The New Forest (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR87

A day walk in the New Forest, exploring a mix of ancient woodland, lowland heath and pasture, in search of a range of special birds and other wildlife.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Join well-known writer and naturalist, Dominic Couzens, or long-standing tour leaders Byron Palacios, Martin Pitt or Andrew Cleave for a day walk in the New Forest in search of a range of special birds and other wildlife. The New Forest National Park straddles the counties of Hampshire and Dorset and is a wonderful mix of ancient woodland, lowland heath and pasture. Across the seasons, there is a huge amount to enjoy here and, along with the brilliant birdlife, we will also enjoy the superb range of dragonflies, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and butterflies. We expect to cover around 5 miles during the course of the day and we may take a short drive between sites.

 As we run this tour throughout the year, please click on our 'detailed information' below to read about the highlights of the different seasons. 

  • One of the most ecologically important areas in Britain
  • Brilliant winter wildlife including Hawfinch, Brambling, Crossbill, Redpoll and Siskin
  • Wildlife-rich habitats
  • Home to half the British population of Dartford Warbler!

In the spring and summer, highlights may include Goshawk, Honey Buzzard, Cuckoo, Woodlark, Redstart, Dartford Warbler, Firecrest and Crossbill and with luck we may even find Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. At this time of year the birds will be setting up territories and breeding, so we can expect a cacophony of bird song and this day will be perfect for those looking to further their learning of bird song. A range of habitats will be explored throughout the day, from open heathland, coniferous and deciduous forest, to shallow pools and open grassland. Roe, Muntjac and Fallow Deer may be encountered with a range of butterflies and dragonflies possible.

In the autumn and winter, huge numbers of birds arrive in the forest and highlights may include Hawfinch, Brambling, Crossbill, Redpoll and Siskin with finch flocks a feature of a winter walk in the forest. Redwing and Fieldfare may be found and again we can hope for Goshawk and Dartford Warbler with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker possible. Roving flocks of more common woodland species can be enjoyed which often include Eurasian Treecreeper and Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Marsh Tit. From mid-November onwards in some years, a Great Grey Shrike spends the winter here.

Whichever season you visit, this is sure to be a most rewarding and wildlife filled day in the superb habitats that the New Forest National Park is renowned for.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!