Huge increase in ground-nesting birds at Dorset reserve

The number of ground-nesting birds living at Dorset's Avon Heath Country Park has seen huge increases.

The Council's shared figures from a survey of the species there, comparing 2024 with the birds found on site in 2019.

They've said they're 'thrilled' that so many threatened species are thriving there.

The results found:

• Dartford Warblers are nesting in 29 places, with a 164% rise in numbers

• Nightjar were found in 37 territories with a 131% increase

• Stonechat are nesting in 26 places, with a rise of 86%

• Woodlark have been found in 13 territories and have also seen an 86% increase

• Tree Pipit were nesting in 8 territories, with a rise of 33%

In an update from Dorset Council they've said:

"These threatened birds need large areas of open heathland to breed and nest, but sadly such habitat is now hard to come by; Avon Heath is a much-needed refuge for these wonderful birds. Thank you to all our visitors for helping us to protect our rare and vulnerable wildlife."

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