New Forest Citizen Science
Join us in mapping the distribution of New Forest specialist species
Our goal is to generate meaningful data about the distribution of key New Forest species. By combining this data with habitat mapping, we aim to identify whether these species are present in their expected habitats and how their distribution has changed over time. We can use these insights to guide future conservation management plans, identify opportunity areas and deepen our knowledge of these species and their ecology.
Why is this important?
Despite their importance, freshwater species are often under-recorded within a landscape. People tend to avoid the wet, boggy areas that these species typically dwell in, and many freshwater species are only found underwater; as such they often go unseen and unrecorded. Due to the wealth of nationally scarce species found here, the New Forest has a long history of species recording, with people travelling from far and wide to document the incredible biodiversity. While some areas, such as Hatchet Pond, boast extensive historic data on species distribution, other parts of the Forest remain poorly surveyed.
Our citizen science project aims to bridge these gaps. By building upon the historic species records that we do have, and generating new data for the areas we currently know very little about, we hope to create a picture of species distributions across the Forest. An initial baseline data set will help us to understand current distribution patterns and allow us to track changes over time, informing our future conservation efforts.
As a citizen scientist, you’ll receive training in survey methods and species identification before heading out into the Forest to begin your surveys. Together, we can shine a light on the hidden lives of freshwater species and contribute to safeguarding their future protection.
What's next?
Survey Maps
The maps below use blue squares to highlight areas with historic records of the target species. We suggest conducting your surveys near these blue squares to begin with, as this provides really useful data and may help you hone your survey skills. However, you are welcome to start your survey from any accessible car park in the New Forest.
Pillwort
Click on the map to see where this species has been recorded previously.
Marsh Clubmoss
Click on the map to see where this species has been recorded previously.
Coral Necklace
Click on the map to see where this species has been recorded previously.
Get involved in our other citizen science projects
Big Pond Dip
Do the Big Pond Dip to learn more about what’s living in your pond and how healthy it is for wildlife.
Urban Pond Count
We’re asking people to help us estimate the number of ponds in England, so we can help protect them and the species they support.
PondNet Spawn Survey
The PondNet Spawn Survey maps the sightings of Common Frog and Common Toad spawn across the country to better understand how amphibians use different types of waterbodies to breed. Simply log your sightings of Common Frog and Common Toad spawn to help us learn more about amphibian breeding activity across the UK.