Goshawks - phantoms of the forest

1 April and 31 August 2010

If you go down to the woods today, be prepared for a big surprise.

Keep your eyes peeled, and you might catch sight of us goshawks. We're the phantoms of the forest, gliding silently through the New Forest. We are graceful predators that rely on stealth. Once hunted to extinction in the UK, we now haunt woodland glades undisturbed.

For most of the year we're very hard to see as we live out our lives deep in the woods. But well-placed cameras will give you a rare insight into our private lives, and show how we raise our chicks from eggs to first flight.

You can also try your luck at spotting us as you walk around the forest. For a short period in the early part of the year look skywards and you might just catch us performing our amazing roller-coaster display high above the trees. The things we do to attract a mate!

We're not the only attraction on this date, though. Some of the forest's other stealthy hunters, such as hobbies and sparrowhawks, as well as lapwings, curlews, redshanks, snipe, and woodlarks also live safely within the protection of the New Forest National Park.

There are also fascinating reptiles and amphibians, from common lizards, adders and smooth snakes to sand lizards and natterjack toads. These are often easy to see in the special reptile 'pods'.

Afterwards you can explore the circular Reptile Trail, and if you're really lucky you might catch a glimpse of the forest wildlife slithering, hopping or darting through the undergrowth.

Entry is free, but donations for parking are welcome. Friendly staff will be on hand to answer all your questions about us and the other forest wildlife.

Are you going to enjoy yourself? There's more than a ghost of a chance...

When can you see us?

Live pictures will be beamed to the Forestry Commission's New Forest Reptile Centre, which is open from 10 am until 4.30 pm.

What's at the site?

There is a large flat screen TV showing live and recorded footage from the nest, and another TV showing a film about other brilliant birds that nest in the New Forest. This site is accessible by wheelchair. There are toilets and picnic tables on site.

How to find us

We are at the Forestry Commission's New Forest Reptile Centre, where you can see our six native reptiles. By car, or bike, the centre is 2 miles south west of Lyndhurst off the A35.

Still got some questions?

Telephone: RSPB South East regional office on 01273 763627 or 01273 775333

Why not make a day of it?

While you're out and about, why not visit one of the following?

• New Forest Reptile Centre
• New Forest Visitor Centre and Museum

This date has been brought to you with the help of Forestry Commission and New Forest National Park Authority. This project is being part-financed by the New Forest National Park Authority's Sustainable Development Fund. Webcam images are supplied by Carnyx Films.