New Forest - Birdwatching/Wildlife Places to Visit

[clairescavys]

Hi everyone

First of all, please accept my apologies if this thread does not belong in this forum - I tend to read threads/posts rather than post so I wasn't sure. But thought you lovely people may be able to help.......

My husband and I are spending our first wedding anniversary in the New Forest in October for 2 weeks and are looking for places to visit. We enjoy walking and birdwatching (either in remote or popular areas) - we are hoping to do a lot of this (as well as general wildlife watching).

My question is this - has anyone visited the New Forest and could recommend anywhere for us to visit? We've come up with the following so far: Hatchet Pond, Brownsea Island, Keyhaven Reserve, Marwell Zoo and The Owl and Otter Centre).

Any answers/advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks, Claire.

[captaincarot]

new forrest reptile center.

they have all of our native species in little out door enclosures, so you get to see some very difficult too find native species and will know what you've seen when your out and about in the forrest.

there are native orchids and sundews just down the road from setthorns camp site too.

[Stevelphoto]

Hi Claire,

I'm lucky enough to live on the edge of the forest!

In October, the lymington-keyhaven reserve should be very productive - a very good time + place for migrant birds. Waders like little stint and curlew sandpiper should be achievable, and there's always the chance of something rarer. Birds of prey such as Merlin, Peregrine and Osprey are always possible.

Farlington marshes is another great bird spot - not so tranquil (kinda next to a motorway!), but reknowned for scarce birds. Also a chance of bearded tit.

Titchfield Haven is another great reserve, you have to pay to get in but the hides are great. A bit different to Keyhaven and Farlington, maybe not quite so productive but worth a try!

Blashford Lakes is an inland reserve that has been developed a fair bit recently - it is a very good reserve. Lots of wildfowl.

Hatchet Pond isn't so great. Very little bird + mammal life - its only real merit is that it is good for dragonflies (and ice cream) in the summer.

[Beekeeper]

October is always a good time to visit the forest Claire as most holidaymakers will have gone home, so chances are you will see something that maybe hides away during holidaymaker season, I do know of many places where you could view deer of various sorts and many other creatures including birds, but most requre a pair of boots and a long walk, perhaps you could give me a nudge nearer the time and i would be very happy to show you some of my favorite places.

Edit, forgot to mention, i live in Brockenhurst.

BK