NIGHTJAR (CUPRINULGUS EUROPEUS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
Links to associated HAPs
Heathland
Current Status
The nightjar is a red list species on the list of Birds of Conservation Concern (RSPB 1998), its range having declined in the UK by over 50% during the last 25 years. It is a species concentrated in Europe and is listed as a SPEC 2 species as it is undergoing a modest decline in Europe. The nightjar is listed under Annex I of the EC Birds Directive and Appendix II of the Berne Convention.
Historically in the Cheshire region the nightjar was 'local but widely distributed' but by the late 1930's it appeared to be following the national trend of decline. Although the national BTO nightjar census carried out in 1981 and 1992 failed to find any churring (vocalising) males, in the Cheshire Region nightjars breed in 2 areas close to the county border, and some potentially suitable habitat appears to exist in the Cheshire region.
Threats
- Loss and degradation of heathland.
- Loss of clearfell and young forestry plantation.
- Loss of low intensity farmed foraging habitat.
- Excessive use of agricultural pesticides.
- Disturbance during nesting.
How are we helping to conserve nightjars in the Cheshire region?
-
RSPB National Action Plan has been produced.
-
Detailed research into the ecology of nightjars continues to be carried out by the RSPB and a study is currently being undertaken by Nottingham University.
-
Appropriate habitat management carried out on suitable RSPB reserves has resulted in an increase of breeding nightjars on those sites.
Objectives, Targets and Actions
OBJECTIVES |
LOCAL TARGETS |
To provide and maintain suitable breeding habitat. |
Targets awaited |
ACTIONS REQUIRED |
-
Form a Local BAP Action Group for the nightjar and liase closely with parties carrying out existing conservation work.
-
-
Protect and maintain existing lowland heath sites in the Cheshire region.
-
Increase the range and population of nightjars by the restoration and recreation of heathland and associated forestry habitats.
-
Promote the adoption of sympathetic forestry management policies to benefit nightjars.
-
Promote the adoption of sympathetic farming methods.
-
Survey key sites for breeding males before and after habitat management.
|
Progress so far
1997- 2006 Action Completed
|
|
How to find out more about Nightjars
Visit the RSPB website for information on the nightjar - www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/n/nightjar/index.asp
UK BAP for Nightjar - www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=186
Contact details
| LBAP Chair |
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Phone: 01948 820728 |
| National Lead Partners |
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
|
| National Contact |
Rod Leslie, Forestry Commission |
References & Glossary
Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society: Cheshire and Wirral Bird Reports.
Guest et al (1992): The breeding Bird Atals of Cheshire and Wirral. Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society.
RSPB (1995): Species Action Plan 0778 Nightjar Cuprinulgus europeus.
Shorrock (1976): The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. T & D Byser.
