Dartmoor National Park Authority

Ground Nesting Birds

Dartmoor - a special place for moorland birds

Dartmoor’s moorland birds are a cause for celebration but they need our continuing care!

Dartmoor is the largest upland area in southern England, offering many different habitats to a wide variety of breeding birds. In particular, moorland areas are home to a fascinating range of birds all of which contribute to the richness of the area and our enjoyment of this special place.

Recent surveys have shown that

• Dartmoor is a stronghold for species that have declined elsewhere, such as snipe and skylark;
• familiar Dartmoor birds, such as meadow pipit and stonechat, are present here in nationally and even internationally important numbers
• some birds which evoke the spirit of Dartmoor, such as curlew and lapwing are now in serious decline and under threat of extinction within the National Park.

As part of Action for Wildlife: the Dartmoor Biodiversity Action Plan, specific Action Plans have been prepared to help conserve Dartmoor’s birds and their habitats. The success of these Plans depends very much on the co-operation of many organisations and individuals, including land managers and the public.

The nesting season

The dates when birds breed varies between species, and from year to year. This can depend upon the weather on Dartmoor and, for migrants, on weather conditions abroad. However, past records of breeding behaviour on Dartmoor indicate that most activity connected with setting up territories, nesting and fledging young takes place during the months of  March, April, May, June and July.

How we can all help moorland nesting birds

Many factors play a part in influencing the success of breeding birds including climate change and human disturbance. Even short-term disturbance can be fatal. When a bird is forced to leave its nest, the eggs or newly fledged young can chill and die very quickly, or predators can move in and take eggs or nestlings.

During the bird breeding season, (the months of March, April, May, June and July), you can minimise disturbance by:

• keeping to tracks and paths as much as possible, particularly in areas of dense heather, clitter and wetlands
• keeping your dog on a lead - especially as most lambing takes place at the same time that birds are nesting
• avoiding young birds on the ground or distressed parent birds, by walking around the area and moving away quickly, allowing the parents to return
• spreading the word by telling others how they can help too.

Organising events

Events involving large groups are considered to represent an increased risk of disturbance. Many major walking, riding and orienteering events have been rescheduled in recent years. The organisers of these events have thus taken positive steps to help safeguard moorland breeding birds. The Dartmoor National Park Authority (NPA) also strictly regulates its own walks for the public and school groups.

If you are planning an event on moorland involving over 35 walkers or 20 riders please:

• avoid the main bird breeding season (1st March to 15th July)
• contact the National Park Authority during the early planning stages for further guidance.

The NPA, RSPB and English Nature are working together with many other people to conserve Dartmoor’s moorland birds, including landowners, the MoD, commoners and recreational user groups. The NPA and MoD also brief all Ten Tors participants on minimising disturbance during training and ensure that environmental safeguards are incorporated into the event. Discussions continue on ways to reduce impact.

Swaling

The burning of heather and grass, when undertaken at the right time of year, is a lawful land management activity. It is carried out from the beginning of October and, by custom, on Dartmoor it is completed before the end of March because of its potential disturbance to moorland breeding birds. Swaling during January and February is preferred but current weather patterns make this difficult. Properly carried out, swaling promotes the growth of young heather and is important for maintaining moorland habitats. Particularly sensitive areas for vulnerable bird species are now avoided through annual Fire Plans prepared by the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council and local Commoners’ Associations, assisted by the National Park Authority, English Nature and Defra.

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Page updated 17 August 2005