Buckland Rings
Iron Age hill fort with woodland and grassland
About the site
Buckland Rings is a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort. It is located north of Lymington, on the southern fringes of the New Forest.
The fort, rectangular in shape, has impressive tree-covered ramparts on three sides. The ramparts are a feature in the local landscape and provide extensive views across the surrounding area. The impressive earthwork defences (banks and ditches) enclose an area of approximately 4.5 hectares. Whenever snow falls Buckland Rings becomes a popular destination to sledge.
A public footpath skirts the northern boundary of the site. There is no designated car park and access by foot is across a busy road.
Address
Near Lymington
History
Buckland Rings hill fort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). It is both well-preserved and in an unusual position. Most Iron Age hill forts are on higher positions on the chalk, such as Danebury. The original entrance used to be on the eastern side, but agricultural activities have eroded it over time.
Nature
The woodland varies across the hill fort with beech, oak, birch and sweet chestnut trees. The ground flora has lots of bracken and bramble. Bluebells and foxgloves grow on the southern ramparts. English elm occurs in the hedgerow alongside the sway road. The meadows inside and outside the hill fort get cut for hay or grazed with cattle during the summer. They are an impressive sight in high summer attracting a range of butterflies.
Contact us
Central New Forest, The Old Courthouse, Avenue Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9YB
Phone 01590 674656
Email [email protected]
Activities and facilities
Good for cycling Historic interest Good for walking Grassland Scenic Woodland Dogs allowed Countryside site
