Exploring Nature from the Lounge: A Visit from Wild New Forest
Residents at Wickmeads were recently treated to a fascinating and engaging visit from Marcus and his team at Wild New Forest, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to conservation, education and wildlife protection in the heart of the New Forest.
With many of our residents holding fond memories of days out in the New Forest, this talk was a welcome reminder of just how much rich wildlife lies just beyond our doorstep – much of which often goes unseen.
Wildlife on Our Doorstep
Marcus delivered a captivating slideshow featuring incredible footage of elusive forest creatures, including a detailed look at Mustelids – a group of shy, secretive animals such as Stoats, Pine Martens, Polecats and of course, Otters. Thanks to footage captured by night cameras, we had the rare opportunity to observe their natural behaviours – from hunting to play.
There were many smiles and gasps of wonder as residents watched these secretive animals in action. The presentation sparked conversations and memories among residents who recalled childhood walks, wildlife encounters, and trips to the forest.
Rare Birds and Amazing Journeys
Marcus also introduced us to some of the bird species that call the New Forest home – including a few rare international visitors from Asia and America that had accidentally made their way to the UK due to navigational mishaps. Residents were amazed by the stories of these rare migratory birds and the conservation work being done to protect them.
We also learned about the important task of bird ringing and population monitoring, a crucial part of Wild New Forest’s conservation efforts.
Birds of Prey and Coastal Surprises
A highlight for many was learning about the birds of prey that live in the forest, including their hunting habits – some of which were as intriguing as they were unexpected. But the true stars of the show? The seals. Marcus shared videos and photos of various seal species found along our local coastline and in rivers, much to the delight of the group.
A Talk to Remember
The session was informative, engaging and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Residents left with a deeper appreciation for the New Forest and its diverse wildlife, and many expressed how much they’re looking forward to a future visit from Marcus and his team.
“The New Forest has always been a special place for our residents,” said one team member. “To bring a little of it into our lounge – and to learn about creatures we may never get to see – was such a treat.”
A big thank you to Wild New Forest for the brilliant work they do and for sharing their passion and expertise with us.
