Whiteparish can be explored through its landscape and public paths as well as through very early traces of human history. When planning your trip, it is worth considering these topics on their respective scales: the valleys, Whiteparish Common and the neighbouring New Forest shape the landscape; finds and surviving burial mounds point to different prehistoric periods. In addition, there is the annual “Music in Whiteparish” concert series. You can therefore focus your stay on the landscape, history or a specific cultural event, rather than trying to fit every topic into a single itinerary.
Landscape between the Hampshire Basin and the New Forest
Geologically, Whiteparish belongs to the Hampshire Basin, along with the neighbouring villages of Landford and Redlynch. Several valleys run from north to south and are crossed by small streams; at the same time, the landscape is significantly shaped by the neighbouring New Forest. These features show two different geographical connections: the valleys and streams describe the immediate landscape, while the geological classification links Whiteparish with Landford and Redlynch. Whiteparish Common is included in the New Forest SAC as an SSSI, but lies outside the New Forest Perambulation Boundary. This distinction helps avoid equating the specific protected-area designation with the boundary of the New Forest.
Paths and access to Whiteparish Common
Whiteparish’s network of public rights of way includes footpaths and bridleways. In addition, the public has a right of access to Whiteparish Common following the entry into force of Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. When planning, it is helpful to distinguish between these two points: one describes the network of paths and their types, while the other describes the statutory access right to a named area. The seasonal recommendation is important for planning: if you use public paths in spring or summer, take care around breeding lapwings, curlews and nightjars.
Traces of the Neolithic and Bronze Age
The early periods can also be clearly identified. Three Neolithic axe heads have been found in Whiteparish; the remains of two Bronze Age burial mounds survive in the parish. The comparison reveals a chronological difference: the axe heads date to the Neolithic, while the burial mound remains date to the Bronze Age. The geographical scope of the information also differs: the finds are associated with the village, while the burial mounds are associated with the parish. Part of Whiteparish also lies within a protected area designated as a Conservation Area; this designation therefore does not apply to the entire village.
Music and when to visit
“Music in Whiteparish” is an annual concert series. The time frames relevant to planning differ: the concert series takes place annually; the guidance for public paths applies in spring and summer, when the named birds are breeding. If you plan to include music in your stay, check the concert dates and take the recommended care when using paths during the breeding season.
Discover more destinations: Steeple Ashton, Salisbury, Landford, Stanley, Sedgehill, Figheldean, Potterne, Erlestoke
For the wider travel overview: Wiltshire.
