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Wetland restoration updates June 2024



We will be carrying out some restoration work this summer, revisiting some areas for repairs as well as undertaking restoration at a few new sites.

Work will take up to four weeks at each site which will remain open throughout, so you’ll still be able to use the Forest for walking or riding. However, there may be some temporary interruption to footpaths while work is taking place.

Where and when are we doing it?

Below is a brief outline of the work we will be doing at each site, including an indication of timings. Due to many variables, such as weather conditions, this will likely be subject to change.

  • Anses Wood [see map] – infill eroding section of channel and relocate watercourse to lowest point in the floodplain. Work estimated to take two weeks and is planned for May-early June.
  • Penny Moor [see map] – bed level raise ditch and level spoil, replace bridges with gravel ford crossings. Work estimated to take two weeks, planned for July.
  • Hawkhill Mire [see map] – repair nick points in channel, replace culvert with gravel ford crossing and press in stakes. Work estimate to take two weeks, planned for July/August.
  • Furzey Lodge Mire/Rans Wood [see map] – repair eroding nick points in channel feeding into Inclosure; remove spoil banks, reinstate meanders and bed level raise channel. Work estimate to take four weeks, planned for July/August.
  • Ober Water [see map] – remove wooden structures and exposed stakes. Bed level raise short section of the channel and reprofile bankside. Work estimated to take one week, planned for beginning of June.
  • Shirley Holms [see map] – repair minor eroding nick points, cut off exposed stakes (postponed from 2023). Work estimated take one week, planned for June.
  • Island Thorns [see map] – repair eroding nick point and remove exposed stakes. Work estimated to take one week, planned for late July.
  • Ravens Nest Inclosure [see map] – infill artificial forestry drainage using adjacent spoil banks. Work estimated to take two weeks, planned for August.

Why are we doing it?

The main objective of the restoration is to keep the New Forest’s designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in favourable condition, and keeping it resilient so that wildlife and habitats thrive.

Why now?

The timing of this work is critical – it has to be carried out during the summer months, when the water levels are at their lowest, and the ground is at its driest.

A special place

As well as being a SSSI, the New Forest is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) and also a Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance). It’s important we do these restoration works to keep these habitats special.

Thank you for your support

We’d like to thank all the local residents and businesses that have worked with us, supported this project and helped us to safeguard these habitats for future generations.

Any questions?

Please email hls.enquiries@forestryengland.uk

Photo: Nick Mott