Record numbers of woodlarks nesting in the New Forest, according to Forestry England and Hampshire Ornithological Society survey
RECORD numbers of a “key” ground nesting bird species have been found in the New Forest following efforts to encourage their return.
Conservationists conducting a survey for Forestry England alongside Hampshire Ornithological Society volunteers say they have just recorded the highest ever numbers of woodlarks.
Around 100 volunteers surveying some 300-sq-km of Forest recorded a total of 260 breeding pairs, describing it as a “big increase” from the 167 recorded during 2019.
The New Forest is a special protection area for birds and the survey, funded by the verderers’ higher level stewardship scheme, was carried out to help assess the impact of Forestry England’s work to boost the number of birds successfully breeding here.
Over the last 15 years, the organisation has returned large areas of Forest to heathland to create more of the habitat relied upon by rare and protected birds like woodlarks and other wildlife.
The surveyors said this work has made the Forest “one of the UK’s most important locations” for woodlarks, with around 10% of the overall population estimated to be found here.
Senior ecologist at FE, Leanne Sargeant, 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 the 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 survery co-ordinator 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.”