Culture club

While China was playing host to New Forest stars such as Ben Ainslie at the Beijing Olympics this summer, the New Forest was hosting a visit by around 40 Chinese people from rather closer to home in Southampton.

The New Forest could not quite match the gold medals handed out to Ben and his fellow sailors in China, but the National Park Authority did make sure that its visitors went home with plenty of information and goodies from the Forest.

Nigel Matthews, Head of Visitor Services for the National Park, said: “This visit was a great opportunity to form links with people who live and work in neighbouring towns and cities and whose first language is not English.

“By hosting events such as this we are able to engage with people and encourage them to explore, enjoy and understand what’s around them.”

The Chinese visitors from Southampton came to the New Forest National Park as part of a fact-finding tour to learn more about what is on their doorstep.

Their day included visits to the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst, a walk to Bolton’s Bench and a stop at the Reptile Centre.  During the trip the Chinese visitors learned about the role of the National Park Authority and about the New Forest’s age-old cultural traditions, its landscape and its wildlife.

If you are part of similar local group that is interested in learning more about the New Forest National Park contact Nigel Matthews nigel.matthews@newforestnpa.gov.uk .