A Remarkable Comeback for One of Britain’s Most Elusive Birds
The number of nightjars in the South Downs National Park is believed to have doubled over the past five years, highlighting the success of ongoing conservation efforts and habitat restoration.
A recent ecological survey recorded 78 nightjars within the national park last year. Known for their distinctive “churring” song at sunset, these elusive birds are a rare and exciting sight for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
According to a spokesperson for the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA), this increase marks “a remarkable comeback”, driven by nature recovery initiatives and improved habitat management.
Record Nightjar Territories Found Across East Hampshire Heathland
Lowland Heaths Provide Vital Habitat for Breeding Birds
The survey also revealed 109 nightjar territories — the highest number ever recorded — across the lowland heaths of east Hampshire.
Key areas supporting these birds include:
- Woolmer Forest
- Shortheath Common
- Bramshott Common
- Ludshott Common
- Broxhead Common
- Kingsley Common
These heathland habitats are crucial for nightjars, offering safe ground-nesting sites and rich feeding grounds.
What Makes Nightjars So Special?
Twilight Hunters with a Mysterious Reputation
Nightjars are crepuscular birds, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. They nest on the ground and are often seen gliding silently through the air as they hunt for insects in low light.
Every spring, nightjars undertake an extraordinary 4,000-mile migration from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the UK, where they stay from April to August to breed.
They have earned several unusual nicknames over the years, including the curious and historic title of “goatsucker”.
The SDNPA spokesman explained: “Long ago it was thought nightjars would drink milk directly from goats, poisoning them so their udders wasted away and they went blind.
“The myth was once common in many countries all over Europe. The legend probably arose from the fact that nightjars were coming close to livestock because they were hunting insects nearby.”
Why Nightjar Conservation Matters
A Species of Conservation Concern in the UK
The nightjar is listed as an amber species on the Red List for Birds of Conservation Concern, reflecting the need for continued protection.
Their population suffered a dramatic decline in the past, with numbers falling by 51% between 1972 and 1992. This was largely due to the loss of woodland and lowland heathland caused by agriculture, development, and land-use change.
Protecting and restoring these habitats is essential not only for nightjars but also for many other threatened species.
Habitat Restoration in the South Downs Is Delivering Results
Nature Recovery Efforts Are Helping Rare Birds Thrive
The South Downs National Park Authority says the rise in nightjar numbers is directly linked to targeted work aimed at protecting and expanding lowland heathland.
This habitat is among the rarest in the world, and its recovery is proving vital for some of the UK’s most iconic wildlife.
The SDNPA spokesman said: “Engagement rangers have also been out in the landscape over the past decade, encouraging people to care for the landscape, including keeping dogs on leads, picking up dog poo and sticking to pathways to avoid disturbing the nightjars and other wildlife.”
The nightjar’s return is also being matched by encouraging increases in other rare heathland birds, including:
- Woodlarks
- Dartford warblers
These gains show that large-scale habitat restoration in the South Downs is having a measurable and lasting impact on biodiversity.
Why the South Downs National Park Is So Important for Wildlife
A Landscape Rich in Biodiversity Across Southern England
Stretching across Hampshire, West Sussex, and East Sussex, the South Downs National Park is one of the UK’s most important landscapes for wildlife conservation.
Its mix of chalk hills, woodland, heathland, and traditional villages provides a haven for many species, including birds that rely on increasingly rare habitats.
Engagement ranger Kirsty Murray described the survey results as “so inspiring”.
“[They] really show what we can achieve together to help biodiversity bounce back.
“These lowland heaths were once widespread across the South Downs but now make up just 1% of the national park.”
Murray said they were “as rare as the rainforest, supporting some of the UK’s rarest species”.
“It’s wonderful to hear the nightjars churring away as dusk falls and we’re looking forward to continuing this incredibly positive conservation work alongside local communities and our partners.”
Supporting Nature Recovery for the Future
Protecting Rare Birds and Precious Habitats
The rise in nightjar populations in the South Downs is a powerful reminder that conservation works when habitats are protected and restored.
By investing in nature recovery, habitat management, and public awareness, landscapes like the South Downs can continue to support rare and vulnerable wildlife for generations to come.
For organisations and communities committed to protecting the natural world, the return of the nightjar offers a hopeful and inspiring example of what is possible.
At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about protecting British wildlife through habitat restoration and nature recovery. The resurgence of the nightjar in the South Downs is a powerful example of how conserving lowland heathland can help threatened species recover. By restoring vital habitats, we can support biodiversity and build a stronger future for nature across the UK.