New Forest nature project recorded more than 1,100 species

The two-year scheme took place in the New Forest on 321 hectares of land, aiming to enhance habitats and biodiversity as part of the £1.3 million Species Survival Fund scheme.

Professor Russell Wynn, director of Wild New Forest (WNF), said: "There were multiple sightings of pine martens during surveys in 2024 and 2025, as well as a pair marking their scent on the same rhododendron stump an hour apart in October 2025.

"A nearby camera also recorded a female pine marten transferring at least three kits between den sites, which suggests breeding took place locally.

Pine Marten (Image: Russell Wynn)

"As a result, we were able to warn colleagues at FHT and sub-contractors about their presence and to ensure any potential den sites were protected during removal of rhododendron."

Led by the New Forest National Park Authority, the project brought together partner organisations including Wild New Forest, the Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT), Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC), the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), and the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association.

Support was also provided by the RSPB and the New Forest Biodiversity Forum.

The scheme focused on the creation and restoration of grassland, heathland, wetland, and woodland habitats on the fringes of the New Forest.

Ecological surveys played a central role in guiding conservation decisions at the 31 project sites.

A total of 28 mammal species were recorded, with regular sightings of pine martens in the north of the forest.

Other sightings included a water shrew, three brown hares, and otters, which are now widespread across most river catchments in the New Forest.

More than 140,000 bat passes were logged during the surveys, covering all 14 bat species known to inhabit the area.

Nearly 100 bird species were recorded, including 13 priority species such as the Dartford warbler, kingfisher, and woodlark.

Seven reptiles and amphibians were documented, including two endangered sand lizards.

Sand Lizard (Image: Russell Wynn)

The project also recorded 431 invertebrate species, including a small colony of the nationally rare 13-spot ladybird—the first sighting in the New Forest in more than 15 years.

New ponds created by FHT are expected to further increase wetland diversity and climate resilience.

The conservation work was funded by the Government's Species Survival Fund, which was delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

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