and primary school may be found at https://www.brockenhurstceprimary.co.uk/ .  The school has around 200 pupils and is striving to improve on its existing Good rating from OFSTED.  It has an active PTA, runs breakfast, after school and holiday clubs and has recently acquired two pigs as part of its Forest School project.  It is central to the village’s current obsession with cricket and cricket nets have recently appeared in the playing field.  School office 623163.

Secondary school students from Brockenhurst mainly go to one of three schools.  Priestlands school at Lymington https://www.priestlands.hants.sch.uk/  is rated good by OFSTED and has no sixth form.  Arnewood school at New Milton https://www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk/ is rated good with a sixth form.  Highciffe over in Dorset https://www.arnewood.hants.sch.uk/ is also rated good with a sixth form.

Brockenhurst College, https://www.brock.ac.uk/ ,originally the Grammar school servicing the New Forest, is located on Lyndhurst Road.  It has a nursery school (Highwood Nursery) based at the college.  At the main site there are a wide range of A level courses, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and leisure and higher education courses aimed at adults.

 

14.  Facilities - Trains, Buses and Bikes

Brockenhurst owes its historical growth to its excellent transport links. It is the main stopping station in the New Forest and fastest train services are: - to Southampton 13 min, Bournemouth 15 mins, Lymington with connections to Isle of Wight 9 mins, Manchester 4 hours 22 mins and to Waterloo in 1 hour, 29 mins. For times use https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

There is only one regular bus service, running every hour between Lymington and Southampton.  In summer, two of the three New Forest Tour buses pass through the village.  Tickets are interchangeable between the routes and cost £16 per day or £23 for two days.

Numerous taxi firms operate in the village and may be picked up at the station, although there is some reluctance from them to undertake journeys within the village.

Cycling. Brockenhurst is at the centre of the New Forest’s 100 miles of off-road cycle routes, marked by a series of orange dots on larger OS maps.  A special map of the routes can be downloaded from https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/app/uploads/2018/01/New-Forest-Cycle-Routes-Map.pdf

Routes to the North West start from next to the school, to the North East left off Balmer Lawn Road, to the South left off Church Lane and to the South West right between the bridges on the road to Sway. Cycle hire is available from https://www.cyclex.co.uk/hire-new-forest.

Horse riding is available from Ford Farm https://fordfarm.ecpro.co.uk/ and Brockenhurst Riding Stables https://www.brockenhurstridingstables.co.uk/

 

15.  Local Trusts

The Brockenhurst Village Trust is responsible for providing educational, recreational and social facilities for the people of Brockenhurst and is responsible for all the buildings and facilities on the Highwood Road site.

The Nalder Trust is an Almshouse Charity owning four flats at Homeforde House which are let to local people over the age of 55 who could not otherwise afford to live in the Parish.

 

16.  Volunteering

All the clubs and societies listed throughout this letter rely on volunteers to run the organisation and will welcome further help. Four at the heart of the village are highlighted.  Brockenhurst Community Shop.  The Brockenhurst Village Trust have opened a secondhand shop in the village hall and hope to be opening an outside community cafe soon.  As well as unwanted clothing and goods, help is required serving in the shop in 2 hour slots.  Contact Sarah on 622580.

Brockenhurst Car Care.  Car drivers are needed to take the elderly to medical appointments within the village, to Sway, Lymington, Southampton and further afield.  Expenses are covered and you can set your own times and distances. 0845 643580

Litter Pickers of the New Forest.  A surprisingly popular and effective pastime.  To find out more https://www.facebook.com/groups/1564222677081221/

Brockenhurst Flood Action Group.  This local group works with statutory authorities to ensure the Village’s ancient drainage system copes with climate change. Volunteers are needed to identify problems after storms.   Contact peterh@realisations-uk.co.uk

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17.  Sports, Exercise Leisure

There are a multitude of local groups and this list is not extensive.  Internet searches and the Parish website http://www.brockenhurst.gov.uk may yield details.  Otherwise contact Friends of Brock info@friendsofbrockenhurst.org.uk

Brockenhurst FOOTBALL Club (“the Badgers”) play at Grigg Lane and run 10 teams starting at under 6s.  They play in the 9th level of the English Football League.  The Clubhouse at the ground is open to members and non-members. Email: info@brockenhurstfc.co.uk

Brockenhurst CRICKET Club play at Balmer Lawn.  Rapidly expanding, the club runs two men’s teams, a women's W10 team, and youth teams for girls and boys.  Contact brockenhurstcricket@gmail.com

Brockenhurst BOWLING Club is located behind the village car park. It is a private mixed club with clubhouse and bar.  The season is from April to September.  Details at:-

https://www.hugofox.com/community/brockenhurst-bowling-club-10587/home

The Brockenhurst Village Hall Indoor Bowls club cover play in the closed season.

Brokenhurst Manor GOLF Club is a private members club with an 18 hole course arranged in a three six hole format in Sway Road. Note spelling.  https://www.brokenhurst-manor.org.uk/

RUGBY is played at New Milton Rugby Club and Lymington (Mariners) RC

The nearest TENNIS club is at Sway https://swaytennis.com/

WALKING for various fitness levels is available with Active for life Programme, Nordic walking Brockenhurst

BADMINTON is available for ladies, seniors and juniors.

KEEP FIT is catered for by Fifty Plus Club,  Brockenhurst Pilates Yoga, Run for Fun

RIDING activities include a local pony club and Riding for the Disabled.   The New Forest Polo Club meet at New Park newforestpoloclub.co.uk

SAILING & ROWING.  Nearby  sailing clubs are Royal Lymington, Lymington Town, Salterns,  Keyhaven, Hurst Castle, Royal Southampton and Beaulieu River.  Lymington Amateur Rowing Club cater for beginners and experts lymingtonrowingclub.org/

 

In addition there is a full range of sports available for all ages at Brockenhurst Sports Centre, Brockenhurst College. https://www.brock.ac.uk/the-college/sports-facilities/

 

Brockenhurst MUSIC Society hold regular concerts usually in St Saviours

https://www.brockenhurstmusicsociety.co.uk

For VISUAL ARTS try Arts Society New Forest https://theartssociety.org/new-forest or

Let’s paint

HORTICULTURE.  Flower arranging with Brockenhurst Flower Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/3024909024267048/ and growing flowers and vegetables with Brockenhurst Horticultural. Details available from Associationhttp://hantsfedhortsoc.org.uk/affiliated-societies/

Brockenhurst BELL RINGERS ring St Nicholas’s ring of eight wpbells.org/brockenhurst/

Brockenhurst BRIDGE Club meets at the village hall.

TWINNING Association.  Brockenhurst is twinned with Pont St. Martin, Loire Atlantique, France.  facebook.com/Brockenhursttwinners/

For Railway enthusiasts there is New Forest MODEL RAILWAY Society nfmrs.org/ or Friends of Brockenhurst Station lymington-brockenhurstcrp.co.uk/Friends_of_27116.aspx

New Forest SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING  meet at the Methodist Church Hall rscds.org/branches-and-groups/new-forest-scottish-country-dancers

Brockenhurst WINE Club brockenhurstwineclub.co.uk/

Brockenhurst WI.  The Women's Institute is a big part of Village life. https://brockenhurstwi.org.uk/

There are two PROBUS clubs in the village Brockenhurst Probus

Brockenhurstprobus.com and Rhinefield Probus rhinefieldprobus.com

 

GREENER Brockenhurst is a collaboration between residents, community organisations, and local businesses who have come together to make Brockenhurst and the surrounding area a greener and healthier place to live.

https://www.greenerbrockenhurst.org/

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