The New Forest is perhaps best known for its deer. Fallow Deer, Red Deer and Roe Deer are fairly widespread and can often be seen; whilst Sika Deer are found in reasonable numbers, but generally only in the south of the area. Muntjac Deer are also present, but these tiny creatures are secretive and rarely seen.

Badgers are reasonably widely distributed, and so are foxes and rabbits, although in the New Forest all three occur at lower densities than in prime habitats elsewhere. Grey squirrels, though, are successful colonisers despite sometimes determined attempts by man to keep down their numbers.

Hedgehogs are scarce on the Crown lands of the New Forest - there is little suitable food for them - and hares are very rarely seen, probably for the same reason. Mice, voles and shrews also occur only in modest numbers compared to many places elsewhere – heavy grazing by deer and commoners’ stock, and the consequent removal of ground level vegetation, does not suit them - and stoats and weasels are largely absent.

Check out the links below for lots more information about New Forest Deer and some of the other animals.