By day, nightjars are almost impossible to spot. Their beautifully mottled, bark-like plumage allows them to blend seamlessly into the ground or low vegetation where they rest. But as dusk settles, they come to life. The first sign is often their distinctive ‘churring’ call – a steady, mechanical purr that can carry across open heathland. With patience, you might glimpse a male in flight, buoyant and moth-like, clapping its wings as it displays to a nearby female. In late spring and summer, females typically lay two eggs on bare ground, relying on camouflage while males defend territories nearby.

Nightjars are perfectly adapted to a twilight world. Their large eyes help them hunt in low light, while their wide gape and bristle-like feathers around the beak aid them in catching moths, flies and beetles on the wing. Despite these remarkable adaptations, they remain a species facing ongoing pressures. Loss and fragmentation of heathland and suitable woodland continue to limit where they can breed, and they are now classed as an Amber-listed species of conservation concern in the UK.

Our work plays a vital role in supporting nightjars across the region. By carefully managing heathlands and restoring open habitats, the Trust ensures these birds have the space they need to nest and feed. This includes controlling scrub, maintaining a mix of open ground and scattered vegetation, and recreating the early-stage woodland conditions that nightjars favour. Work to connect and expand these habitats is equally important, helping populations remain resilient and allowing these birds to move safely across the landscape.

Nightjars nest directly on the ground, making them vulnerable to disturbance, particularly from people and dogs straying off paths. Sticking to designated routes and keeping dogs under close control can make a real difference.