Ipley Cross is one of the best
areas to observe Black
Darter and Common Emerald along woth possibly the best population
of Silver-studded Blue butterflies in the New Forest
Rushbush Pond
is a shallow muddy bottomed pool backed by a feeder
stream for the
Beaulieu River, itself a prime location for Beautiful Demoiselles
and Golden-ringed, Hawkers and Common
Darters and all manner of other NF species, usually being one of the first
ponds to awaken in Spring.
Furzey Pond
was a small pond surrounded by heather and gorse
but in 2014 the powers that be thought it was a good
idea to raze the surrounding undergrowth, subsequentlly
killing a once vibrant little pond.
Dibden Bottom
is the better choice if you don't mind stepping off the
beaten track. There is a faint path which leads from
Furzey Pond which eventually brings you to a
hidden pond half surrounded by woodland. Access to
the shore is limited, but the best rewards are found
among the surrounding heather.
From here follow
the path south then west around the trees to locate the
other ponds within the group. These shallow ponds dry
out during spells of warm weather, but if they remain
are ideal for visiting Moorland Hawkers.
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