Wildlife spotting

A six-mile length of coastal grazing marshes, fresh and saltwater lagoons and saltmarsh - with fabulous views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. It is nationally important for its plants, insects and birdlife, including the curlew, little egret and Dartford warbler.

Famous for its herd of fallow deer, there’s a deer viewing platform overlooking the field where they can usually be spotted. There’s also a handy information centre on site.

In the heart of the New Forest, Pondhead near Lyndhurst contains the largest remaining area of hazel coppice on the Crown lands. Its wide rides are great for spotting butterflies and in the summer the inclosure is covered by a sea of bluebells.

All six of the native reptile species can be viewed at Forestry England’s New Forest Reptile Centre off the A35 south of Lyndhurst, which is open from 10am – 4.30pm between April and September.

The National Trust protects the Commons of Bramshaw, Ibsley, Rockford, High Town and Hale Purlieu. Those in the north of the Forest are particularly good for heathland and woodland wildlife, including birds of prey and nightjars.

Managed by Hampshire County Council, Lepe Country Park is part of the North Solent National Nature Reserve. Its wildflower meadows attract many species of insects and the nearby river and sea entice many water and song-birds.

Visit the New Forest Wildlife Park and discover more about conservation and the fascinating animals living there. From owls and otters to European polecats and Scottish wildcats, there’s a whole range of animals to see.