Overview Wild New Forest Guided Tours CIC continues to deliver meaningful environmental, educational, and social impact across the New Forest through three core activity areas: -Education and Engagement -Research and Conservation -Youth Development Together, these activities contribute to a deeper public understanding of the New Forest, support vital conservation work, and nurture the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts and professionals. Education and Engagement Education remains at the heart of our work, with a strong focus on connecting people to the New Forest’s unique landscapes, heritage, and biodiversity. We deliver a diverse programme of guided walks and boat trips, designed for both visitors and local communities. These experiences cover a wide range of topics, including: -The workings of the Forest, including commoning and land management -Species-focused sessions such as fungi, butterflies, birdsong, and flora -Seasonal wildlife In addition, we provide approximately 30 illustrated talks annually, reaching a wide variety of audiences including community groups, U3A organisations, businesses, and specialist interest groups. These talks highlight the importance of the New Forest as a nationally significant habitat for rare and specialist wildlife. We also host our own programme of guest talks, inviting local experts to share knowledge and inspire wider engagement with conservation and ecology. Our digital outreach continues to grow, with a combined social media following of over 16,000 people, allowing us to extend our educational impact far beyond in-person events. Impact: -Increased public understanding of the New Forest’s ecology and management -Greater awareness of conservation challenges and responsibilities -Engagement with diverse audiences across age groups and backgrounds Research and Conservation Wild New Forest plays an active role in supporting conservation through field research, monitoring, and data collection. During the reporting period, we have contributed to several significant projects: -Hawfinch Research – including radio tracking of juvenile birds to better understand post-fledging dispersal patterns -Seabird Monitoring – ringing and monitoring coastal species in collaboration with the Hampshire Countryside Service and the RSPB -Pine Marten Study – acting as the lead organisation in ongoing research, focusing on DNA collection and analysis to support understanding of this elusive species -Hedgerow Establishment Monitoring – working with the Tree Council to assess the success of new hedgerow networks in the Ogdens Valley We also coordinate the New Forest Ringing Group, a team of 12 members. This includes training and mentoring new ringers, with six young participants aged 15–20 currently progressing towards licensing, supporting future careers in conservation and ecology. Impact: -Contribution to nationally important datasets on key and specialist species -Strengthened partnerships with conservation organisations -Development of practical conservation skills and career pathways Wildlife Explorers Club and Youth Camps Supporting young people is a key priority for our CIC. With funding support from Naturetrek, we provide a free Wildlife Explorers Club for young naturalists. The club offers: -Hands-on fieldwork opportunities -A safe and inclusive space for learning and development -Opportunities to build friendships and peer networks In addition, we delivered two weekend wildlife camps for young people aged 16–18. These immersive experiences allow participants to: -Engage in practical conservation and ecological study -Learn directly from experienced field specialists -Develop confidence, skills, and career aspirations Impact: -Reduced barriers to access for young people interested in wildlife -Increased confidence, skills, and knowledge among participants -Creation of a supportive network of emerging conservationists Overall Impact Across all activities, Wild New Forest Guided Tours CIC continues to: -Inspire a deeper connection between people and nature -Support evidence-based conservation in the New Forest -Provide accessible opportunities for learning and participation -Invest in the next generation of environmental professionals

No consultation with stakeholders

Directors' remuneration Director's gross salaries totalled £40,758 for the year.

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration