MORE than 60 children joined Springwatch presenter Chris Packham for the annual BirdTrail in the New Forest.

Experts from the Hampshire Ornithological Society, the RSPB and Bournemouth Natural Science Society were also on hand to answer questions and help with identification.

During the two-hour trail the participants spotted a large number of species, including firecrest, hobby and hawfinch.

Organiser Paul Levey said: “We tried a new route this year which included woodland, heathland, a stream, and open ground. We were rewarded with a wide variety of species, and people took a little longer than usual to cover the route because there was so much to see.

“We would like to thank the New Forest National Park Authority for allowing us to host the BirdTrail again this year.”

Sixty-five children, young people and their parents took part in the trail, which started from Bolderwood.

Everyone taking part formed teams and followed a route through the Forest to see who could discover the most birds.

The three teams who spotted the most different species of bird were awarded certificates by Chris Packham, who lives in the Forest.