The Hamlet

The hamlet of Rockford is situated on the western edge of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. To its east lies a series of lakes known collectively as Blashford Lakes. These lakes, once sand and gravel quarries excavated in the 1950s, are now natural wildlife sanctuaries for many freshwater birds and species. Rockford is part of the civil parish of Ellingham, Harbridge, and Ibsley. 

Rockford’s nearest town is the historic market town of Ringwood, located approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) south of the hamlet. The nearest swimming beach is in Bournemouth (only 30 minutes away), and the historic cities of Southampton, Winchester, Poole, and Salisbury are all within a 30-minute drive. Stonehenge is about a 60-minute drive away. 

The History of Rockford

Rockford is first mentioned as 'Rocheford,' possibly meaning a stony or rocky place to cross water (a ford). It is referenced in the Domesday Book of 1086, commissioned by King William the Conqueror. At that time, the area was likely forested, though Rockford Common and other common fields provided grazing for commoners. Crops and dairy farming were common in this area until the past 100 years.

The Ancient Tradition of Commoning in the New Forest

Commoning is an ancient tradition of grazing animals in the forest to help shape and maintain the ecosystem. In this part of the forest, you will see commoners releasing their animals such as horses, cows, and pigs to freely roam at certain times of the year. Each animal species play a role in managing the forest’s flora and fauna through the seasons.

Some examples of flora and fauna that benefit from the grazing of commoners’ animals include the Southern blue damselfly, silver-studded blue butterflies, chamomile, and small fleabane.

Local Sites of Interest

Rockford Common

Accessible by foot from the farmhouse, Rockford Common in the New Forest National Park is an area of open heathland and woodland, grazed by livestock belonging to local commoners. Rich in wildlife, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Giant Sand Pit

This enormous sand pit from the 1950s is now a lovely picnic spot and play area for children. The viewpoint at the top is the site of a Bronze Age (2100 to 750 BC) bowl barrow – an earthen mound which covers a single burial.

Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve & Birdwatching

To the east of the farm are a series of 12 tranquil lakes, surrounded by woodland, reedbed, and grassland. Ellingham and Mockbeggar Lakes are great places for wildlife watching, gentle walks, and birdwatching. There are bird hides and a Visitor Education Centre that offers guided walks. Learn more about Blashford Lakes.

The Ford (Stream) at Historic Moyles Court

A pretty stream running alongside Moyles Court, a 17th-century Grade II listed mansion built on the site of an earlier Tudor house. Now a school, the 17th-century stable block and garden wall remain.

The Alice Lisle Inn

A family-friendly rural inn with lake views, an outside terrace, and a playground. The menu features English classics. The pub is named after Dame Alice Lisle, a landed lady of Moyles Court who was executed by King James II for providing shelter to fugitives after the defeat of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 at the Battle of Sedgemoor.

And much more

We love living here, and will be delighted to share with you more local gems as we learn about what you’re interested in.