The topics listed below have been identified as high priority evidence gaps relating to New Forest biodiversity and conservation. They are topical and of high strategic importance but are not thought to be adequately addressed via other mechanisms at the present time.

 

These topics were initially proposed by workshop attendees at the New Forest Biodiversity Conference on 06 Feb 2024 and ranked according to number of responses; they were then reviewed and rationalised by Steering Group members at a meeting on 15 Apr 2024 and subsequently via email. Note that some of the priority topics identified by workshop attendees are being covered by other Forum activities, including the Small Grant Scheme.

 

The nine priority topics for the NFBF Strategic Research Programme are:

 

1. Distribution, abundance, and ecological impact of large grazing herbivores.

2. Management and restoration of designated habitats.

3. Recreational impacts on vulnerable habitats and species.

4. Habitat mapping and ecosystem monitoring.

5. Pollution impacts on habitats and species.

6. Linking the forest core, fringe, and wider landscape.

7. Building resilience to climate change and extreme weather.

8. New technologies and techniques for biodiversity monitoring.

9. Species (re)introductions and non-native species.

 

Examples of activities under each priority topic are bulleted below. Other activities may be considered for funding under the NFBF Strategic Research Programme, but those listed will be prioritised. Note that this list will be refreshed periodically.

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1. Distribution, abundance, and ecological impact of large grazing herbivores

 

• Spatio-temporal distribution, abundance, and behaviour of livestock and deer.

 

• Influence of large herbivore grazing on biodiversity in different habitats.

 

• New technologies to monitor grazing herbivores and their impacts, e.g. drones.

 

• Inventory of back-up grazing and potential for increased biodiversity and protection.

 

 

2. Management and restoration of designated habitats

 

• Impact of current heathland management practises on biodiversity and soil health.

 

• Identify mechanisms to reduce wildfire risk while maintaining biodiversity.

 

• Changing dynamics of woodland habitats and impacts on priority species.

 

• Identify impacts of wetland restoration on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

 

 

3. Recreational impacts on vulnerable habitats and species

 

• Measure and mitigate impacts of dogs on vulnerable habitats and species.

 

• Measure cumulative impacts of different recreational pressures.

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4. Habitat mapping and ecosystem monitoring

 

• Update vegetation / habitat maps to detect change and inform management.

 

• Map the New Forest freshwater network including ephemeral waterbodies.

 

• Identify habitat-based species assemblages and key indicators of good ecological status.

 

 

5. Pollution impacts on habitats and species

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• Measure impacts of pollution on New Forest waterbodies and their biodiversity.

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6. Linking the forest core, fringe, and wider landscape 

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• Opportunity mapping for habitat creation / restoration and landscape-scale connectivity.

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7. Building resilience to climate change and extreme weather

 

• Investigate impacts of climate change and extreme weather on habitats and species.

 

• Develop climate resilience strategies to mitigate impacts of drought, fire, flooding etc.

 

 

8. New technologies and techniques for biodiversity monitoring

 

• Use of eDNA to measure biodiversity in aquatic and subsurface habitats.

 

 

9. Species (re)introductions and non-native species

 

• Investigate ecosystem impacts of increasing / reintroduced predator species.

 

• Identify current and future vectors for non-native species.

 

 

Further strategic priorities 

 

The following topics were also identified as high priority by workshop attendees but will be covered by other mechanisms:

 

• Increasing the knowledge base for under-recorded species and species interactions

 

Work on individual species and species interactions will be covered by other mechanisms including the NFBF Small Grant Scheme; this will include targeted surveys to develop baselines and establish trends for under-recorded species groups, including (but not restricted to) bats, small mammals, nocturnal wintering birds, aquatic and saproxylic invertebrates, heathland moths, fungi, bacteria, and coastal and marine species.

 

Work on species interactions could, for example, include effects of ticks and other diseases on birds and other vertebrates, and influence of prey availability on breeding wader productivity. Studies into movements of priority species within and beyond the forest boundary will also be included here.

 

• Increasing the quantity, quality, and accessibility of biodiversity data

 

The Forum has commissioned a biodiversity audit for the New Forest National Park which is due to deliver results in mid 2026. 

 

• Building effective networks of stakeholders, volunteers, and citizen scientists

 

In addition to delivering the annual New Forest Biodiversity Conference, the Forum is developing online communications and resources (via the Hub) and has launched a Volunteer Ecological Surveyor Programme (VESPA).

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