Bats
Bats are fascinating animals, full of many mysteries still left for us to discover.
New Forest wildlife
A world capital for wildlife
The New Forest is rich in wildlife thanks to the wonderful mosaic of wet and dry heaths, mires and bogs, ancient pasture woodland, coniferous plantations, acid grasslands, mixed farmland and coastline.
This combination of natural environments is hard to find anywhere else in western Europe. These pages help you discover some of the area’s most unusual, interesting or easy-to-spot wildlife.
Creatures of the Forest
The New Forest supports an extraordinary range of wildlife, shaped by its mix of woodland, heathland, wetlands and coastline.
From deer moving quietly through the trees and bats emerging at dusk to feed, to birds nesting on open heathland, wading birds along the shore and reptiles basking in sunny clearings, these animals are closely connected to the landscapes they depend on.
Deer
Five species of deer found in the wild in the UK call the New Forest home.
Heathland Birds
With some of the largest areas of heath in Europe, the New Forest is particularly important for heathland birds.
Reptiles
The New Forest National Park is home to all six of the UK’s native reptile species.
Wading Birds
The New Forest is very important for wading birds during their breeding season.
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