The New Forest Wildlife Forum

Here at Shorefield Holidays, we are always looking at ways to help all the fauna and flora that reside at our parks; making us incredibly proud to have received a Gold Standard David Bellamy Conservation Award once again having been one of the only parks to receive this award since its inception in 1997. 

Bobbie Lawrence, Marketing Assistant, receiving the Gold Standard Conservation Award from David Bellamy. 

We were thrilled to receive the following comments from David Bellamy about our environmental work at Shorefield Country Park; "I’d just like to say that I am particularly impressed by the work you have done to improve the ecological management of your park by reducing your mowing regime. The fact that this has resulted in more windflowers shows that you are doing the right things. It’s also good to learn that you have used old concrete bases to provide footings for verandas – heavy-duty recycling in action!"

As well as all the work we do on our parks, we also like to involve ourselves in what conservation efforts are going on in surrounding areas such as the New Forest. This Saturday I attended the New Forest Wildlife Forum, the first event of its kind in the area, which bought together local conservation groups for presentations and discussions. The event was entitled 'Growing the Forest - Bigger, Better, More Joined Up' and focused on bringing together ecosystem groups to work together.

Speakers from the event doing a Q&A session.  

Ten presentations were planned from wildlife and conservation experts ranging from the National Trust to smaller charities such as New Forest Woodcock Group. Each focusing on specific projects, surveys and research going on in the forest; all of these provided some fascinating facts and definitely reinforced the importance of the New Forest as a haven to many species of wildlife. For example, 70% of all dragonfly species, 80% of all bat species and a quarter of all fungi species can be found in the New Forest. The tadpole Shrimp, the oldest animal species in the world, is currently found at only two locations one of these being the New Forest. We were also told that the New Forest has the highest number of ancient trees in Western Europe. Interestingly, at Lytton Lawn Touring Park we have a yew tree that is thought to be over 300 years old. In fact not only is it old but it is planted in the same way they grew yew trees when they were used for long bows; three saplings, twisted together to grow as one tree.   

Yew tree at Lytton Lawn which is thought to be over 300 years old.

Of course, work continues to make sure wildlife continues to flourish in the forest. Much work is being done to banish non-native invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam which can take over large areas. Training is also important and courses such as timber extraction with horses which  promotes old fashion methods which not only encourage growth of new trees but is also less damaging than using vehicles. Education in schools and local areas also helps to promote the ecological benefits of the forest, long term outreach programmes have been set up as well as bioblitz and pond dipping events.

This was a very educational day and I'm sure this event achieved what it set out to do; to bring groups who care about the future of the New Forest together and join up the many projects for the long term benefits of this beautiful place. WI