In a bid to combat species decline and revitalize wildlife habitats within New Forest, a significant stride has been made with a grant exceeding £1 million from the Species Survival Fund.
In a bid to combat species decline and revitalize wildlife habitats within the New Forest, a significant stride has been made with a grant exceeding £1 million from the Species Survival Fund. This substantial allocation aims to bolster conservation efforts and rejuvenate the ecological balance within the confines of the national park.
Chairman of the National Park Authority (NPA), David Bence, emphasized the critical role of the New Forest as a bastion for numerous species. He underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that some species find their last sanctuary within the forest’s boundaries.
The ambitious endeavor entails enhancing 250 hectares (600 acres) of land spanning 25 different sites. This multifaceted approach encompasses the improvement of various habitats, including woodland, mires, heathland, meadow, wetlands, and streams. Furthermore, the initiative will involve the creation of new ponds, wetlands, and meadows to bolster biodiversity.
In addition to hands-on conservation work, teams will conduct comprehensive surveys, provide guidance to landowners, and organize educational guided walks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these habitats.
A pivotal aspect of the program is to foster connectivity between the protected core of the New Forest and its surrounding areas, facilitating the dispersion of species across a broader landscape. This strategic move is envisioned to enhance the resilience of New Forest habitats in the face of climate change challenges.
Collaboration lies at the heart of this initiative, with partnerships forged with esteemed conservation groups such as the Freshwater Habitats Trust, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, New Forest Commoners Defence Association, and Wild New Forest.
The collaborative effort is expected to result in the creation and retention of 14 jobs, providing employment opportunities within the conservation sector. Furthermore, five interns will be equipped with essential green skills, fostering their potential to pursue careers in environmental conservation. Additionally, the project aims to enlist the support of 50 new volunteers, harnessing the power of community engagement in safeguarding the natural heritage of the New Forest.
Mr. Bence reiterated the international significance of the New Forest as a haven for wildlife, emphasizing the uniqueness of its diverse habitats. He stressed the imperative of urgent conservation efforts to safeguard the forest’s ecological integrity, particularly in light of mounting threats.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow echoed these sentiments, affirming that the funding injection will facilitate the restoration of nature on a substantial scale. She emphasized the critical importance of creating expansive and high-quality habitats to reverse the alarming trend of species loss, underlining the pivotal role of collaborative conservation efforts in achieving this objective.
The allocation of over £1 million for wildlife habitat restoration projects in the New Forest heralds a promising chapter in the ongoing battle to preserve biodiversity and safeguard the ecological heritage of this renowned national park. Through concerted action and collaborative partnerships, stakeholders are poised to make significant strides in bolstering the resilience of New Forest ecosystems and securing a sustainable future for its diverse array of species.