Pine martens and bats discovered at New Forest reserve

The elusive mammals were found at RSPB Franchises Lodge in the north of the New Forest, a 1,000-acre reserve described by the charity as a "secret forest."

Since acquiring the site in 2018, the RSPB has conducted surveys uncovering a rich array of wildlife, including the pine martens, which have been recorded on camera traps in multiple locations across the reserve.

The Echo reported on several sightings of the mammal last year as part of conservation and restoration efforts as part of the Species Survival Fund.

READ MORE: Pine martens among 40 rare species thriving in New Forest

Izzy Williamson, site manager at RSPB Franchises Lodge, said: "We’re excited to have pine martens using the reserve and their numbers are increasing generally across the New Forest.

Rare pine martens caught on camera in New Forest's secret reserve (Image: Russ Wynn) "They were once widespread throughout the UK, but sadly, pine martens were pushed to their limits during the 18th and 19th century – hunted by Victorian gamekeepers, persecuted as vermin, and killed for their fur, as well as losing much of their natural home."

The reserve is also believed to support the largest breeding population of common toads in southern England, possibly the UK.

Izzy said: "Their numbers are so huge during breeding season, that there are too many to count."

The toads breed in the reserve’s Victorian Duck Decoy Pond, a shallow, vegetation-rich lake ideal for spawning.

Bechstein's bat, handled under license (Image: Chris Dieck) The RSPB has altered its management plans to support the toad colony, opting to retain the pond and create additional shallow water habitats nearby.

RSPB Franchises Lodge also hosts a population of rare Bechstein’s bats.

Last year, the charity began a bat tracking project to identify roost sites, using radio transmitters to monitor bat movements.

The study revealed two probable maternity roosts in six trees and identified at least 119 individuals, representing 0.5 per cent of the UK’s estimated population.

Chris Dieck, ecology supervisor at the RSPB, said: "Bechstein's are nationally rare.

"To find at least 119 of these at RSPB Franchises represents around 0.5 per cent of the national population, which is very positive."

The reserve is not currently open to the public due to limited access and infrastructure.

The RSPB continues to survey the site to better understand and protect its wildlife.