Wildlife Explorers Newsletter

Highlights

We cannot believe that we are already halfway through 2024!

So far this year, we have run 12 events, and, in this newsletter, we will share some updates on

our recent events, upcoming events, and ways we are getting involved in protecting our precious wildlife. Also, we are pleased to say that we have had some new members join us as we work together to learn and to make a positive

impact on our environment and the animals that call it home.

Since our last newsletter, we have had some amazing experiences exploring the beauty of nature through these group walks, immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. From birdwatching at Hockey’s Farm with our Dawn Chorus walk, to floral identification on our New Forest Flora walk, each walk brings us closer to the diverse wildlife that surrounds us.

Our group is a lively and dynamic bunch that are always finding new ways to have fun while we learn about our wonderful forest and create lasting memories together. The group is constantly striving to support and uplift each other through shared knowledge, resources, and experiences. Whether we're exploring new places, trying new activities, or simply enjoying each other's company, the fun never seems to end.  

Birdsong is a beautiful sound that can bring joy and peace, so on our Dawn chorus walk, we had the opportunity to not only observe   various bird species but also learn to identify their unique songs and calls.

One of our most popular events was our Beaulieu River

Boat Tour. With this event, we decided to split into two groups, where one group explored the stunning beauty of the Beaulieu River on the Lazy Daze boat, while the other group stayed at the lovely Bucklers Hard for a Bio Blitz event, then swapped so everybody got the opportunity to explore the river. On the boat, we got to enjoy some marvellous sights and sounds, from spotting a wonderful Oystercatcher, to observing so many other majestic birds in their natural habitats.

The Bio Blitz was a fun event where we got to explore and record all the different species of plants and animals in a specific area. It's a race against time to document as much biodiversity as possible in a short period of time. These events are so much fun and also very  educational for us all.

We set out on our nightjar walk together one evening, eager to observe these elusive nocturnal birds in their natural habitat. Armed with binoculars and a sense of excitement, guided only by the churring of the nightjar, we were very lucky to have a magnificent view of this mysterious creature sweeping and gliding over our heads.

Upcoming events:

As we look ahead to the future, there are exciting upcoming events on the horizon for our group;

·       Butterflies/Dragonflies

·       Bio Blitz 

·       Tree ID

·       Mothing

·       Coastal Bird Ringing

Schedule:

Wildlife Explorers is only possible (and is offered free of charge) thanks to financial support from: Wild New Forest, Go New Forest, New Forest District Council and Love the Forest.

We also would like to thank Tara. Tara has been an invaluable asset in running the group, providing support, organization, and guidance throughout the process. Her dedication and hard work have truly made a difference in the success of the group. We could not run this group without her.

We’re so pleased that young enthusiasts can come together to learn and explore the wonders of the natural world. We are thrilled to see the club grow and expand as we embark on this exciting journey of discovery and conservation. Join us as we continue to delve into the fascinating world of wildlife and work towards protecting and preserving our environment for future generations.