Barton Common
New Milton Town Council manage this 19 hectare site under Higher Level Stewardship. The Common is a very special and notably rare area of lowland heath-grassland, designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
This habitat is an oasis of rich bio-diversity including nationally important plant species, birds, insects, butterflies and moths.
These are the current reports available to learn about some of those species.
Barton Common Bird Census 2024
Barton Common Insect Survey 2024
Barton Butterfly Transect 2024
New Forest ponies were re-introduced to the Common and now their grazing has helped restore the grassland while we also manage some areas by cutting and burning of invasive gorse.
The Forester ponies are normally forest run livestock and they are owned by a New Forest Commoner. It is important to remember to keep your distance and keep dogs under control. The ponies are semi-feral – they are not pets! Important information
Please help care for our special green spaces and remember the Countryside Code when visiting!