A BRAND new Alternative Natural Recreational Green Space (ANRG) has opened up in Fordingbridge.

The new 14-acre woodland has been transformed from a previously inaccessible land at the Whitsbury Green development into a thriving natural space for the local community to explore and enjoy.

Meandering trails now link the ANRG to Fordingbridge, Whitsbury Green and the nearby play park, providing a scenic and sustainable addition to the local landscape.

The woodland was officially opened at a launch event that saw members of the Fordingbridge Girlguiding join up with developers Pennyfarthing Homes who created the ANRG.

Tom Lane, assistant project ecologist from local consultancy EcoSupport, led the launch event. Tom curated a wilderness adventure tour for the children, guiding them through the woodland’s diverse habitats and wildlife.

The girls explored, discovered and learned how thoughtfully designed green spaces can support natural ecosystems while remaining accessible and enjoyable for all.

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As the first to officially experience the new ANRG, the youngsters took part in hands-on activities, from spotting birds and insects to understanding how the ANRG helps to help biodiversity thrive.

The event blended environmental education with outdoor adventure, leaving the children inspired and more connected to their local landscape.

Sheetal Smith, sales and marketing director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “We are delighted that members of the local Girlguiding community joined us to officially open our new ANRG adjacent to Whitsbury Green.

“We are proud to have created this attractive, environmentally rich landscape for the community to enjoy and hope residents will appreciate yet another amenity close to their homes.

“Seeing the children exploring and learning with EcoSupport was wonderful, and we look forward to welcoming the community to watch the woodland change through the seasons.”

Sue Coatham, Brownie leader at Fordingbridge Brownies, said: “The mission for every girl who joins our local unit is that they learn to think big, be bold and try their best.

“We’re so thankful to Pennyfarthing for organising this outing, it was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to broaden their horizons and discover more of their own local landscape. Tom did a brilliant job of bringing the woodland to life in a fun and interactive way.”

Tom Lane said: “It’s been great to contribute to Pennyfarthing’s work on Whitsbury Green’s ANRG. EcoSupport exists to support both developers and the natural environment, and this event was a valuable opportunity to share our enthusiasm and knowledge with the next generation.

“We hope the children enjoyed exploring their local ecology as much as we enjoyed guiding them.”

Situated in the historic market town of Fordingbridge, Whitsbury Green is a collection of two, three, and four-bedroom houses and bungalows.

Bournemouth is just a 30-minute drive away, while Salisbury, less than 25 minutes, offers direct trains to London in under 90 minutes.

Families benefit from nearby schools, with infant and primary options within a 10-minute walk and secondary and sixth-form choices less than a mile away.