Stay on track to support New Forest wildlife this spring
The public are being asked to support rare ground nesting birds in the New Forest this spring by staying on the main Forest tracks and keeping dogs with them there. The call comes after recent surveys show the numbers of wading birds such as the iconic Curlew are at critically low levels.
The New Forest is a Special Protection Area for Birds. Under pressure in many parts of the UK, helping them breed successfully in the New Forest has a key role to play in their overall survival.
Some species remain under considerable pressure
Surveys by Hampshire Ornithological Society and Forestry England and have revealed that whilst the fortunes of some species of ground-nesting birds have improved in recent years with the public’s support, others still remain under considerable pressure.
- Curlews, a key species of wader, in the New Forest are in decline and now at critically low levels. They have been affected by a mix of pressures including changing weather patterns, disturbance and predation.
- Nightjars which travel all the way from Africa to nest in the Forest have also seen their numbers in the Forest decline by around 18%.
- Dartford Warblers, a small bird that nests in gorse or close to the ground, have done well with the highest ever numbers recorded in the Forest and nearby locations in 2023. The numbers make it one of the most important UK locations for this species.
- Woodlarks, a species that like to nest on the ground in heathland areas especially where trees have recently been felled, have also been found in record numbers in the New Forest. The rise is in part believed to be due to the return of large areas of the forest to heathland by Forestry England over the last 15 years.
Unlike most birds, ground nesting birds build nests and raise their young on the ground around woodland edges and on the open heathland areas of the Forest. This makes it especially important to avoid startling parents causing them to leave their nests and leave eggs and chicks exposed to predators.
Quiet zones for ground-nesting birds
Special quiet zones will once again be set up at the most sensitive breeding locations in the New Forest. In these areas, a small number of nearby Forestry England car parks will be closed and signs in place across the Forest to highlight the presence of the birds and help avoid disturbance to them as they attempt to breed and raise chicks.
We're working with local organisations and volunteers, survey the numbers of ground-nesting birds to monitor their fortunes. Our team also monitor key ground nesting bird nests, carry out targeted predator control throughout the season and are supporting a number of initiatives to support these rare species.
Lookout for our signs around sensitive locations
Leanne Sargeant, Senior Ecologist for Forestry England, said: “The New Forest is one of the most important locations in the UK for birds. This includes many species of ground-nesting birds who have long since all but disappeared from other locations. By taking a few simple actions we can all help the chances of them breeding successfully in the Forest. Please stay on the main, gravel tracks and follow signs to avoid the most sensitive areas to give these birds the space they need.”
Car parks closed during the breeding season include: Clayhill, Crockford, Crockford Clump, Hincheslea, Hincheslea Moor, Ocknell Pond, Ogdens, Shatterford and Yew Tree Heath. Beaulieu Heath car park is also partially closed.
Special orange signs indicate areas very close to breeding grounds and can be seen in locations including car parks and on the main tracks. Red “stop” signs highlight nesting sites in the immediate vicinity and ask the public to avoid these areas.
People are asked to stick to the main, gravel tracks and not to venture onto open, heathland areas where birds will be nesting. Those with dogs are asked to lend their support by keeping dogs with them on the tracks and where necessary using leads to keep them under close control.
Disturbance can result in chicks being exposed to predators
David Bennett, Co-Chair of New Forest Dog Owners Group, said: “Dog walkers are one of the groups who can really make a difference to the success of ground nesting birds. It’s not about dogs necessarily disrupting nests directly, but their walking activity can alarm nesting birds. They fly up, and this shows other predators such as foxes and crows where the nests are.
As a minimum, we’d ask walkers to stick to the signs. In orange areas, this means having close control and sticking to the paths, which may mean using a lead. And totally avoiding red signed areas. It may be preferable simply to find another walk for the nesting season, and Forestry England have an excellent robust tracks map on their website.”
A stronghold for many rare birds whose survival is under threat
New Forest National Park Authority Chair Victoria Mander said: 'The New Forest National Park is a world capital for wildlife and is the last stronghold for many rare birds whose survival is under threat. We can all help by checking routes before heading out in the Forest so we can avoid the quiet breeding zones, and by keeping ourselves and our dogs on the tracks. Although you might not see them, rare birds such as curlew and lapwing will be nesting and rearing their precious young nearby.'
The robust tracks most suitable for dog walking in the New Forest during the ground nesting bird season are marked in red on this map.
A Special Protection Area for Birds
The New Forest is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds and a critical breeding location for endangered ground nesting birds. Key species here include curlew, lapwing, around 15% of the UK’s visiting population of nightjar, and a third of the nation’s breeding population of Dartford warbler. Under pressure in many parts of the UK, helping them breed successfully in the New Forest has a key role to play in their overall survival.
