Current status
The nightjar is a summer migrant that has been declining in numbers and range for much of this century, reaching a low point of 2100 males in 1981, with a decline in range of 52% between 1968-72 and 1992. There has been a partial recovery in the size of the population which had reached 3400 males in 1992. The species now breeds mainly in southern England, but there are scattered populations as far north as central Scotland. It is probably now extinct as a breeding species in Northern Ireland where its former habitats included cut-over raised bogs. Lowland heathland and young forestry plantations are now the most important habitats. An increase in forestry clear-fells as a result of major storms and forest management have assisted recent increases, with over 50% of the total population found in this habitat in the 1992 survey. In Europe the species has been declining in numbers and range since at least 1950, especially in north-west and northern Europe.
The nightjar is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, and is listed on Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive and Appendix II of the Bern Convention.
Current factors causing loss or decline
The area of heathland in the UK has undergone a dramatic reduction during the course of this century due to agricultural land claim, afforestation and built development. For example, it is estimated that 40% of England`s lowland heathland has been lost since the 1950s. Threats continue from housing and infra- structure developments.
Where heathland lacks appropriate management, it will become unsuitable as nesting habitat due to invasion by bushes and trees.
Nightjars require extensive areas of suitable feeding habitat, especially uncultivated land. The loss of such habitats within a few kilometres of the nesting area may result in a decline in the number of birds.
It is possible that a decline in the availability of large insects caused by changes in agriculture (such as the indirect effects of pesticides) and/or climatic change, may have affected nightjar populations.
In commercial forests, nightjars nest in the young stages of plantations, while there is still bare ground between the trees. If no other suitable habitat becomes available in other new or young stands, local population declines could occur as the recently planted blocks mature.
Current action
Detailed research into the ecology of nightjars nesting in Thetford Forest has been carried out by the RSPB with FC help; FE`s forestry practice there is now aimed at maintaining a constant area of young plantation as good habitat for breeding nightjars.
Specific management on some nature reserves has benefited this species, as has the heathland management carried out by various county heathland projects managed by NE, RSPB and local authorities.
The nightjar has benefited from heathland management encouraged by the Breckland ESA and Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain a population of at least 3400 churring males.
Halt the decline in range of the nightjar (there were 268 occupied ten km squares in 1992).
Increase the numbers of nightjar to 4000 churring males by the year 2003 (an 18% population increase in 10 years).
Increase the range of nightjar to at least 280 ten km squares by the year 2003 (a 5% range increase in 10 years).
In the long term (next 20 years), restore nightjar to parts of its former range in, for example, south-west England, west Midlands, north-west England, south-west Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Include specific targets and management for the nightjar in Forest Design Plans across the species' current and former range. (ACTION: DANI, FE)
Take full account of the requirements of the nightjar when considering felling and restocking proposals in its current and former range. (ACTION: FA, FE)
Incorporate specific targets and management for nightjars in MoD site management plans in appropriate sites across the species' former range. (ACTION: MoD)
Seek to extend the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme to other key areas of lowland heathland in England. (ACTION: NE)
Support extensive low intensity agricultural systems within the historic range of the species through the appropriate agri-environment schemes. (ACTION: CCW, DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Consider notifying important nesting and foraging sites as SSSI/ASSIs. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Designate as SPAs areas of 'special interest' that support nationally important populations of nightjars (subject to current guidelines) and encourage their appropriate management. (ACTION: CCW, DETR, EHS, NE, SNH)
Seek to achieve 'favourable conservation status' of the nightjar by measures complementary to SPAs. This will include projects to maintain, enhance and restore heathland adjacent to SPAs (eg through agri-environment schemes). (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH, DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Protect nationally important localities for nightjars from damaging developments through the planning process. (ACTION: CCW, EHS, NE, SNH)
Species management and protection
None proposed.
Advisory
Produce specific advisory material for the management of heathland and forestry plantations for nightjars. (ACTION: NE, FE)
Future Research and Monitoring
Monitor changes to the numbers and range of nightjars through a national survey every 10 years (next survey due in 2002) as part of the statutory agencies/RSPB programme of scarce bird monitoring. (ACTION: JNCC)
Investigate the availability of the nightjar's food supply. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Evaluate the condition of heathland in the former range of nightjar and the potential for remedial management. (ACTION: NE, SNH)
Communications and Publicity
Use the nightjar as a species to promote the conservation of heathland. (ACTION: NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants (June 1998, Tranche 2, Vol I, p53)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species