SUSTAINABILITY

AROUND THE REGIONS
River Frome at junction with Bovington Stream © Patrick Armitage
Lulworth
The Lulwor th Ranges continue to
provide a habitat rich area for many
species of birds. From coastal cliff to
heath, woodland, china clay pit and
grassland many species of birds are
recorded each year. We have
unfortunately lost nightingale - no
records over the past three years - but
this is not a local issue - more of a
national trend. Twenty years ago
probably some 15 pairs bred but now
alas they have gone. On the plus side
though we have gained little ringed
plover as a breeding bird over the
past four years.
The Range is surveyed each year and
target species in particular are noted,
namely nightjar, woodlark and
Dartford warbler. The group plot
breeding locations of these species
and have also kept the nest box
scheme going, which was started in
1999 with considerable help at that
time from the Range Offcer Mick
Burgess. In recent years we have seen a
subtle increase in breeding coal tits at
the expense of blue tits, in particular
the Highwood area of the range. In the
same area the number of breeding
siskin has also increased and crossbills
continue to maintain a toehold with a
few pairs successfully breeding.
The heath area provides the chance to
try for more interesting species and we
continue to colour ring Dartford
warblers but these birds are often hard
to catch. Recent clearance of conifers
on the Highwood training area has
improved conditions for nightjars and
we have noted an increase in the
numbers of birds here. Nightjars are
targeted on calm balmy evenings when
mist nets are set up just before dark.
The group, Maureen Spencer, Luke
Phillips and Steve Hales wish to thank
both Range Control and the RSMI for
continued help and cooperation
which has enabled us to contribute to
the MOD bird recording.
Steve Hales
Bovington and Lulworth Conservation
Group member
Harvards pond © Patrick Armitage
Luke Phillips with an arm full of owls! © Steve Hales
Sanctuary 44 • 2015
79