A Year in the New Forest

It's winter. The trees are bare and many creatures are in hibernation, while those that are still awake must do all they can to survive. But as disease threatens to wipe out Ann's fragile young herd of cattle and the forest keepers begin the annual deer cull, death stalks the land. To ward off the cold and dark, the locals take part in an ancient tradition: a dangerous horse race across the forest.

As the trees burst into leaf, spring heralds the promise of new life. But this can be a time of jeopardy and worry for people and animals alike. For the semi-wild ponies and cattle that roam this land, giving birth during this fickle and changeable season isn't easy; and late frosts could spell disaster for the goshawk's precious eggs.

An unexpected heatwave throws the forest into its hottest early summer for decades. The ponies, cattle and deer fawns must grapple with a deluge of flies and insects. But while some species suffer, this year is heaven for the forest's myriad rare butterflies. And as the pace of life slows, the people who look after the forest get a welcome opportunity to reflect on how special and fragile this unique place is.