Seasonal flora and fauna – what to look for on a summer walk in the New Forest

The New Forest is a truly special place, abundant in flora and fauna and many rare species; it’s one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the UK and boasts a variety of habitats from ancient woodland, vast heathland and pasture and parkland, to wetland and bog, coastal marsh and mudflats on the fringe of the New Forest.

Many who visit our New Forest hotel love to set out to roam and wander on self-guided walks, which is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful during a family-friendly getaway, whilst others choose guided walks which can introduce them to new areas, and teach them about the National Park’s unique and delicate ecosystem and how everyone can help to protect it.

This summer, whether you visit on a Wild New Forest break or take part in self-guided walks, what kinds of wildlife can you look out for on a walk in the New Forest?

Marcus Ward, a director at Wild New Forest, is a passionate naturalist who specialises in birds, mammals, moths and fungi. We asked him what you can be looking out for on your walks this summer.

“There is a lot going on out there at the moment, late spring flora is emerging including a nice flush of orchids across the heathland and some of our special wetland species, including Bog Asphodyl and the lovely Cotton Grass. The woodlands are full of life with early-season fungi emerging, as well as deer tending to their young.”

15 species of orchid can be found in the New Forest; the most common being the Heath Spotted Orchid, found in damper areas like the edges of bogs from June to July, and the Common Spotted Orchid, which prefers grassland and heathland, its flushes typically seen between June and August.

Bog asphodel, although uncommon in southern England, has found the New Forest’s wetland to be an ideal stronghold; you can look out for the its ‘star-like’ yellow flowers blossoming between July and August. Wetlands also make a home for the Round-leaved Sundew, an insectivorous plant found in wet soil that blossoms during the summer with a spike of white flowers.

If your walk takes you across heathland, you’ll spot Bell Heather in bloom, creating a beautiful purple carpet between July and August, whilst Cross-leaved Heather offers a more subtle pink shade around wetter areas.
If during your New Forest retreat, you head out for forest walks in woodland and meadow, look out for the towers of Foxgloves and the small, delicate yellow flowers of Tormentil.

Marcus also says to look out for, “birds of prey that are busy feeding their young across the Forest,” and says to listen out for “the haunting cry of the Curlew that can be heard across the heath.”

According to the New Forest National Park Association, ‘the New Forest is now one of the only areas of south east England where the curlew still breeds. Here they are widespread but uncommon, with less than 40 pairs.’

If you did want to join a guided walk, our Hampshire hotel’s partnership with Wild New Forest means we’ve created an exclusive package for guests searching for a truly immersive stay.

The two-night stay includes accommodation in one of our characterful rooms, a private breakfast accompanied by a fascinating illustrated nature talk from Wild New Forest followed by a guided walk at Culverley, and dinner at The Terrace or Monty's on Friday.

Perfect for all ages and experience levels, the walks with Wild New Forest are family-friendly and a true highlight during any New Forest break, offering a fun and educational adventure for the whole family.

As a dog-friendly hotel, your four-legged friends are also invited to join in, and are just asked to be kept on a lead for the walk.

So, whether you wish to join a guided walk or go exploring yourself, now you have a few things to look out for during your New Forest getaway.