New Forest Snipe survey
- Wild New Forest
- Feb 24, 2020
- 2 min read
Russ writes:
Yesterday I attended a briefing for New Forest Snipe surveyors led by Keith Betton (Chairman and Country Recorder, Hampshire Ornithological Society) and Andy Page (Head Keeper and Head of Wildlife Management, Forestry England). The New Forest Snipe survey is the final part of the most recent forest-wide survey of ground-nesting waders, funded by the New Forest Higher Level Stewardship scheme, with Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank covered last year.
Territorial Snipe (photo by Marcus)
These surveys are vital, as right now our ground-nesting waders are in big trouble. Ongoing work led by Wild New Forest and Forestry England since 2016 has revealed that breeding Curlew numbers in the New Forest have declined by as much as two-thirds in the last two decades, with just 40 pairs left. Lapwing numbers are at their lowest ebb in recent history, due to the ‘Beast from the East’ a couple of years ago and recent dry springs (which make it easier for predators and people to access sensitive wetland nest sites). In addition, breeding Redshanks on the Open Forest are now restricted to a small area in the southeast, with no more than 5-10 pairs.
The current status of Snipe is less clear. Population estimates in recent decades have mostly been in the range of 100-200 pairs, but this is not an easy species to survey. The last HLS survey in 2014 generated about 100 pairs. During recent Curlew survey work we’ve opportunistically recorded around 80 Snipe territories, so would expect the total population to still number 100 pairs or more. But the true figure could be much higher.
The field meeting yesterday was therefore to discuss the most effective survey techniques and show surveyors the preferred habitat – we also got to see a couple of Snipe! I’ve volunteered to cover some of the suitable habitat between Lyndhurst and Beaulieu, as I’ll be surveying this area intensively as part of our Curlew monitoring programme - it will be interesting to see how many Snipe I find when I’m really looking for them!
Drumming Snipe (photo by Marcus)
Other bird sightings before and during the meeting yesterday included singing Dartford Warbler, Skylark and Meadow Pipit, a couple of Ravens having a territorial tussle, and several displaying Buzzards. And then it started raining again!
Anyone interested in participating in the NF Snipe survey this year should contact Keith asap via the HOS website:
The New Forest Snipe survey highlights the urgent need to monitor and protect ground‑nesting waders. With Curlew numbers down to just 40 breeding pairs and Lapwing and Redshank populations at critically low levels, the survey aims to clarify the true status of Snipe, which remain difficult to count but are estimated at around 100 pairs. Much like in Fnaf, where careful observation and attention to subtle signs are essential for survival, conservation here depends on precise monitoring and timely action to safeguard fragile habitats and species.
Species such as Curlew, Lapwing, and Redshank have experienced major population declines due to environmental changes, predator access, Pokepath TD harsh weather events, and human disturbance. Curlews have declined dramatically to only around 40 breeding pairs, while Lapwing and Redshank populations are now at critically low levels in the region.
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