New Forest has record number of woodlarks
The birds have increased by 50% in the last five years
Conservationists have recorded the highest number of woodlark in the New Forest.
The protected species which nest on the ground are only found in certain parts of the UK.
Volunteers counted 260 breeding pairs - that's up from 167 in 2019 - making the New Forest one of the UK's most important locations for woodlarks.
The National Park is a Special Protection Area for birds and the survey, funded by the Verderers of the New Forest, was carried out to help assess the impact of Forestry England’s work to boost the number of birds successfully breeding here.
Woodlarks nest on the ground in heathlands, which is now rarer than rainforest, and are a good indicator of a healthy habitat.
We're asked to do our bit by avoiding startling parents, causing them to flee their nests and leave eggs and chicks exposed to predators.
The breeding season Is beginning around now (late February) and continues until the end of August, with visitors urged to stay on the main tracks and keeping dogs with them.
Leanne Sargeant, Senior Ecologist for Forestry England, said:
“Many birds rely on lowland heaths to breed yet this type of habitat is now rarer than rainforest. The New Forest has some of the most extensive heathlands left in Europe and we are restoring and managing these to provide as much of this critically important habitat as possible. We have more to do, but it’s really rewarding to start to see species like woodlark returning and in such high numbers. Typically, these are one of the first species to return to restored areas and a good indication that the habitat is the right one.
“We are really grateful to all of the incredibly dedicated local volunteers who have spent many hours patiently watching and listening for these special birds.”
Nigel Matthews, Lead Co-ordinator of the survey for Hampshire Ornithological Society said:
“Anyone spending time in the New Forest will know that it is a special spot for birds and a great place to hear and see many different species. Luckily our volunteers enjoy doing this too!
"They have spent hundreds of hours listening for woodlark calls and songs, watching them feed and tracking their movements. All of these observations have allowed us to create a full picture of the fortunes of these special birds and it’s really encouraging to know their numbers are so high.”