Wildlife and Nature

The New Forest is a living and working place where ponies, donkeys and cattle freely graze the land and help to keep the patchwork of different habitats intact. Deeper in the forest, wild deer meander beneath canopies of mighty oak and beech - natural scenes unchanged by the modern world.

Take a walk through the Forest and it probably won’t be long until you come across some of our New Forest ponies - approximately 3,000 ponies roam freely within our National Park. You will often also come across donkeys (although these are in lesser number than the ponies at around 100) plus cattle. Who needs to go on an African safari when we have so much wildlife on our doorsteps!

During the autumn months, you may spot pigs roaming the Forest floor. All in all around 600 pigs are set to roam on a particular mission, pannage. This is an important process as the pigs will eat some of the fallen acorns and nuts that are poisonous to the New Forest ponies.

The New Forest is well known for the variety of reptiles you can find. The open heaths are ideal basking grounds for adders and grass snakes, and the many pools dotted around the area make ideal conditions for frogs, toads, lizards and newts.

Our birdlife is also worth mentioning. With rich habitats, The New Forest is home to some rare birds and is a breeding ground for 100 species of bird. With wetlands, woods and heathlands, there is quite a variety of birds to spot here!

Plants, flowers and trees of The New Forest
From ancient woodlands that come alive with beautiful flora and fauna in the spring months with the rich greens and the brightness of our bluebells. To the fungi and mushrooms that can often be found in the autumn months. Each season here in The New Forest brings with it some fantastic opportunities to get close to nature.

With such a variety amongst the wildlife everyone who visits and enjoys the beautiful National Park has a duty to ensure the safety of all of the residents, from the big cattle that roam the heathland to the small squirrels that enjoy the beautiful ancient woodlands.

The New Forest National Park is a wonderful place to visit and you can help it stay that way by being a Forest friendly visitor.

Please leave fungi for other people to enjoy. Fungi are essential to the New Forest’s internationally protected ecosystem. Foray leaders must apply for permission for educational excursions from the Forestry Commission in advance. If you suspect or see commercial picking please call the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600 or the National Trust on 01425 650035.