The New Forest. 22/09/93; England; 28,003 ha; 50°50'N 001°39'W. Special Protection Area EC Directive; SSSI. An extensive complex of woodland, dry and wet heath and over 90 valley mires, associated seepages and peatlands situated on acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Pools in the heath-mire matrix contain nutrient-enriched water supporting a species-rich assemblage of plants. Several species of plants, invertebrates and birds occurring at the site are rare, vulnerable, endangered or nationally scarce. The site is important for breeding, feeding and roosting birds characteristic of the heathland environment and wintering raptors, with up to 15 Circus cyaneus feeding or roosting in the area. Human activities include tourism, recreation, and increased development around the periphery. The decline in livestock grazing has caused a reduction in the floral diversity. Ramsar site no. 622. Most recent RIS information: 2007.