The current status of Nightjar, Stone Curlew and Woodlark in the Suffolk Brecks

THE CURRENT STATUS OF NIGHTJAR, STONE CURLEW & W O O D L A R K IN T H E S U F F O L K B R E C K S D . R . MOORE In last year's Suffolk Natural History, Marg Rutterford wrote regarding his recollections of Breckland wildlife and their habitats and referred to the dearth of species of plants and animals today compared with the previous years of his considerable experience. Whilst it is certainly true that the species of birds dealt with in this short paper are less numerous now than even 50 years ago, there are some encouraging signs which should ensure the survival of these special Breckland birds for the forseeable future.

Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) The Nightjar's typical habitat is the forest edge where birch and pine break up and eventually give way to areas of heathland. Much of this habitat has changed greatly in recent decades, mainly due to the disappearance of sheep grazing and the demise of the rabbit after the introduction of myxomatosis.

The short turf and heather areas have grown up and become colonised to some extent by the very vigorous birch and pine seedlings.

The change of fortune for the Nightjar began when the Forestry Commission began felling mature blocks of pines and replanting on a rotational basis. This led to the establishment of apparently perfect conditions for this interesting bird. The Nightjars were able to breed in the new plantations until the trees grew too big for their requirements, and then move to a newlyplanted area, and so on. Foresters and ornithologists were quick to notice a dramatic increase in Nightjars in these areas, and it is hoped that continued rotational management will continue to enhance the East Anglian population. It is difficult to assess numbers at the moment but it is estimated that there are about 100 'churring' males in the forest each summer. This, in parallel with increases on the Suffolk Sandlings, means that the county population of this species is growing when there is still a decline in the rest of the country.

Stone Curlew (Burhinius oedicnemus) These birds are typical of open stony heaths with very short rabbit-cropped turf. Much of this habitat which existed formerly has been planted with pines or ploughed up for agricultural use. The remaining heaths are very fragmented and are changing their character and therefore their suitability to Stone Curlews because of the lack of grazing. Hopefully, the recent designation of the Brecks as an 'Environmentally Sensitive Area' will encourage landowners to return sheep to these valuable heathlands in exchange for cash incentives. Another simple method of improving the heathlands for Stone Curlews would be to fence these areas to keep rabbits in. In the past the practice was to eradicate rabbits everywhere, which is the landowners'

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statutory duty. The Stone Curlew has for some time nested on winter-sown arable crops. The problem is that if farmers are not aware of the birds' presence then they often destroy Stone Curlews' nests accidentally. Thankfully, a new programme of liaison between farmers and conservationists has led to more successful nesting on the arable fields. In 1987 50 pairs of Stone Curlews nested in the Suffolk Breck; this is probably one third of the British population.

Woodlark (Lullula arborea) The Woodlark requires similar conditions to the Nightjar, but with a greater emphasis on short turf and broken-up areas of bare soil. It would be repetitive to suggest the reasons for the decline of their habitat, but the rotational forestry management has also resulted in an increase in Woodlark numbers in recent years. It is now more often found on forestry clearings than on heathland. The current population of the Suffolk Brecks is thought to be about 25 pairs.

The future The future of these three very special Breckland birds depends upon the continuing co-operation and liaison between farmers, private landowners, the Forestry Commission and conservation organisations. To date, farmers and landowners have shown enormous compasion for the welfare of these birds after being approached by conservationists. Their joint efforts have ensured the successful breeding of many pairs of birds. The Forestry Commission and their staff have contributed considerable resources towards the protection of birds and have instigated research into their life histories and research by RSPB scientists goes on into the special requirements of these three species. The Nature Conservancy Council and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust have developed management techniques to restore many of those heaths on which trees have encroached.

The RSPB Species Protection staff and volunteers have put in thousands of hours to ensure the safe breeding of these rare species but, sadly eggcollectors can still create havoc for the bird populations in East Anglia Long may we and our children continue to enjoy the song of the Woodlark, and the nocturnal chorus of the Stone Curlew and Nightjar in the Brecks.

D. R. Moore Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Park Cottage, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1DQ

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