LANDFORD COMMON
Summer walk on the margins of the New Forest
On the northern margins of the New Forest NP, Landford Common includes all the classic forest habitats in a relatively tight area and is perfect for a morning or evening birding walk. Heathland vegetation predominates, perfect for Dartford Warbler, Wood Lark and, at dusk, Nightjar. Also, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Sand Lizard and Adder (dog-walkers be aware) 1
From the car park scan eastwards across the forest for raptors: Kestrel, Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard are most likely, plus a chance of Red Kite,
Goshawk and even Honey Buzzard. Swifts and hirundines also feed above the canopy. Open ground attracts the likes of Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail and Stock Dove, to feed.
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The small block of woodland by Plaitford Common supports resident species, such as woodpeckers, tits, finches, thrushes, Tawny Owl, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Goldcrest; plus summering Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Cuckoo with Turtle Dove, Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart around the margins. Birch scrub can attract Whinchat, Wood and Willow Warblers, Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit and Reed Bunting, plus a chance of Wood Lark. Little Egret, Grey Heron and Grey Wagtail haunt the stream. A good viewpoint to listen for Nightjar and Woodcock at dusk.
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Meadow Pipit and Sky Lark frequent the open heath with Wood Lark and Tree Pipit in scattered dead timber, Dartford warbler and Stonechat in gorse scrub, and Hobbies hawking dragonflies overhead. Another good spot for an evening foray for crepuscular species.
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The conifer plantation attracts the likes of Goldcrest, Firecrest, Coal Tit, Lesser Redpoll, Siskin and Crossbill. Check along the woodland margins for Spotted Flycatcher, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo and post breeding flocks of tits and warblers.