New Forest Wildlife Camp 2020

Unfortunately this year's camp will not take place in May due to the spread of Coronavirus. We were thrilled to receive a large amount of applications this year but sadly due to circumstances, we have had to postpone. We are looking at a potential date in the autumn and will keep you posted

We are delighted to sponsor and participate in the Wild New Forest Nature Camp, held at the Countryside Education Trust, Beaulieu, Hampshire. This event is aimed at young wildlife enthusiasts between the ages of 12 and 17, and provides a fantastic opportunity for them to experience the wildlife of the New Forest in the company of like-minded people.

The 2020 event is being organised and led by Wild New Forest, a volunteer group that co-ordinates wildlife surveys to support conservation action in the New Forest National Park. www.wildnewforest.co.uk. They are wildlife experts who will share their knowledge and passion for nature as well as providing careers advice for budding conservationists.

The camp was previously run in conjunction with HOS (Hampshire Ornithological Society) but we wanted to expand and include a more generic wildlife experience rather than focus solely on birds.

These are some of the activities participants will experience:

Wildlife observation
Bird ringing and ID skills
Moth trapping
Nocturnal bat recording
Mammal camera trapping
Conservation careers talks

Highlights of the past events have included great views of Goshawk, Honey Buzzard, Avocet, Nightjar and Wood Warbler, as well as the nationally rare Scarce Merveille du Jour moth.

Participants will be provided with meals, accommodation and transportation during the weekend, but will need to arrange travel to and from the Countryside Education Trust (Palace Lane, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YG). Arrival is at 6pm on Friday 22 May and the event finishes at 4pm on Sunday 24 May.

The event is sponsored by the Cameron Bespolka Trust which means that Wild New Forest only require a nominal contribution of £25 per person. Note that places are limited, and will be awarded to young wildlife enthusiasts demonstrating a keen interest in, and commitment to, nature conservation and observation.