Revisiting the New Forest’s small mammals after more than 75 years
In 2026, we are beginning a comprehensive survey of small mammals across the New Forest using Longworth live-capture traps. Remarkably, the last comparable survey was completed in 1949, making this an important opportunity to build an up-to-date picture of the Forest’s small mammal communities.
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Small mammals play a vital role within the ecosystem. They help disperse seeds, influence woodland regeneration and provide an important food source for many birds and mammals. Despite their significance, their current distribution and abundance within the New Forest are not well understood.
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The Survey
Using Longworth traps, we will record the small mammal species present across a range of habitats and begin gathering baseline information on their distribution and relative abundance.
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All animals will be handled carefully, recorded and released at the point of capture. The survey will help establish a modern baseline against which future changes in small mammal populations can be monitored.
What We Hope to Learn
As the project is only just beginning, there are no results to share yet. Over time, we hope the survey will:
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improve our understanding of small mammal distribution across the New Forest;
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look at the relationship between Pine Marten and small mammal density
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identify differences between habitats and survey areas;
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provide a baseline for future monitoring;
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support wider research into woodland biodiversity and food webs; and
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help inform future habitat management and conservation work.
Follow the Project
We will share updates, photographs and early findings as the survey develops.
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Check back soon for the first results from the 2026 field season.