New Forest issues plea for ground-nesting birds

Visitors to the New Forest are being urged to take caution to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds this spring.

Special quiet zones will be set up at the most sensitive breeding locations, with nearby car parks closed, including Clayhill, Crockford, Crockford Clump, Hincheslea, Hincheslea Moor, Ocknell Pond, Ogdens, Shatterford and Yew Tree Heath.

Furthermore, there will be signs in place to highlight the presence of ground-nesting birds. Visitors are being urged to stay on the main tracks and keep their dogs nearby, too.

Eurasian Curlew chicks on a nest (Forestry England).

 

Rare breeding birds

European Nightjar numbers fell by some 18% in the New Forest last year and, while Eurasian Curlew has some breeding success, the population remains small and fragile.

Forestry England senior ecologist, Leanne Sargeant, said: "Anyone visiting the New Forest during spring can't help but notice the huge amount of birdsong and activity. This really is a special place in the UK for birds, and making sure we continue to see ground-nesting birds here in good numbers is key to this continuing.

"Everyone spending time here has a role to play and it's really simple to help – please stay on the main, gravel tracks and avoid the heathlands and woodland edges to give these birds the space they need."

Orange warning signs in the forest indicate areas close to breeding grounds and can be seen in spots including car parks and on main tracks. Red 'stop' signs highlight nesting sites in the immediate vicinity, where the public are asked to avoid.

 

Dogs on leads

People are asked to stick to the main gravel tracks and not to venture onto open heathland where birds will be nesting. Dog walkers are asked to keep their pets with them on the tracks and, where necessary, use leads to keep them under close control.

Heather Gould, chair of New Forest Dog Owners Group, commented: "It's really simple for everyone who spends time here to help protect ground-nesting birds by obeying the signs which are put out and avoiding sensitive areas all together.

"We'd advise all dog walkers to avoid the protected heathlands if they can walk elsewhere during the nesting season. For more ideas on where to go instead just use Forestry England's robust tracks map on their website.

"Making small adjustments to where we ride during this time can make a big difference to their survival. When you are riding on the forest please stick to the main tracks."