Natural England

Natural England is delighted that work to restore the heathland landscape on the northern edge of Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve has received an early reward after the new habitat created was adopted this year by two of the area’s specialist bird species.

Both woodlark, a shy and rare relative of the skylark and the enigmatic nightjar have returned to breed in the first year after the forest clearance work was completed.

Richard Belding, Natural England’s Team Leader for Dorset said, "This is marvellous news. To have two such specialist birds adopt this newly created habitat really endorses our work. Our aim is to return this site to the characteristic heathland people associate with the area."

Five decades ago this area was part of the magnificent sweep of open heathland running from the foot of the Purbeck ridge towards Poole Harbour. It was then planted with conifers and the characteristic heathland wildlife disappeared. Now, with the co-operation of Morrish Builders of Poole who own the land, Natural England is setting out to restore the previous landscape and the rare wildlife that once lived there. The Morrish family are very pleased that all their hard work has paid dividends and that they have been able to contribute to improving the environment.

Advisor Tania Kaplan who has led the project for Natural England said "we always hoped that these two species would benefit from the work but to have them return so early in the project is a real bonus. Woodlark are early breeders and the pair of birds that nested close to Soldiers Road have already fledged three chicks. The nightjars will be leaving soon to winter in Africa but people may be able to see them from Soldiers road for the next month or so."

Notes to editors

For more information about the heathland restoration project please contact Andrew Nicholston on 01929 557468.

For more information about this press release please contact Dot Isgrove on 07880 784757 or 01823 281803

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For more information: www.naturalengland.org.uk