Meet the donkeys of the New Forest

Long-eared lovelies that inspire festive feelings in us all

In our December issue, we have an essay in our magical creatures series about the donkey, an animal close to our hearts, and never more than at this time of year.

But while, as George Orwell once said (almost), all donkeys are equal, but some are more equal than others.

The wild donkeys of the New Forest are just a little bit special and the area is one of the best places in Britain to see donkeys in the wild. The forest is best known for its wild ponies (and is also home to wild pigs and cows) but its 200 wild donkeys are a real treat to spot.

They are hardy enough to survive all year round in the New Forest, but according to the New Forest’s management,  they aren’t always popular with the neighbours and are regularly found scoffing hedges, trees and bushes around neighbouring properties. The more enterprising among them are apparently often to be found at the Foresters’ Arms in Frogham and other local ale yards and hostelries. In the village of Beaulieu they apparently gather around the Montagu Arms. Presumably when they emerge after a few ales they are wonky donkeys?

Once, a New Forest donkey wandered uninvited into a branch of Tesco, much to the amusement of Brockenhurst residents. He was found, standing in the middle of the store, looking around him in a bemused fashion. Staff managed to shoo him out by banging shopping baskets together, which goes to show what a hard time donkeys have, we think. When they’re not carrying pregnant virgins to packed inns, they’re being brutally evicted from supermarkets in the middle of a quiet look at the biscuit aisle.

So here’s to the New Forest donkeys, reminding us once more why their kind are as Christmassy as crackers and sherry, and just as cheering, too.

If you’re in the area this Christmas give them a pat and a carrot from us - but don’t give them your shopping list. They can’t be trusted.

Read more about donkeys in Magical Creatures, in our December issue, on sale now.

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More winterspiration…

More from our December issue…

Rightmans Place

For our beautiful Summer Days shoot in the New Forest, we stayed at Rightmans Place, a stylish and family-friendly Huntsman’s Lodge. Think luxury self catering meets boutique hotel. Guests have free range of a beautifully restored country home, with over 20 private acres to explore, and wild New Forest ponies at the garden gate.

There’s a walled garden, rope swings and wildflower meadows along with a south-facing sun terrace that calls for an afternoon Pimms.

Big get-togethers are no problem as there’s room for a gathering around the large oak table in the country kitchen, complete with Aga.

On balmy evenings fling open the huge doors and dine alfresco or in the cooler months, cosy up in front of the comforting wood burner and view the deer graze. The dining room is something special – expect fireplace envy. Can’t find the TV? Let the kids reveal it at the click of a button behind a classic oil painting.

Six bedrooms and several bathrooms ensure everyone can bag a their own space. And you can bring the family dog too with their own quarters in the laundry and utility rooms.

Short breaks cost from £2065 (Sleeps 11+cots). Find out more at newforestliving.co.uk or call 01590 427887

See our Summer Days feature in the August issue of The Simple Things - out 29 July 2015 and you can buy direct from our shop - and more of our pics here.