Wild New Forest
Guided Tours

Expert-led wildlife tours and conservation projects in the New Forest

Our Story

Wild New Forest Guided Tours is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company managed and run by Emily-Louise and Marcus Ward. We are passionate about conserving and sharing wildlife in the New Forest and supporting the next generation of naturalists. Wild New Forest was established in 2016, starting out as a regular meeting of like minded naturalists to share data and best practise. Our passion is to support conservation of threatened and poorly understood species in the New Forest by conducting surveys and research sharing the data generateed with key stake holders in the new Forest.

What Makes Us Special

Expert Local Guides

All trips led by expert local guides that have extensive knowledge of New Forest wildlife, history, management and much more.

Leading Research

We are leading research on iconic New Forest species and working with a range of conservation organisations supporting and coordinating field survey work.

Working with young people

Through our Wildlife Explorers Club and Wildlife Camps we are empowering and connecting the younger generations with New Forest wildlife

Testimonials

Trips with Wild New Forest are always superb. I have been on butterfly walks and the Beaulieu River cruise frequently over the last couple of years. Marcus Ward and Emily have a great knowledge of the wild life of the New Forest and are great and expert hosts. Always professional, friendly and detailed. Thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants to learn and experience the flora and fauna of the New Forest.

Trip Advisor, Aug 2025

A wonderful morning on the river, seeing the surrounding nature reserves from the only view point possible, as these areas are not accessible to humans! Many interesting birds, some migratory, and a Peregrine too. Seals. We are local and I can’t believe we have never done this! So much still to ask Marcus and will be bringing my small nephew next time as he’s a budding naturalist and would love this experience.

Trip Advisor, Aug 2025

Me and my partner had an excellent tour. We went on the nightjar tour and the guides were incredibly knowledgeable. They recognised the call of a lesser spotted woodpecker which allowed us to see it; they talked about the forest; they pointed out usual fungi, plants and moths and their knowledge of the best time and area to see nightjars meant we were lucky enough to see a spectacular display from of nightjars.