Heavenly heathers: nightjar and different uncommon species ‘flourish’ in south England’s heathland – Constructive Information

Forming an unlimited carpet of purple and pink, the heathers of the South Downs Nationwide Park shimmer beneath a blue late summer time sky. Late August and early September is when the magic of the heathland actually unfolds, with the heather blossoming right into a cascade of color.

It’s a sight that helped to spark the Heathlands Reunited mission in 2016, uniting 11 organisations led by the South Downs Nationwide Park Authority to attempt to recreate, reconnect and restore the heathland that’s left there. Now concluded, the five-year mission has helped the habitat to bounce again from the brink.

It is a panorama that bears the mark of many generations: heathlands solely exist at the moment due to human intervention over hundreds of years. Nonetheless, some uncommon and endangered species name it dwelling, although heathland now covers simply 1% of the nationwide park. These are largely separated into small ‘islands’, the place remoted vegetation and animals are way more weak to native extinction.

Efforts have, tentatively, born fruit. Heathlands Reunited has “conserved and enhanced” 23,825 hectares – or 18,000 soccer pitches – of lowland heath. An impartial scientific evaluation revealed the initiative had been ‘vital’ in restoring the ecological situation of the habitat.

“There are early indicators that plenty of uncommon species, akin to European nightjar and silver-studded blue butterflies, are flourishing,” Jeff Travis, media and public relations officer on the nationwide park authority, instructed Constructive Information as he introduced a images competitors that’s designed to have a good time the South Downs’ magnificence.

The heathland can also be a haven for 12 of 13 native amphibians and reptiles within the UK, and in addition offers a refuge for different uncommon, secretive birds such because the Dartford warbler. In 2017, the 12 months after Heathlands Reunited started, some 67 nightjars have been noticed in an annual hen survey in a single spot – the Wealden Particular Safety Space websites in Hampshire. By 2023, this had climbed to 84.  

“Heathlands are literally as uncommon because the rainforest and we’re very fortunate to nonetheless have round 40 websites in and across the South Downs Nationwide Park,” famous Olivia French, heathlands engagement officer for the nationwide park. “Lowland heath was one of many causes for the designation of the Nationwide Park, because it’s so extremely uncommon.

Heathlands are literally as uncommon because the rainforest and we’re very fortunate to nonetheless have round 40 websites in and across the park

“With out these refuges, some very specialist animals and vegetation can be misplaced eternally, so it’s actually necessary all of us look after our heathlands. That is such a particular time of 12 months for heaths, so do get out and seize its magnificence if you happen to can on digicam.”

Impressed by tales from communities and drawing upon sources as numerous because the poet Tennyson and a 394-year-old native map, seven bespoke stone carvings have been made as a part of the Heathlands Reunited mission, due to Nationwide Lottery Heritage funding. The sculptor, Graeme Mitcheson, spent six months working with educated volunteers who carried out recordings of native oral historical past and archival analysis in close by communities. Volunteers additionally play an element in taking good care of the panorama.

Flashes among the many purple

The heathlands of the South Downs are a haven for snakes, lizards, frogs and toads, in addition to some uncommon birds and butterflies. Listed here are some to maintain a watch out for.

1) Silver-studded blue butterfly (Plebeius argus)

Picture: Nigel Symington

This small butterfly is discovered primarily in heathland the place the silvery-blue wings of the males kind an attractive sight as they fly low over the heather. 

2) Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)

Picture: Derek Middleton

Funding of virtually £40,000 from the Nationwide Park Authority has helped to help the re-introduction of the natterjack toad. The long-lasting amphibian species was discovered within the space till the Nineteen Seventies when it died out on account of neglect of the heathland habitat. However in 2021, 5 years after the launch of the Heathlands Reunited conservation mission, the re-introduction of the natterjack started.

3) Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)

Picture: Jordan Sharp

Nightjars fly hundreds of miles from southern Africa each spring to nest in appropriate habitat throughout the South Downs. The species is extraordinarily well-camouflaged of their breeding habitats making them troublesome to see, even within the day time, whereas their uncommon or distinctive night time time songs are sometimes higher indicators of their presence.

4) Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis)

Picture: Bruce Middleton

Through the breeding season, male sand lizards undertake a putting vivid inexperienced color to draw a mate. They have been as soon as practically extinct in Britain and are nonetheless classed as an endangered species and guarded by regulation.

Foremost picture: the heather in bloom on Stedham Frequent, Sam Moore

The theme of the photograph competitors is ‘gorgeous seasons of the South Downs’. It has a deadline of 31 October, and extra particulars will be discovered right here