Explore
Ibsley airfield
[OS grid ref: 1508]
Ibsley is located on the very western edge of the New Forest National Park, midway between Fordingbridge and Ringwood.
It played an important role in the war and was a major base for Spitfire and Typhoon fighters. Today, Ibsley is a water based nature reserve managed by Southern Water and although none of the airfield remains, the control tower does, albeit in a state of disrepair*.
Away from the airfield site on a tree-covered hill the remains of Battle Headquarters can still be found, a stark reminder of the area’s wartime history.
Ibsley can also boast a movie-making credit – in 1942 the film First of the Few, starring David Niven, was shot on location at the airfield while it was in service. Now a wartime classic, the film follows the story of the legendary Spitfire, its development and its heroic pilots.
*There has been word of the control tower at Ibsley getting renovated, but whether this happens or not remains to be seen. It would be a great memorial if so. The website of the RAF Ibsley Historical Group is the place to watch for any developments there.
While airfields such as Ibsley have their own memorial plaques, a much larger wartime memorial dedicated to all the servicemen and women (from home and abroad) of the New Forest airfields was uncovered at Holmsley airfield in August 2002:
*There has been word of the control tower at Ibsley getting renovated, but whether this happens or not remains to be seen. It would be a great memorial if so. The website of the RAF Ibsley Historical Group is the place to watch for any developments there.
While airfields such as Ibsley have their own memorial plaques, a much larger wartime memorial dedicated to all the servicemen and women (from home and abroad) of the New Forest airfields was uncovered at Holmsley airfield in August 2002:
This memorial is to be found at the western end of Holmsley South airfield, now Holmsley campsite, just off the main A35 Lyndhurst-Christchurch road. The OS grid reference for the memorial is SU212989.
book.
Charity Events to Take Part in
Charity Events to Take Part in Around the New Forest If you are ready to do something good and make a difference in the world, you will be pleased to hear that there are
Spring Camping Trip with Mum
5 Must-Have Essentials for a Spring Camping Trip with Mum in the New Forest Planning a spring camping trip with your mother can transform a typical Mother’s Day into an enduring tale. New Forest, with
World Clean Up Day
World Clean Up Day: Bringing the country together to conserve our environment National and World Cleanup Day takes place on the third Saturday of September. World Clean Up Day is a beloved event that mobilizes
Best Cycling Trails in New Forest
Best Cycling Trails in New Forest: Discover Scenic Routes for All Skill Levels Indeed, the New Forest bristles with some of the most exceptional cycling trails suitable for all skill levels. Keen cyclists and novices
Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels
Brockenhurst New Forest Hotels & Accommodation Brockenhurst is a charming village located in the heart of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. Known for its picturesque natural scenery, quaint villages, free-roaming ponies, and
Best Camping Fridges UK
Best Camping Fridges UK – Reviewed for 2023 If you’re looking to enjoy your time away from the civilization, planning an outdoor camping trip requires thoughtful preparation. Nothing is more crucial than the right equipment. Portable fridges
