Help Us Replace Stolen Hawfinch Research Equipment

As many of you know, Marcus has spent over 15 years studying Hawfinches in the New Forest. This isn’t just a hobby — it’s a true passion rooted in a lifelong love for wildlife, and a deep commitment to understanding and protecting one of Britain’s rarest and most elusive birds.

At Wild New Forest Guided Tours, we’re a not-for-profit organisation focused on conservation, education, and connecting people with nature. All of our work is funded through a mix of small-scale income from guided walks, personal investment, and the occasional grant. We don’t make a profit — everything we earn goes straight back into the forest and its wildlife.

That’s why it’s so disheartening to share that two of our trail cameras and a specialist bird feeder were recently stolen from the Bolderwood area. These weren’t just bits of gear — they were vital tools for a long-term Hawfinch study, helping us monitor behaviour, breeding, and population trends.

This theft is more than a financial setback — it’s a blow to conservation. With Hawfinches under real pressure, every bit of data matters. Losing this equipment limits our ability to continue the research at a time when it's needed most.

We’re asking for your help to replace what was lost. Any donation, big or small, will help us get back on our feet and continue the work we’re so passionate about. And if you’re local to the Bolderwood area and saw anything suspicious, please get in touch — your information could make a difference.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support. It really does mean the world to us.