Walkers and pet-owners are being encouraged to play their part to help nature recovery after a resurgence of rare birds on precious heaths in Hampshire.
A new ecological report on the Wealden Heaths around Whitehill and Bordon has shown that birdlife is flourishing.
The seven heathlands – collectively called the The Wealden Heath Special Protection Area (SPA) and Shortheath Common SAC (Special Area of Conservation) – are internationally-protected because they are breeding sites for three rare bird species: Dartford warbler, European nightjar and woodlark.
READ MORE: Dragons' Den: Winchester entrepreneur takes on the dragons in April episode
Now scientists have found that populations of these three species are higher than at any time in the past 25 years.
Since the designation of the SPA in 1998, there has been an eight-fold increase in the number of Dartford Warblers, with 143 birds spotted last year. Numbers of woodlark have almost tripled, with 58 counted last year, while the Nightjar has seen a steady rise, with 77 spotted in 2021.
The increase is being put down to conservation efforts, community awareness and milder weather conditions.
Another potential contributing factor to the rise in bird numbers on the SPA is down to both of Whitehill and Bordon’s SANGs (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces), designed specifically as areas of recreation to relieve pressure on the protected heathland sites nearby. Bordon Inclosure SANG opened in 2016 and Hogmoor Inclosure SANG in 2017. Both sites are managed day to day by Deadwater Valley Trust’s dedicated ranger team and volunteers on behalf of Whitehill Town Council, The Land Trust and Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company.
With such encouraging nature recovery, rangers are now calling on walkers and dog-owners to continue doing their bit by sticking to the main paths, keeping dogs on leads.
Olivia French, from Heathlands Reunited, said: “It’s wonderful news that these birds are doing so well – even better than we expected to be honest.
“The next few years are going to be crucial though to solidify our efforts and ensure this is a safe haven for these birds.
“We’re asking walkers and dog-walkers to do simple things, like sticking to the main path and keeping dogs on leads and out of the vegetation. These protected birds use the cover of the heather and gorse to build nests and can be easily disturbed by inquisitive dogs. Mothers will often abandon a nest and her eggs if disturbed. Look out for these signs as you enter protected sites."
Message from the editor
Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.
Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.
Kimberley Barber
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here