Winter in the New Forest

Tour Code: GBR15

A weekend to enjoy the peace and the birds of the New Forest in winter, as well as of nearby Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes.

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

The New Forest covers 144 square miles of Hampshire and Dorset, and includes Britain’s most important area of lowland heathland, as well as mixed forest and boggy hollows which together are home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. While most wildlife enthusiasts choose to visit during the spring and summer, the forest reclaims its wild charm in the winter, when many species such as Hawfinch are more easily seen, and hardy residents including Dartford Warbler remain on the heaths. We’ll search for flocks of finches, geese, waders such as Little Egret, birds of prey and woodpeckers amongst many other birds, from our comfortable base near Beaulieu.

  • Goshawks begin their roller-coaster display flights in February
  • Dartford Warbler & Great Grey Shrike present during winter
  • Hawfinch, Crossbill, Stonechat, Treecreeper, Siskin, Redpoll & Meadow Pipit
  • Green, Great Spotted & Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers
  • Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Hen Harrier & Buzzard
  • Brambling among roving winter finch flocks
  • Brent Goose, Red-breasted Merganser, flocks of Dunlin & Eider

Grading

Easy day walks only.

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.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Meet at hotel
Day 2
Exploration of the New Forest; Bishop's Dyke/Beaulieu Heath
Day 3
Pennington and Keyhaven nature reserves
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Accommodation:

    We stay in the Beaulieu Hotel near Beaulieu. All rooms have private facilities.

  • Food:

    Breakfast and evening meals are included. Allow around £10/£15 per day for a pub lunch.

Reviews
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!

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