This survey was commissioned by Forestry England as part of its programme of New Forest HLS Scheme funded species surveys.
195 1km squares were surveyed by 74 Hampshire Ornithological Society volunteers. Sightings of Curlew, Lapwing, Snipe and Redshank were mapped, with particular emphasis on territorial behaviour. The survey methodology was the same as used in 2019-21, with three survey visits between 10 April and 22 June.
Analysis of survey data (compared with the last survey) indicated that, within the SAC, breeding territories totalled 25-29 (32-40) Curlew, 50-74 (68) Lapwing, 255 (181) Snipe and 2 (7) Redshank. No territories were found outside of the SAC.
In summary:
- Curlew is declining
- Lapwing is surviving at a low ebb
- Snipe is doing well
- Redshank is on the verge of extinction from the New Forest SAC
A range of factors is likely to be influencing the number of breeding territories, including habitat condition, predation of eggs and chicks, disturbance, adult and chick survival and recruitment from elsewhere. These are in turn affected by habitat management and restoration, recreation management and targeted predator control.
A full report has been published here: New Forest Waders Survey 2025.
A shorter report will be included in the 2025 Hampshire Bird Report.
Nigel Matthews
matthews.nigel@gmail.com