Rides

A ride in the New Forest

Rides are the clear tracks between the trees in the Forest plantations. The main purpose of the rides is to allow access for the vehicles that are used in managing the woodlands, but nowadays many are used for recreation too, with some being marked as cycle ways.

Not so long ago the rides had to be kept clear by hand. It was a tough job, with miles of track to cut in the heat of the sun, with all the gnats and other biting Forest insects.

 

I don’t care if he did

Bert Stride

Bert earned his living the hard way. Doing ‘piecework’ in the Forest, he was paid for what he produced, so when he was asked to spend his time showing a new worker the ropes he wasn’t very happy. But it didn’t last long…