Winter in the New Forest

The extensive rolling heaths and woodlands of the New Forest are home to a wealth of wildlife throughout the year and, whilst the majority of birdwatchers visit in the spring and early summer, ‘The Forest’ reclaims its wild and ancient charm during the winter months; a beauty accentuated by a hard frost on the trees or a sprinkling of snow on the ground. Hardy little Dartford Warblers remain on the heaths all year and these are joined in the winter by Hen Harriers and the occasional Great Grey Shrike. Hawfinches are more easily seen in trees free from leaves, whilst roving winter finch flocks frequently hold Bramblings. Goshawks start their roller-coaster display in late February and Merlin, Crossbill, and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are also possible. For this weekend break we will base ourselves in the pretty coastal town of Lymington. From here we will not only explore the inland portion of the New Forest National Park, but also spend time birdwatching around the marshes and lagoons along the Solent — in particular at Pennington and Keyhaven Marshes — in search of wintering Brent Geese, Little Egrets, Peregrine, grebes, divers, ducks and a variety of waders.