The pond was originally created to provide power for the nearby Beaulieu Ironworks.
It is home to the rare Southern Damselfly, a species of international conservation importance.
The pond contains a significant population of the endangered medicinal leech.
Water levels are manually managed to balance the requirements of local wildlife and flood prevention.
The site was used as a filming location for various period dramas due to its unchanged historical appearance.
The pond is designated as part of a Special Area of Conservation under European habitat directives.
Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest National Park, created by damming a stream in the 18th century. It is located on the B3055 road between Beaulieu and Brockenhurst. The site is a significant wildlife habitat, particularly for dragonflies, waterfowl, and rare aquatic plants. It functions as a managed reservoir under the stewardship of Forestry England. Free-roaming ponies, cattle, and donkeys frequently graze the immediate shoreline and surrounding heathland. The surrounding landscape consists of open forest and lowland heath, providing expansive views. Due to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, strict protection measures are in place to preserve the delicate ecosystem. The water body is shallow and prone to seasonal fluctuations in depth.
The north bank of the pond, looking south toward the open heathland during golden hour.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching as waterfowl species are abundant.
Stay on marked footpaths to protect the sensitive heathland vegetation.
Keep a respectful distance from the free-roaming ponies and donkeys.
Attempting to swim or paddle in the water, which is prohibited to protect the fragile aquatic ecosystem.
Do not feed the ponies or donkeys; dogs must be kept on a lead near livestock.
