Conservation success story of thriving New Forest goshawk population highlighted in BBC’s The One Show with Chris Packham

Goshawk populations are now flourishing in the New Forest after their reintroduction, with the success story highlighted by Chris Packham on BBC’s The One Show

The popular New Forest naturalist met some adorable chicks as he helped the Foresttry England team behind the initiative.

One of the most elusive birds of prey, the Goshawk had been absent from the Forest for more than 120 years – but the area is now considered a stronghold for the bird, with populations expanding across Hampshire and Dorset.

The first pair of goshawks returned to the New Forest in 2002 and, 20 years on, there are 45 pairs recorded.

Head of wildlife at Forestry England south district, Andy Page, said: “The return of goshawks to the New Forest is a real conservation success story.

“Once on the brink of extinction in England, it’s really rewarding to have been involved in supporting their return over the last 20 years.”

A team of wildlife experts closely monitors goshawk numbers and breeding in the Forest, spending hundreds of hours observing pairing behaviour and monitoring nests.

Before the chicks fledge, the team ring, measure and weigh them to assess their health and whether the Forest offers the right conditions to sustain the population.

Rings recovered from the birds provide a picture of where the population is spreading to beyond the area.

Andy added: “With around 45 pairs now in the New Forest I expect the population to significantly expand out across Hampshire and nearby Dorset over the next decade.

“As a thriving apex predator today, these birds tell us a lot about the health of this forest and the wide diversity of wildlife it supports.

“The more we learn about these fascinating birds, the more we can support a range of species across our forests.”

Despite living in the New Forest year-round, goshawks are notoriously difficult to spot. Extremely agile fliers, they silently weave between trees and shrubs in pursuit of prey, earning them the nickname “phantoms of the forest”.

To try and get a closer look at the elusive birds, this year the Forestry England team also used a nest camera to follow a pair of goshawks as they successfully raised and fledged three chicks at the top of one of the Forest’s tall trees.

Studying the footage gave the team a unique insight into the birds’ behaviour, with some surprising new observations uncovered.

Although thought unlikely to be attacked by other species, the footage showed that the nest, with both eggs and then chicks in it, came under sustained and repeated attacks from a tawny owl nesting nearby.

Another first for the team revealed by the nest camera footage came during one of the hottest days in June. It showed the male parent becoming concerned about the effect of the heat on his chicks. He responded by opening his wings and shading the chicks for long periods of time.

Evidence from the nest-camera also confirmed that goshawk eat a wide variety of prey with a range of items brought into the nest to feed the young including squirrels, small birds and small mammals. The size difference between the larger female and smaller male allows them to both find different sources of food, ensuring that their young are well fed.

The One Show episode is available to watch on iPlayer

The nest cam can be viewed at www.forestryengland.uk/new-forest/goshawks-the-new-forest