Wildlife Explorers Club - Newsletter

What’ve Been Up To?

Bio Blitz at Hockey's Farm:

Our Bio Blitz event at Hockey's Farm was a fantastic success! The Wildlife Explorers had an incredible time discovering a wide range of species, including fascinating insects, beautiful flowers, and exciting birds. The event was filled with wonderful discoveries as our young explorers embraced the

challenge of identifying everything from buzzing insects to delicate wildflowers. It was a great reminder of the diverse wildlife around us.

Bird ringing at Keyhaven:

The young explorers got hands-on experience, learning about bird conservation and the vital role ringing plays in tracking and understanding our feathered friends.

It was an incredible opportunity to see these amazing birds up close while learning about their migration patterns and habits. We can't wait for more adventures like this, inspiring the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts!

Fungi Walk:

We kicked off the fungi season with an unforgettable fungi walk, where our young explorers uncovered an incredible array of over 60 different fungi species. The excitement was

palpable as we ventured through the New Forest, with each new discovery sparking curiosity and wonder.

Among the highlights of the walk were the stunning Parrot Waxcap, with its vibrant, rainbow-like hues, and the eerie Scarlet Caterpillar Club, a fascinating but somewhat unsettling fungus. This unique species has a dark twist—once a caterpillar unknowingly consumes its spores, the fungus takes over, ultimately killing the insect.

It was a thrilling opportunity to learn about the incredible, sometimes mysterious ways nature operates, all while enjoying the beauty of the forest!

Teaming up with New Forest Litter Pickers!

We recently partnered with the New Forest Litter Pickers for a wonderful event at Bolton’s Bench. Over tea and chocolates, members from both groups came together to share their love for the New Forest before setting off on a litter-picking adventure.

By the end of the event, we had collected two full rubbish bags, and, as always, our Wildlife Explorers couldn’t resist spotting nature’s hidden gems along the way—discovering fascinating fungi like Devil’s Fingers and vibrant Waxcaps!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in making a positive impact on this beautiful landscape.

A Heartfelt Thank You for Supporting the Wildlife Explorers Club! 

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support in making the Wildlife Explorers Club such a special place for young nature enthusiasts. Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to create memorable experiences that inspire the next generation to connect with and protect the incredible wildlife that surrounds us.

Through your involvement, the club has become a hub of discovery, where young explorers have the opportunity to learn, share, and grow in their understanding of the natural world. Whether it's taking part in wildlife walks, fungi hunts, or conservation efforts, each activity is helping to foster a deeper appreciation for our planet and its diverse ecosystems.

We could not have done this without the funding from New Forest Trust and New Forest District Council, as well as the amazing help from Tara Squire. Your invaluable contributions have played a huge part in the success of the club and the experiences we've been able to provide to our young explorers.

We thank them for helping us continue this important work. We look forward to another exciting year of exploration, learning, and fun with our incredible group of explorers.

What's Coming Up in 2025 for the Wildlife Explorers Club? 

We’re excited to share the amazing opportunities and events we have planned for the Wildlife Explorers Club in 2025!

• 20 Guided Wildlife Events

In 2025, we’re offering even more guided walks and wildlife experiences across the New Forest and beyond. From birdwatching to fungi exploration, these events are a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, learn from experts, and get outdoors.

• Wildlife-Themed Zoom Presentations

We will continue offering engaging and educational zoom talks on various wildlife topics, hosted by wildlife specialists. These online presentations will cover fascinating topics such as conservation efforts, species identification, and much more.

• Wildlife Explorers WhatsApp Group

Join our private WhatsApp group where you’ll receive regular updates and event information and be able to connect with fellow young wildlife enthusiasts. It’s a great way to stay informed and make new friends who share your passion for the natural world.

With the generous support of Naturetrek, we can’t wait to make 2025 an exciting year full of wildlife adventures, learning, and fun! Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming events and how you can get involved.

Exciting News for 2025 

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Naturetrek has generously agreed to sponsor the Wildlife Explorers Club throughout 2025! This incredible support will allow us to continue offering exciting and educational experiences for young nature enthusiasts in the New Forest.

With Naturetrek’s partnership, we will be able to expand our activities, host more wildlife-focused events, and engage even more young explorers in discovering the wonders of the natural world.

This sponsorship marks an exciting new chapter for the club, and we can’t wait to share all

the upcoming activities and events that will be made possible thanks to their support. Naturetrek’s dedication to wildlife conservation and education aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to work together to inspire the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more details on what’s to come in 2025, and thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!

Apply Now:

If you or someone you know would love to become part of our Wildlife Explorers Club, aged 10-16, we encourage you to apply today! Whether you're a young nature enthusiast or know someone who is passionate about wildlife and eager to explore the natural wonders of the New Forest, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a like-minded community of explorers.

The Wildlife Explorers Club is open to young people aged 10-16 who are excited to learn, discover, and make new friends along the way. With plenty of hands-on activities, exciting wildlife walks, and fascinating learning opportunities, it’s the perfect way for budding naturalists to experience the outdoors and deepen their connection with nature.

To apply, simply fill out the application form on our website here:  https://www.wildnewforest.co.uk/get-involved

We can’t wait to welcome new members and continue to inspire the next generation of wildlife lovers!

2025 Schedule:

We’re thrilled to see young nature enthusiasts come together to explore and learn about the wonders of the natural world. It’s exciting to watch the club grow, and we’re so proud to be part of this journey of discovery and conservation.

As we continue to delve deeper into the fascinating world of wildlife, we are committed to protecting and preserving our environment for future generations. Join us in this exciting adventure as we work together to make a positive impact on our planet!