Green Spaces – page to be redesigned
Improving our spaces and connectivity
New Milton’s Neighbourhood Plan aims to make it easier to walk around our town and access attractive green spaces.
To achieve this, the Town Council and New Forest District Council are working together to improve our town’s green spaces and green routes. The work can include improving footpaths and access, providing seating and new bridges, and managing the woodland for wildlife.
The Town Council’s Green Routes Working Group survey footpaths and implement improvements to make them more attractive and easier to access. Meanwhile, as part of New Forest District Council’s Green Way strategy, a number of routes and green spaces are surveyed and opportunities identified to facilitate dog-walking and recreational enjoyment. Specific projects are selected for implementation, funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a levy received from residential developments in the town.
Our Green Spaces
Ashley Recreation Ground Map
Recreational space that’s home to New Milton Rugby Club with its pavilion and social club. More information.
Recent enhancements carried out as part of New Milton’s Neighbourhood Plan and NFDC’s Green Way strategy include the newly opened Ashley Youth Hub and newly refurbished play park.
A Green Route takes you from Caird Avenue, by Tesco, to Ashley Recreation Ground: GR6.
Ballard Lake & Copse Map
Tranquil nature reserve with a traditional village duck pond. Includes a Fairy Trail for children. More information
Ballard Water Meadow Map
New Milton Town Council are responsible for the Ballard Water Meadow site, designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The Council manage this site in line with Environmental Stewardship requirements under Higher Level Stewardship.
A small herd of Dexter cattle provide conservation grazing for this important 4.25 hectare wildlife site. The site has full stock fencing around the meadow, secure gates and access to a water trough that is regularly checked. The grazing site is offered September to March, year on year.
New Milton Town Council work with the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow to fulfil nature conservation objectives on the site. The Friends of Ballard Water Meadow have adopted a five-year management plan, devised jointly with the New Forest Land Advice Service, Natural England and the New Forest National Park, and agreed with New Milton Town Council.
Ballard Water Meadow Management Policy and Work Plan:
Ballard Water Meadow Management Policy from 2025 …create link
Ballard Meadow Annual Report 2023-24 …create link
2024 Ballard Bird Census
Details of the Ballard Insect Survey 2024 … create link
For more information on the Friends of Ballard Water Meadow, click here.
Barton Common Map
New Milton Town Council manage this 19 hectare site under Higher Level Stewardship. While New Forest ponies providing conservation grazing, helping to restore the grassland, we also manage some areas by cutting and burning of invasive gorse.
Barton Common Work Plan 2025 …create link
Barton Common Bird Census 2024 … create link
Barton Common Insect Survey 2024 …create link
Barton Butterfly Transect 2024 … create link
Brook Avenue Map
This wooded footpath, near Ballard Lake, follows the brook adjacent to Brook Avenue, between Fernhill Lane and Meadow Road.
Carrick Way Woodland Map
This woodland, with a stream running through, has recently been landscaped through NFDC’s Green Way programme. Overhanging vegetation has been cleared and this woodland walk now features accessible bridges and surfaced footpath route, seating areas, and an informal play trail throughout the site. Signage to the walk has been improved, particularly from Carrick Way.
Daneswood Map
Informal woodland setting providing a natural track with gentle undulations.
Doe Copse Way Map
Open space and enclosed play park with a wide variety of equipment.
A footpath connects the green space to Ballard Water Meadows.
Fawcetts Field Map
Football pitches, running track and trim trail.
More recreational facilities are planned at an adjacent site, including a Community Garden.
To rent pitches, open space or the car parking facility, contact New Milton Town Council.
Fernhill Sports Ground Map
This beautiful ground is leased to New Milton Cricket Club by the Town Council. Two grounds offer a total of 20 grass pitches.
Hollands Wood Green Space Map
Informal green space set in a residential area includes a kickabout area.
Long Meadow Map
Open space with play park – and a stream with footbridges.
This space now has protected Village Green status.
War Memorial Recreation Ground Map
Green space in the centre of town, with play park, skate park, tennis courts, multi-use games area, bowling greens, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Rose Walk and heritage board.
See the heritage board for a history of the recreation ground – or relax on one of the commemorative benches especially designed to celebrate our local Paralympian gold medallist champions, or the beautiful war memorial benches.