U25 - free access to unique RSPB sights.

To help promote the engagement of young people with nature, the RSPB is giving 16 to 24-year-olds free access to their 21 most popular reserves (with a photo ID that shows their age.) Click here to see sights close to the Heritage Centre. This gives us the perfect opportunity to share all the bird-spotting history we have in our archives.

The New Forest has been a source of inspiration for many nature enthusiasts, both amateur and professional. One such individual was the renowned wildlife cameraman Eric Ashby, who dedicated his life to promoting environmental causes and showcasing the natural world. His legacy lives on through his notes, books, films, photographs, and camera equipment, all held in our Heritage Centre archive.

The changing bird species around the New Forest serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of our environment. While some species, like the nightingales, have disappeared from certain locations, it is crucial to recognise and preserve the natural world for future generations. Our perception of "normal" nature is shaped by our experiences, and it's important to ensure that younger generations have the opportunity to engage with and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

By acknowledging the environmental changes and emphasizing the importance of preserving nature for future generations, we can inspire young individuals to become the naturalists and conservationists of the future.

You can visit our Local Studies Room every Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm without booking. Copies of our bird-spotting notes will be available for you to read and learn from.

All images from our archive.

Thanks to our volunteer, Chris Blake, for his contribution.