While renowned as a biodiversity hotspot, the New Forest in Hampshire has surprised scientists by revealing that it is home to some rare and even considered lost species. Well known for its ponies and ancient woodland, the Forest habitat contains even more extraordinary species of mammals, plants and fungi than was thought. Let’s take a look at the new discoveries.
Nearly 40 rare species of animals and plants found
In a £1.3 million habitat restoration initiative funded by Defra’s Species Survival Fund, The New Forest National Park Authority teamed up with a range of partners to survey ten sites around the New Forest’s northern and southern edges. The highly successful conservation efforts resulted in a spectacular 860 species discovered and catalogued: 370 animals, 265 plants, and 225 fungi, representing just 5% of the Forest’s estimated biodiversity. Yet among these, 150 observations covered 36 rare priority species or critically endangered wildlife.
Some finds were expected, such as the goshawk, raft spider, and wood cricket, but others, such as pine martens, were surprising. Species were recorded during camera trap exercises, thermal imaging surveys and field surveys. Surveyors found a new species of fungus never recorded in the county, and Hampshire purslane, an aquatic plant nearly exclusive to the New Forest.
Professor Russell Wynn, director of Wild New Forest said of the initiative:
There were 150 records of 36 priority species that are classified as nationally rare or scarce.
Important species found in the New Forest
Pine Martens
One of the most exciting outcomes has been the confirmed return of pine martens, along with evidence that they are breeding. This secretive mustelid was presumed extinct in the area, but following public sightings, conservation teams led by Forestry England and Wild New Forest, with support from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, placed 30 hidden cameras across 11 sites.
After reviewing more than 1,000 hours of footage, they confirmed not only the martens’ presence across the Forest but also evidence of breeding, with clips showing kits playing and exploring. Ecologists will now aim to assess the population size and continue with conservation efforts to encourage suitable forest habitat for this rare and threatened species. Ancient woodland offers ideal habitat for the pine marten – a member of the weasel family – including veteran trees with cavities for nesting and a plentiful food supply of small mammals and fruit.
Leanne Sargeant, senior ecologist for Forestry England said:
We are absolutely delighted to confirm that pine martens have returned to many areas of the New Forest. Now we know they are here and breeding, our next step is to try and estimate the size of the population and understand how they are using the New Forest’s ancient woodlands.
Cicadas
The New Forest cicada is thought to have vanished from the UK in the 1990s. Now, thanks to the Species Recovery Trust and Natural England, the tiny insect appears to be making a comeback. Conservationists imported 11 female cicadas from northern France, placing them in specially designed enclosures at Paultons Park near the Forest with the aim of creating a captive breeding population that can eventually be reintroduced into the New Forest.
Woodlarks
These ground-nesting birds were dwindling in southern England but appear to be thriving in the New Forest. A survey covering 300 square kilometres counted 260 breeding pairs of woodlarks, a population size which has increased from 167 in 2019, meaning the area now supports about 10% of the UK’s population of these songbirds.
What makes the New Forest so welcoming to rare species?
- Habitat diversity: From wetlands and heathlands to ancient woods and grasslands, the historic range and variety of habitats supports many different protected species and critically endangered wildlife.
- Restoration in action: Projects under the Species Survival Fund improve habitat quality and connectivity, directly benefiting rare and threatened species by reinstating habitat loss.
- Rich, old-growth structure: Veteran trees and complex understorey growth supports nesting, foraging, and shelter for many species.
- Collaborative conservation: Multiple conservation charities and local stakeholders bring expertise, coordination, and long-term investment o support critically endangered populations.
Who’s behind the discoveries?
These successes reflect years of careful planning and teamwork from a range of partners who brought in specialised expertise, including the New Forest National Park Authority which coordinated funding and project delivery while Forestry England and wildlife trusts handled wildlife monitoring and management.
Other partners included the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, the Freshwater Habitats Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Commoners Defence Association, and Wild New Forest which led comprehensive surveys to map biodiversity and guide action on the various sites. In addition, landowners and volunteers supported fieldwork and restoration.
What’s next for these endangered rare species?
While these rediscoveries are cause for celebration, they also highlight the need for sustained action:
- Habitat management and protection must continue over the 219 square miles of the National Park; controlling invasive species like rhododendron and managing grazing is a priority to maintain fragile ecosystems which help many animal species.
- For pine martens, next steps include population monitoring and studying their habitat use to ensure long-term survival.
- The cicada project will need to move from captivity toward careful reintroduction and monitoring.
- Woodlarks and other ground-nesting birds need safe nesting areas free from disturbance, along with optimal management of open habitat.
- Ongoing restoration across 250 hectares of the Forest will improve conditions for many critically endangered creatures.
- Long-term monitoring is essential to track success, adapt conservation plans, and inform future efforts.
What message can we take from these discoveries?
The rediscovery of rare and critically endangered mammals, birds and insects in the New Forest demonstrates that nature has an extraordinary ability to recover when given the opportunity, and it has sparked fresh enthusiasm for conservation efforts across the UK. Once thought to be lost from their historic range, these animals are now offering a glimmer of hope for nature lovers and conservationists alike.
Around the world, many critically endangered wildlife species are facing an extremely high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. In the New Forest, however, some small populations are beginning to recover: a testament to the dedication behind modern conservation strategies.
Globally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) monitors wildlife through its IUCN Red List, which classifies species from Least Concern to Critically Endangered. The IUCN Red List categories help highlight species at high risk and very high risk of extinction, identifying where there’s an urgent need for protection. Famous examples from the Far East like the Sumatran tiger, Amur leopard, and Yangtze finless porpoise in the Yangtze river remind us how quickly critically endangered populations can decline, often losing more than half their population in the last decade. While these IUCN Red List species live far from the UK, their struggles mirror those faced by our own native wildlife.
Hope for critically endangered species
Across protected areas like the New Forest, conservationists are working tirelessly to preserve both natural resources and the delicate genetic material of rare species. Maintaining a viable naturalized population ensures that even species once on the brink – sometimes believed to be the last individual of their kind – can make a comeback. This revival shows that with careful monitoring, responsible management, and community involvement, such species can find a foothold in the near future.
The rediscoveries also highlight how connected our natural world truly is. From species of least concern to marine turtles nesting in tropical waters, to rare birds reappearing in British woodlands, every species plays a role in the balance of life. The work of the IUCN and the Red List, along with local organisations in the UK demonstrates that extinction is not always final: there’s often reasonable doubt about what has been lost.
The success stories in the New Forest are a beacon of hope in a world of species decline: they remind us that conservation efforts do work and that collaboration between charities, government, and the public can help critically endangered species back on the road to recovery.
