The New Forest National Park Wildlife

The New Forest is famous for its wildlife and is an area of National importance for conservation. Wetland (mires/bogs), woodland, heathland, grassland and coastline makes this landscape unique, offering diverse habitats for the forest wildlife.

The ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely, appear to be wild, however, they are all owned by Commoners who have the right to graze their animals within the Perambulation boundary (the area in which Commoners' rights apply). The ponies and cattle are of vital importance to the National Park as they are responsible for grooming the forest, keeping the grass short and controling the shrubs, with their grazing.

Living along side the ponies, cattle and pigs are the truly wild animals of the forest. Reptiles and amphibians, deer, birds, foxes, rabbits, badgers and squirrels can all be found in the National Park.

Keeping a good balance, by controlling wildlife numbers, is very important to the conservation of the forest. The annual culling of up to 800 deer is necessary as the deer have no natural predators.

A 40mph speed limit is in place, throughout the New Forest, to protect the wildlife that wander across the roads, day and night. Some Commoners have fitted their ponies with highly reflective collars, enabling them to be more visible to motorists, at night.

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