In the Forest

This morning we enjoyed a wonderful guided walk through the RSPB Franchises Lodge nature reserve, on  the northern edge of the New Forest, with the reserve  manager.
It's a relatively new reserve, occupying 1000 acres of broadleaf woodland, coniferous plantation and a small area of heathland. There's also a field study centre providing excellent facilities for young people called  Cameron's Cottage. 
Highlights for us included hearing  Wood Warblers and Cuckoos, and seeing Marsh Tits. 
There's lots of work still to be carried out, such as removing Rhododendron ponticam and reducing the deer population, but it's already a special place for wildlife.