Keep to tracks in the New Forest to protect ground nesting birds
Some car parks will also be closed during the nesting season
We're being asked to help rare ground nesting birds survive in the New Forest, by sticking to the main tracks and keeping dogs close by.
The national park is a Special Protection Area for Birds, which has been credited with helping ground nesting birds to breed successfully.
New Forest bosses say that whilst the fortunes of some rare species have improved in recent years thanks to people’s support, others still remain under considerable pressure.
Special quiet zones will be set up at the most sensitive breeding locations with nearby car parks closed and signs in place to highlight the presence of the birds and help avoid disturbance as they attempt to breed and raise chicks.
Dartford Warblers, a small bird that nests in gorse or close the ground, have done well with the highest ever numbers recorded in the Forest and nearby locations in 2023.
The numbers make the area one of the most important UK locations for this species.
But Nightjars saw their numbers decline by around 18% and Curlews had some limited success in breeding in the Forest last year but overall numbers still remain critically low.
Unlike most birds, ground nesting species 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 flee their nests and leave eggs and chicks exposed to predators.
Leanne Sargeant, Senior Ecologist for Forestry England, said:
“Anyone visiting the New Forest during spring can’t help but notice the huge amount of bird song and activity. This really is a special place in the UK for birds, and making sure we continue to see ground nesting birds here in good numbers is key to this continuing.
"Everyone spending time here has a role to play and it’s really simple to help – please stay on the main, gravel tracks and avoid the heathlands and woodland edges 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.
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.
Heather Gould, Chair of New Forest Dog Owners Group, said:
“It’s really simple for everyone who spends time here to help protect ground nesting birds by obeying the signs which are put out and avoiding sensitive area all together. We’d advise all dog walkers to avoid the protected heathlands if they can walk elsewhere during the nesting season."
Everyone spending time on the Forest whether on foot, wheels or hooves can take part in the campaign.
Hannah Marsh, British Horse Society Regional Manager for the South of England, said:
“In spring and summer, many birds make their nests on the ground on heaths and open areas of the Forest. Making small adjustments to where we ride during this time can make a big difference to their survival. When you are riding on the Forest please to stick to the main tracks.”
Steve Avery, Executive Director at the New Forest National Park Authority, said:
“The New Forest National Park contains some of the most important wetlands and the most extensive area of heathland left in Europe - home to rare birds whose survival is under threat. We can all help by checking routes before heading out in the Forest, knowing which car parks are closed and where the quiet breeding zones are so we can avoid them. Always stay on the way-marked cycle routes and avoid veering off across open areas and heathlands where birds – although you might not see them – will be nesting and looking after precious young.”
Forestry England, working with local organisations and volunteers, surveys the numbers of ground-nesting birds every five years to monitor their fortunes.
During 2024 it will assess numbers of Woodlarks and in 2025 look at the Curlew breeding population.
During the breeding season the Forestry England team also monitors key ground nesting bird nests, carries out targeted predator control and supports ongoing research into these rare species.