LISS FOREST

Liss Forest may share the same postal code and parish council with Liss, but it is separated from it by a railway crossing and green belt, and retains a distinct character of its own.

Trees are still a notable feature of the landscape, even though little is left of the extensive forest from which the name was derived. Woodland walks can be enjoyed along the Riverside Walk conservation area from Liss railway, continuing across Forest Road into Warren Hill and other army land, along the bridleway between Mint Road and Warren Road, and in various footpaths towards West Liss and Rake. A superb walk which roughly circumnavigates Liss Forest is highly recommended.
Mint Road itself is named after the time when mint was grown here, and those with sharp eyes may still be able to find the odd sprig of mint growing in the meadows close by the clear-running brook where trout can sometimes be seen (after the herons have had their share). At the far end of Warren Road can be found the site of the original water pumping station, now converted into an attractive home, and beside it the old watercress beds with their control system of sluices on either side of the road. Beyond this is one of the oldest parts of the village, where strikingly attractive old houses like Palmers mark the old coaching route between London and Portsmouth, but by then you are on the way back towards Liss itself.

Liss Forest itself may have lost its bakery and general shop of many years ago, but it is far from lacking in local facilities. Most of these are found along the main road, Forest Road, where you will see the local post office, butcher, pub, evangelical church and an antique shop – each described later. The recreation ground is also along this road in the village centre, with its basketball nets, football pitch and fenced-off children’s play area. The mobile library also stops outside here at mid-day each Friday.

Liss Forest Residents Association


The interests of local inhabitants are taken care of by an active Residents’ Association, which holds its AGM each November and issues a detailed newsletter about local affairs. Details can be obtained from the Chairman, Tony Grant on 01730 892831, or the Secretary Penny Briggs, 01730 892297.

Riverside Walk
(photo to follow)
This attractive walk, now designated a Conservation Area, begins just west of the level crossing in Station Road, Liss, and continues across various restored bridges for nearly a mile into Forest Road, Liss Forest. It also connects with Rotherbank Farm Lane and with the very end of Newfield Road. Riverside Walk is maintained by the Liss Conservation Volunteers, who have put in countless hours of work in clearing and improving the path, and in maintaining the riverside meadows and trees. It is one of the main attractions of the area and attracts many outside visitors. It contains large numbers of woodland birds, and roe deer are often seen in the meadows. In mid-summer evenings, it is possible to find glow-worms along the edge of the section of path closest to Forest Road, and particularly in the further track which continues across Forest Road beyond the car park. The area needs regular maintenance and further volunteers are always needed – contact Jeff Davies, 01730 893837.

The Temple Inn, Forest Road


Under the guidance of its new Licensee Anne Manning, this local pub has become increasingly popular. Its meals are the subject of frequent praise, and here I can speak from personal experience! There is an attractive, well-shaded outdoor garden for summer use, beneath its famous Monkey Puzzle Tree.
On Thursday mornings at 10.30 am the local petanque (boules to most folk!) group organised informal competitions. There is no fee, apart from taking turns in paying for the half-time refreshments from the pub! If you’d like to have a go, they can usually lend you some boules to get you started in this fascinating bowling game of French origin.

Liss Forest Post Office


Offering all of the facilities you would expect from a sub-post office, including accepting cheque deposits and cashpoint withdrawals, Liss Forest Post Office was taken over earlier in 2004 by Penny Edmund-White. Collection times are: weekdays, 8.15am, 10.30am and 5 pm. Saturdays: 10.30am; Sundays: 12.30pm. Various items of stationery, greetings cards, sweets and local newspapers are also sold here.

Berriman’s Butchers


Now owned by David Wells, this well-established butcher’s shop also offers a delicatessen together with fresh bread and dairy products and other grocery. Meat can be supplied for the freezer.

Sam Hughes-Stanton


Sam opens his large shop every Friday and Saturday in the hut opposite the Post Office, and offers some attractive antique furniture and various other items. Visitors are always welcome to come and browse, and the owner is always willing to help you find particular pieces you are looking for.