Heathland area temporarily closed to protect ground-nesting birds.
With spring well underway, our team has been busy carrying out breeding bird surveys to identify and record all of the bird activity across the nature reserve.
During these surveys this week, we were delighted to hear 10 Nightingales singing around the Wetland nature trail, and we heard our first Cuckoo of the spring. We were also thrilled to hear and see Woodlarks on ‘the Triangle’ area of heathland
Woodlarks are ground-nesting birds that are listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981), which lists rare bird species that are specially protected. It is an offence to intentionally harm, capture or kill a Woodlark or its eggs and young, or to disturb it whilst breeding.
You can find out more about the protection of nesting birds and other wildlife here:
Wildlife & Bird Protection Laws
To protect the nests from accidental disturbance or damage, we’ll be closing off this area of heathland throughout the breeding season. Disturbance can happen accidentally when dogs are off lead or people are exploring away from the paths.
The public footpath and public bridleway remain open, as does the RSPB permissive nature trail (the Wooded Heathland Trail) that creates a circular route around the central section of Wiggonholt Heath. If you’re unfamiliar with the trails, come and see us at the welcome hut and we can talk you through our map. We’ll monitor the area throughout the spring and summer and will re-open this area once the breeding season is complete.
Thank you for your understanding.
About the Woodlark:
Woodlark by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
The Woodlark is a songbird found mainly in the heathlands and grasslands of the British countryside. It is a petite bird, with an overall length of only 15cm - slightly smaller than its relative the Skylark. Both species are a streaky brown and white and boast crests on their crowns; however, the Woodlark has a shorter tail and more rounded wings, making it identifiable to its own kind and to us! It has a beautiful flute-y song that descends a musical scale.
Listen to a Woodlark's song here