Latest news with #NewForestNationalPark
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Science
- BBC News
Singing Cicadas return to the UK after 30 years!
Known for its loud, musical singing sounds, this creature hasn't been spotted in the UK for 30 years... but what is it? It is a special kind of bug, called the New Forest cicada. These insects haven't been found since the 1990's in the UK, but now scientists have brought them week eleven New Forest cicadas were released into a specially-created habitat. What is a cicada? Cicadas are amazing, big bugs known for their loud humming sounds and see-through wings and do not bite or sting. Male cicadas produce their buzzing song to attract females and when there a lots in one place these sounds turn into an overpowering humming sound. The cicadas being rehomed in the UK live underground for at least four years before emerging as adults. Some types of cicada can live up to 17 years - though most of this time will be underground!Cicadas are a valuable food for birds and other predators. How are conservationists bringing cicadas back? Scientists transported 11 female cicadas from France over to the team then placed them in a safe, special home in Hampshire, near the New Forest where UK cicadas once used to are hoping these new cicadas will lay eggs so their babies can grow underground. But they won't know if it worked until 2029!In the meantime, the team say it hopes to bring in more cicadas from France to continue the Carne, Species Recovery Trust project officer, said: "This has been a really challenging project so it's amazing to see New Forest cicadas in England after all this time."If all goes well, the cicadas might be released into secret locations in the New Forest again, and one day we might hear them sing in the wild once more.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- BBC News
Stallion warning as New Forest breeding season starts
Drivers and visitors to the New Forest are being warned to keep their distance as stallions have been released in the New Forest to the behaviour of the 21 stallions could be erratic, verderers who regulate the livestock on the forest have urged visitors not to walk through the pony herds and to keep dogs under close are being urged to be on their guard, plan their route and expect large herds of ponies that are likely to be "flighty and defensive".The stallions were turned out on Monday and will be brought in on 23 June. Urging drivers heed warnings, campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness said: "The stallions are going out to hundreds of ladies that haven't seen a gent in are only thinking about one thing."The ponies will be running, there are foals as well so please drive with care and attention."The approved stallions are turned out each year to different areas across the forest to maintain the New Forest pony as a they are not turned out into the forest the registered stallions live out on one large pasture are owned by commoners who live in properties with ancient rights attached, dating back to the 11th Century, allowing them to graze livestock on the open forest. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
