Churring news as rare bird returns

The rare nocturnal nightjar bird has been found in a Derbyshire wood – partly thanks to a bunch of shaggy eco-warriors with an appetite for hard work!

During the 20th century the nocturnal bird suffered a dramatic decline, with numbers crashing over 50% as its heathland habitat dwindled.

But now forest chiefs have confirmed that the bird has been detected in woodland at Cromford Moor, near Wirksworth, making it only the second location in the county where nightjars are present.

Famed for its churring mating call, the sound of a nightjar was once a familiar feature of English summer nights. And it was that distinctive song that proved to be music to the ears of forester Albin Smith. He said:

“We have a long term project at Cromford which has involved felling eight hectares of trees and nurturing new heathland. Shetland sheep and cattle are helping us control regrowth and unwanted vegetation to speed the project. While tending the animals on a still balmy night I heard the call of a male nightjar. It was magical and a fantastic boost to all our efforts to expand habitats in the wood.”

Superbly camouflaged, the ground nesting nightjar has long been a source of superstition due to its silent flight and supposed ability to steal milk from goats. That led to the less than flattering nickname of "goatsucker". Males tend to return to the same area each year, although females are more foot loose. They generally have only one brood, but in exceptional years they may manage a second, before returning south for the winter in late August or early September.

Because of its rarity it is designated as red list species by the RSPB.

NOTE TO EDITOR
About 80% of the nation’s heathland has been lost since the 18th century. Most of the trees at Cromford Moor were planted after the second world war to replenish the nation’s depleted timber reserves. However a blueprint for the 200-acre wood’s future will see a range of habitats created and hard plantation edges softened. Wildlife set to benefit will also include birds like skylark, tree pipit and linnet, along with reptiles and insects. A trail has been diverted and extended to provide a woodland walk away from the grazing animals and dog walkers are advised to keep dogs on lead.

The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands.