Bringing the New Forest back to life

A host of species are benefiting from habitat restoration at RSPB Franchises Lodge, a 426-hectare expanse in the New Forest purchased in 2018. Ongoing work includes opening up conifer plantations and areas overwhelmed by invasive rhododendron, letting in more light to boost ground flora and fungi. Emerging native shrubs provide shelter and food, while veteran Sweet Chestnut, oak and Beech trees support invertebrates, fungi and insects.

Surveys have already recorded Pine Martens; the nationally rare Bechstein’s Bat; possibly the UK’s largest breeding colony of Common Toads; and Great Crested Newts. Birds include Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Firecrests and Goshawks, while butterflies such as Silver-studded Blues and Graylings thrive here, too. The species list is expected to grow as habitat recovery continues at Franchises Lodge, which is not yet open to the public.