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Future looks bright at RSPB Farnham HeathLast modified: 13 July 2009
Threatened heathland species are flourishing on a Surrey nature reserve, the RSPB can reveal. Summer surveys show that 2009 has been the best breeding season for several endangered species at the RSPB's Farnham Heath reserve. Seven pairs of tree pipits are now breeding on the reserve, the highest number recorded since the wildlife charity began restoring the heath there in 2002. These sleek, summer-migrants fly to the UK from Africa every year to breed. The British population has halved in the last 30 years, leading to the tree pipit being reclassified as a red listed species in May. Another red listed species also doing well is the nightjar, a beautifully camouflaged bird that can float silently through the air when flying and has large, staring black eyes. The work at RSPB Farnham Heath has been made possible by SITA Trust Because of the bird's ability to hide itself and its nest so effectively, evidence of possible breeding is recorded through the number of males heard making their distinctive ‘churring' call. The first churring male was heard on the reserve in 2006, but increased to four this year. Grayling butterflies and sand lizards, which thrive in open heath, have also increased considerably from 2002. Mike Coates, RSPB Farnham Heath site manager, said: 'The gloomy outlook for many of these species nationally means that places like Farnham Heath have never been so important. 'I have been involved with the RSPB's reserve here from the start and the increase in wildlife from then to now is truly heartening. 'By allowing the heath to flourish once more we are starting to see more and more species arrive. Conservation doesn't tend to be about instant results, species take a while to come in, but everything is going in the right direction.' The work at RSPB Farnham Heath has been made possible by SITA Trust, which has awarded a total of £115,000 in two separate grants to the charity to restore the land back to its former heathland glory and provide opportunities for people to enjoy the transforming reserve. Andrew Saunders, SITA Trust's Programmes Manager, said: 'SITA Trust's four year £18.5m Enriching Nature programme was created to support species and habitats identified as a priority by the Biodiversity Action planning process. We were delighted to provide funding to the RSPB for the vital habitat restoration project at Farnham Heath. 'These early results clearly demonstrate the importance of directing biodiversity funding to organisations who deliver superb, on-the-ground conservation work.' Mr Coates added: 'The fact that we have breeding nightjar and tree pipit, not to mention sand lizards and graylings, is proof that what we're doing here is working. 'Once these bits of restored heathland have begun to mature we should start to see a whole raft of new species, as the biodiversity that once thrived here returns. The future at RSPB Farnham Heath looks very bright indeed.' |
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Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)