Where to see heather in the New Forest

August is the best time to get out and spot heather (Erica), but some varieties are in bloom until October.

There are three types that grow on the acidic heathland and moorland here, creating colourful blooms of pinks, purples and sometimes whites. The ling and bell heather like drier ground and cross-leaved heath loves the damp.

The best places to spot heather are:

• Acres Down
• Beaulieu Road
• Bratley View
• Burbush Hill
• Deadman Hill
• Hatchet Pond
• Longslade View
• Rockford Common
• Telegraph Hill

Know which heather you’re seeing

• Bell has a smooth stem, pine needle-like leaves and deep purple flowers on a spike

• Cross-leaved heath has a hairy stem, pine needle-like leaves in whorls of four and clumped pink bell-shaped flowers at the top of the stem

• Ling has a slightly hairy stem, scale-like leaves and small pale purple/pink flowers on a spike

Keep an eye out for the wildlife that visits the blooms including bees and birds.