The New Forest accommodates vast swathes of ancient woodland, open heathland and even a coastline, so it is of little surprise there is plenty of room for the flora and fauna that inhabits this magical place to flourish.

It is the perfect environment for nature and wildlife to thrive and common sights include deer, ponies, fungi and even bluebells. It`s estimated that there are about 70,000 species of fungi around the world and of those, 2,700 can be found within the New Forest. Furthermore, there are over one thousand species of insects and creatures within the forest that are dependant on the fungi. This makes it vital the unique ecosystem continues to thrive so it maintains the overall well being of The New Forest National Park.

A crucial aspect for keeping The New Forest a wonderful sanctuary for its wildlife and flora and fauna is the conservation, whilst also being able to keep it an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This enables visitors to enjoy the unparalled beauty of the landscapes and of course retaining its National Park status.

The New Forest in Spring

Spring is a great time of year for people to marvel the ancient woodlands in all its glorious forms. The native bluebells look beautiful whilst blooming in May and baby animals are born all around. The young are protected by the haven of the trees and heather laden heathlands and these fresh new beginnings breathe new life into the forest after the hardships of Winter.

Some of the baby animals you can look forward to observing during a New Forest break include foals of the New Forest Pony and New Forest Donkey as well as calves from a variety of cattle breeds.

There are numerous wildflowers that adorn The New Forest, including the Lesser Celandine with its beautiful buttery yellow. Keep an eye out for the sunny Primrose that can be found dotted across the forest floor, with its beautiful shades of yellow they make a wonderful addition to the carpet of leaves and twigs that also make up this stunning natural habitat. Also during spring you can also find delicate little flowers such as the beautiful Wood Anemone, which like the Primrose can be found in the woodlands.

Some parts of the forest may have restricted access during Spring due to the fact that nesting birds might be occupying the area. It is a particularly important time of year for these birds as they need to be allowed time and space to breed and nest in peace. It is advised to avoid these areas if you see the signs.

The New Forest in Summer

Summer is the busiest time in The New Forest with the trees in full leaf. Visitors flock to this fantastic area of Hampshire to enjoy the peace and tranquility this place has to offer whilst taking part in outdoor activities such as walking and cycling. Flora to spot at this time of year include the New Forest’s Orchids. The National Park is home to fifteen species of wild Orchid including the pretty Heath-Spotted Orchid and Britain’s smallest wild orchid, the Bog Orchid. Although some of these bloom earlier and later in the year, a particularly good time to spot them is around June.

Adders can sometimes be seen basking in the sunshine on the heathland and you can book onto a guided reptile walk around the forest with Insight Activities. A licensed ecologist will take you on a discovery of this species of animal and other creatures that make the New Forest their home.

In the forest inclosures there are several species of butterfly to keep an eye out for including Ringlet and Silver Washed Fritillary, alternatively, butterfly such as the Silver Studded Blue and Dark Green Fritillary prefer the heathland environment.

Heather appears in late summer and conjures up a carpet of stunning purple across the heathland. It is also an attractive nectar source for bees. There are four different types of heather that grow on the New Forest; Ling, Bell Heather, the Cross-Leaved Heath and the rare Dorset heath.

Its a busy time for the birds in Summer too and the forest becomes alive with birdsong from a variety of species. Look out for the Wood Warbler and Redstart as these are particularly active during these months.

The New Forest in Autumn

Arguably one of the best times to be in the New Forest is during Autumn when the National Park comes alive with rich reds and golden hues. What better excuse do you need to come and explore what this beautiful landscape can provide at this lovely time of year.

Every year the deciduous trees and shrubs that make up these ancient woodlands in the New Forest begin a transition from summer into autumn, the leaves change colour from vibrant greens, then to coppers and ultimately into the deeper reds. The perfect conditions to see the most splendid colourations are when the days are cool in temperature and full of sunlight. The nights however need to be cold as it is important for the pigmentation changes in the leaves to take place.

One particular type of animal is very active during this season and it is for a very important reason. Pigs can often be seen in larger numbers during the later autumn months when they are used to forage for acorns that have fallen from the oak trees. Acorns are known to be poisonous to the new forest ponies and local cattle so clearing the forest floor of them is a vital task the pigs perform and is an activity referred to as ‘pannage‘.

Autumn is also the time of year when the fungi begins to emerge on the woodland floor. There are over two thousand varieties of toadstool, mushroom and fungus on display in the forest, with a wide-range of colours and shapes waiting to be discovered by keen foragers and nature lovers.

The New Forest in Winter

Wintertime is an important time for many wetland species of bird and a couple of their favourite places include Blashford Lakes and Keyhaven Marshes.

The great spotted, lesser spotted and green Woodpecker, Nuthatches, Treecreepers and Hawfinches are residents all year round in the New Forest National Park and with many of the trees bare of leaves, winter can be an ideal time to spot them.

More Info About The New Forest’s Flora And Fauna?

The New Forest Reptile Centre is well worth a visit and you can learn more about some of the species that are found within The New Forest. Rangers and volunteers are also on hand to give you lots of information on the particular species you can see here.

Take a wildlife walk with Fuzzacker Guided Walks or Insight Activities, also you can join an event as part of the New Forest Walking Festival during October, where nature and the local flora and fauna is often at the heart of walks.

There are several nature reserves in The New Forest including Landford Bog, Landford (owned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust), Keyhaven Nature Reserve, famous for its wetland flora and fauna and Blashford Lakes, near Ringwood (managed by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust). These reserves offer the place to observe wildlife. Look out for guided nature walks, particularly at Blashford Lakes where you can learn more about the species that inhabits this environment.

Helping Wildlife in The New Forest

The New Forest National Park is an awesome place to visit and you can help it stay that way by being a Forest friendly visitor.

Please leave fungi for other people to enjoy. Fungi are essential to the New Forest’s internationally protected ecosystem. Foray leaders must apply for permission for educational excursions from the Forestry Commission in advance. If you suspect or see commercial picking please call the Forestry Commission on 0300 067 4600 or the National Trust on 01425 650035.

Please visit the links on this page to find out more about the New Forest flora and fauna, what`s on offer and where to book a wildlife tour or guide in the New Forest.