Boscombe Bay beach houses and then (mile after mile of) charred remains on the way home through The New Forest. I’m not sure what had happened, but I think there was a big fire last Summer.

• ‘Controlled Burning’ takes place across the New Forest, usually around Spring of each year, as it is the quickest and most effective way of “cutting” back the heather and gorse bushes.

  You can find out more about this activity on the Forestry Commission web site at:

  http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6a4ksn

  A colleague and I reported on it for the local paper some years ago and it was very dramatic. An FC fire support Land Rover is always on standby and the “firestarters” are extremely well trained in how the fire will spread and how to control it with damping and wind direction.

  It was a great experience and I hope to return again sometime to cover it for New Forest Community Media (see weblink) as it is something not many people realise goes on or understand.

  Hope that helps!

  Regards,
  Cat Lake

  –
  Founder & Managing Editor
  NFCM/www.thenewforest.net

  Comment by Cat Lake — April 2, 2008 @ 9:44 am