These gentle animals are descended from wild ponies which lived in Britain centuries ago. New Forest ponies are hardy and very fast, making them great in a race. They are also allowed to roam in the New Forest. Their owners are known as "commoners". The commoners have been keeping New Forest ponies in this area since the New Forest was declared a royal hunting ground in 1877.

Ponies are not the only animals in the New Forest which are allowed to roam freely. The common right extends to other domesticated animals such as cattle. However instead of seeing black and white Friesian cows, you're more likely to see shaggy Highland cattle who have thick coats and long horns.

Deer are one of the most common animals you will find in the New Forest. The area is home to 5 different types; red deer, roe deer, sika deer, muntjac deer and fallow deer. They are shy animals so if you want to watch them it's best to keep very quiet and still. Deer love to tuck into nuts and berries

You won't spot any badgers during the day because these critters like to come out at night. However if you can stay up late, it's worth watching out for these beautiful animals as they forage for food in the New Forest. Badgers are scared easily, so your best chance of seeing them is to hide down-wind from the entrance of a badger set and wait for them to appear.

Look out for colourful Kingfishers hiding by the lakes and streams. You can recognise them by their blue backs and orange tummies. Kingfishers love to gobble up fish which they hunt from the water.