The Friends of New Milton Station have celebrated their latest ‘pop up’ art exhibition in the station waiting room. 

Each exhibition showcases the creativity of local individuals or groups across various art forms, from painting to creative writing.

The latest exhibition, which was available between 20 April and 11 May, was a celebration of nature and wildlife, specifically swifts.

Around 80 pairs of swifts nest in and around the North Milton Estate and return each year to the same nests. Swifts like to live in colonies, and can live up to 20 years, usually having two or three chicks.

The volunteers ensured the timing of the exhibition was perfect, as the New Milton swifts were due back from Africa during that time. And, before they fly back to Africa in the autumn, these chicks will be looking for their own nests in and around New Milton to return to next year.

Val Sargeson, secretary of the Friends of New Milton Station, said: “We were delighted to welcome Tim Norris and Catharine Gale from Hampshire Swifts who helped to compile these posters. Their knowledge is encyclopaedic and their passion for these amazing birds was infectious.

“We all learned something during this project. Catharine shared links to audio calls which might encourage birds to nest in local people’s gardens, and we even discovered that chicks exercise repeatedly, including by doing ‘press-ups’ to strengthen their wings in preparation for fledging the nest!”

Explore a digital version of the latest exhibition here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Friends of New Milton Station via their website.

Learn more about the work of Hampshire Swifts here.