Selbourne Field Guide Entry

Woolmer Forest

Category: landscape

Woolmer Forest, or The Forest of Wolmer as it’s referred to in the Natural History of Selborne, is the large heathland area described by Gilbert White.

Field Description

Open, sandy ground dominated by:

• heather (ling)
• gorse (furze)
• grasses
• wet mires and pools

In White’s Landscape

Described as:

“a wild and lonely place”

It functioned both as:

• a natural habitat
• a managed royal forest

Notes

The spelling “Wolmer” reflects historical usage; the landscape remains recognisable today.