Forestry project success as rare bird finds new Yorkshire home

During the 20th century the reclusive nightjar suffered a dramatic decline, numbers crashing by more than 50 per cent as its natural heathland habitat dwindled.

But now forest chiefs have confirmed it has been detected near woodland at Cromford Moor, near Wirksworth, after cattle and sheep were used to manage the land.

Forester Albin Smith said: "We have a long-term project at Cromford which has involved felling eight hectares of trees and nurturing new heathland. Shetland sheep and cattle are helping us control regrowth and unwanted vegetation.

"While tending the animals on a still balmy night I heard the call of a male nightjar. It was magical and a fantastic boost to all our efforts to expand habitats in the wood."

The ground-nesting nightjar has long been a source of superstition because of its silent flight and supposed ability to steal milk from goats. Males have a low "churring" call.

Migrating south for the winter in late August or early September, the bird is so rare that it is designated as red list species by the RSPB.