A multimillion pound scheme has restored habitats and protected sites in the New Forest, benefiting wildlife and communities.
The Commoners’ Defence Association and Natural England also offer support. Since the start, the scheme has restored wildlife habitats and protected historic sites across a vast area.
That area equals 17,000 football fields. The scheme inspired 20,000 students to protect the environment. They now value its unique qualities, helping the next generation care.
Recent work involved funding reflective collars for livestock and restoring wetlands to improve biodiversity. These wetlands now adapt to climate change. About 3,000 collars went on ponies, donkeys, and cattle last year.
These collars increase visibility, helping drivers see them better and reducing road accidents. Wetland work included surveys of special species and habitats. They also used water level loggers and time-lapse cameras for monitoring.
They completed six surveys monitoring rare species, tracking their presence to observe their activity in the Forest. Forestry England volunteers surveyed riverflies.
This helped monitor stream health and showed the overall water quality in the forest. The scheme funded visits for almost 550 students. Eleven schools learned about the New Forest and studied its special qualities.
Schools gave very positive feedback about these visits. Broad Chalke Primary said children gained confidence and easily discussed habitats and creatures.
A celebration occurred at the Verderers’ Court on January 31. Edward Heron gave a speech highlighting scheme achievements and thanking project volunteers. Heron said the scheme delivered lasting benefits for the Forest in the past year.