About the reserve

Bouldnor Forest nature reserve is full to the brim with exciting wildlife. Red squirrels leap from branch to branch and unusual birds such as tree creepers and bullfinches flit between the trees. Why not download one of our wildlife spotter sheets before you go and see how many species you can identify?

Unusual birds such as crossbills and goldcrests are abundant, and during the spring a host of heathland rarities brighten the restored clay heaths – you’ll see pale dog-violet, heath dog-violet and cyperus sedge blooming along the coastal path.

Down on the beach you can uncover the Isle of Wight’s prehistoric past – look closely and you may find small fossils among the pebbles. Once you’ve finished your archaeological activities, you can look out across the Solent and take in the stunning views of the New Forest coast.