New Forest Birds
With open heathlands, ancient woodlands, tranquil wetlands and rich coastline, the New Forest is a haven for birdlife. Around 100 species of birds breed here, while many more pass through on migration or over winter in this special landscape. From the haunting call of nightjars at dusk to glimpses of kingfishers darting through the trees, birdwatching in the New Forest is a year-round adventure.
Birds are an essential part of the New Forest’s ecosystem. They pollinate, disperse seeds, control insects, and reflect the health of our natural environment. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, the New Forest offers countless ways to enjoy and connect with our feathered residents.
Heathland Birds
The New Forest’s heathlands are internationally important for wildlife – and particularly for birds. These dry, open spaces are the perfect breeding ground for rare ground-nesting species. From March to July, visitors are asked to keep to the main paths to help protect these vulnerable nests.
Keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for the elusive nightjar, which nests on the ground and calls at dusk with its eerie churring. You might also spot woodlarks, stonechats, and the distinctive Dartford warbler, a real New Forest specialty. Birds of prey such as hen harriers and merlins are sometimes seen hunting over the heath for small birds and mammals.
Woodland Birds
The ancient woodlands of the New Forest provide food, shelter and nesting spaces for a huge variety of birds. These habitats are especially rich in spring when the air is filled with birdsong.
Look out for treecreepers spiralling up tree trunks, nuthatches hopping down headfirst, and great spotted woodpeckers drumming on hollow trees. You may even hear the soft call of the tawny owl if you’re walking at dawn or dusk. Our woods are also home to woodland warblers, tits, jays and finches, especially during the breeding season.
Wetlands, Bogs and Coastal Birds
The wetlands and coastal edges of the New Forest are important stopovers for migratory birds and a refuge for wintering species.
At Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes, you’ll find brent geese, black-tailed godwits, curlews, lapwings, dunlins, and more depending on the season. These open spaces are also popular with birds of prey like marsh harriers and hobbies, who hunt above the reedbeds and bogs.
Blashford Lakes, a former gravel quarry near Ringwood, is now a nature reserve run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and is an excellent spot for seeing waterbirds and woodland species side by side.
Where to go birdwatching in the New Forest
Here are some top spots for birdwatching across the National Park. Each offers something different depending on the time of year:
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Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes – for coastal and wetland birds
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Acres Down, near Minstead – for heathland birds and raptors
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Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, near Ringwood – for year-round woodland and wetland species
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Beaulieu Heath – a great location for heathland and nightjar watching
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Roydon Woods, near Brockenhurst – for woodland species and butterflies too!
Learn more about birds in the New Forest
For a deeper experience, join a guided nature walk or birding tour. Local experts from groups like Wild New Forest Guided Tours or Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust can show you the best places to look and help you identify the birds you hear and see.
For a family-friendly day out, visit the New Forest Wildlife Park, where you can meet owls and learn more about UK native birds in their daily talks.
Helping our birds
The New Forest is a living landscape, and everyone who visits plays a role in protecting it.
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Stick to the main tracks from March to July to protect ground-nesting birds.
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Keep dogs on leads near nesting areas, bogs and heaths.
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Never leave litter – food waste and plastic can be dangerous to birds and other wildlife.
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Watch quietly and from a distance to avoid disturbing nests or fledglings.
You can also watch this short video narrated by Chris Packham, all about ground-nesting birds and how to help them.
Ground Nesting Birds in the New Forest
From late February, when the breeding season begins, until the end of August, everyone spending time in the Forest can play a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable birds by sticking to the designated tracks and ensuring dogs remain with them on these paths.
Stay on track to help New Forest wildlife this spring
Orange signs indicate areas that are very close to breeding grounds and can be spotted in locations such as car parks and along the main tracks. Red "stop" signs warn of nesting zones in the immediate area and request that people steer clear to prevent disturbance.
People are asked to stay on the main gravel tracks and avoid venturing onto open heathlands where nesting takes place. Dog walkers can assist by keeping their dogs alongside them on the paths and, where necessary, using leads to ensure they remain under control.
What species of birds are ground nesting?
Woodlarks are small birds with a streaky brown plumage recognised by their melodic song, distinctive white stripes over each eye, and spikey head crest. The nest on the ground within heathlands and woodland clearings where trees have been recently felled.
The New Forest provides an essential breeding habitat for woodlarks and other rare ground-nesting species, such as lapwings, Dartford warblers, curlews, and nightjars. These birds are under pressure across the UK due to habitat destruction and human disturbance, with some species experiencing dangerously low population numbers. Supporting their successful breeding is vital for their survival.
Unlike most birds, ground nesting species build nests and raise their young on the ground at the edges of woodlands and on open heathland areas. Because of this, it is particularly important to avoid disturbing them, as startled parents may flee their nests, leaving eggs and chicks vulnerable to predators.
Car parks closed near nesting sites
A small number of car parks will be closed during the breeding season. These car parks are: Clayhill, Crockford, Crockford Clump, Hincheslea, Hincheslea Moor, Ocknell Pond, Ogdens, Shatterford, Yew Tree Heath and part of Beaulieu Heath car park.
Expert advice and knowledge
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.”
