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Location

New_forest Map

Cadman's Pool which was created in the 1960s by the then deputy surveyor of the Forest, Arthur Cadman purely to enhance the scene.

It was subsequently stocked with fish and is now now one of only three ponds where fishing is allowed. It's also a breeding ground for duck and Canada geese.

To the left of the track leading to the car park, is a long grassy strip that was once the runway of a WWII airfield (US Airfield No 452, Stoney Cross). Immediately behind Cadman's Pool is a beautiful old wood known as Ances (or Anses) Wood.

It is impossible to give precise directions in this area as there are so many paths, many of which are indistinct, and the only way-marks are trees, which change with the seasons. However, if you head generally down hill until you come to the stream, walk along it for a bit and then head back up hill, you can't go too far wrong.

The stream is Dockens Water, and from here you can see the intriguingly named Freeworms Hill and the heath-land beyond.

There is a footbridge at Rakes Brakes Bottom but, when I visited, it was only useable if your were wearing wellies as the other side of the footbridge was very boggy, and I wasn't. From here there are views and walks over towards Sloden Inclosure.

If you can get across the stream, either by the footbridge or leaping across, the walk can be extended up Freeworms Hill. This is an old holly holm with a scattering of yew and some lovely old oak trees. A number of red oak and other non-native species were planted in the 1880s, but these are gradually being removed in line with modern practice of purging the forest of exotic species. The area is sometimes known locally as Fancy Piece or Fancy Trees as the red oaks turn a wonderful deep red colour in the autumn.

When you reach the top of Freeworms Hill you are on Fritham Plain, in the middle of which is the natural Green Pond.