Twilight encounter - A walk to find nightjars

There is no need to travel far for amazing wildlife this summer, with some of the most charismatic of creatures coming to your area, says Dorset Wildlife Trust. There will be a chance to encounter the mysterious nightjar, recently arrived from Africa, at a twilight walk with DWT’s Communications Officer, Nicky Hoar, on 9th July.

Why are the nightjars such a special bird?

Nicky said: “This has got to be one of the most exciting birds to look and listen for. After many years of observing them, I still find it incredible that they find their way to the same spot from Africa every year to breed. The eerie sound of a nightjar ‘churring’ is unforgettable, a sound that was heard by Thomas Hardy and, thanks to continued heathland management, we can still hear today.”

Wreathed in legend and superstition over the years, nightjars are red-listed in Britain as a bird of conservation concern due to the very limited habitats available to them. They arrive in Dorset in May to nest mainly on heathland but also on open woodland and can be found on many heaths across the county, including urban sites adjacent to housing.

How can I get involved?

The Twilight Walk is on Saturday 9th July at 9pm. Meet at Rushcombe Bottom on the Roman Road bridleway just off Higher Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen. Grid ref. SY 993973. Stout footwear and a torch recommended. There is limited parking so please try to share lifts if driving and take care not to block gateways. Adults £3, children free, with all proceeds to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s 50th Anniversary Wildlife Fund. No need to book, but for more information, ring Nicky on 01305 264620 or 07900 402049.
 

-ENDS-
Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Nicky Hoar at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.

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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.

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There are 47 individual Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the UK and the Isle of Man and Alderney. All are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. We have more than 800,000 members including 150,000 members of our junior branch Wildlife Watch. Our vision is to create A Living Landscape and secure Living Seas. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves and every year we advise thousands of landowners and organisations on how to manage their land for wildlife. We also run marine conservation projects around the UK, collecting vital data on the state of our seas and celebrating our amazing marine wildlife. Every year we work with thousands of schools and our nature reserves and visitor centres receive millions of visitors. Each Wildlife Trust is working within its local communities to inspire people about the future of their area: their own Living Landscapes and Living Seas.