Heavenly heathers: nightjar and other rare species ‘flourish’ in south England’s heathland

Forming a vast carpet of purple and pink, the heathers of the South Downs National Park shimmer under a blue late summer sky. Late August and early September is when the magic of the heathland really unfolds, with the heather blossoming into a cascade of colour.

It’s a sight that helped to spark the Heathlands Reunited project in 2016, uniting 11 organisations led by the South Downs National Park Authority to try to recreate, reconnect and restore the heathland that’s left there. Now concluded, the five-year project has helped the habitat to bounce back from the brink.

This is a landscape that bears the mark of many generations: heathlands only exist today because of human intervention over thousands of years. Nonetheless, some rare and endangered species call it home, even though heathland now covers just 1% of the national park. These are mostly separated into small ‘islands’, where isolated plants and animals are far more vulnerable to local extinction.

Efforts have, tentatively, born fruit. Heathlands Reunited has “conserved and enhanced” 23,825 hectares – or 18,000 football pitches – of lowland heath. An independent scientific assessment revealed the initiative had been ‘significant’ in restoring the ecological condition of the habitat.

“There are early signs that a number of rare species, such as European nightjar and silver-studded blue butterflies, are flourishing,” Jeff Travis, media and public relations officer at the national park authority, told Positive News as he announced a photography competition that’s designed to celebrate the South Downs’ beauty.

The heathland is also a haven for 12 of 13 native amphibians and reptiles in the UK, and also provides a refuge for other rare, secretive birds such as the Dartford warbler. In 2017, the year after Heathlands Reunited began, some 67 nightjars were spotted in an annual bird survey in one spot – the Wealden Special Protection Area sites in Hampshire. By 2023, this had climbed to 84.  

“Heathlands are actually as rare as the rainforest and we’re very lucky to still have around 40 sites in and around the South Downs National Park,” noted Olivia French, heathlands engagement officer for the national park. “Lowland heath was one of the reasons for the designation of the National Park, as it’s so incredibly rare.

Heathlands are actually as rare as the rainforest and we’re very lucky to still have around 40 sites in and around the park

“Without these refuges, some very specialist animals and plants would be lost forever, so it’s really important we all care for our heathlands. This is such a special time of year for heaths, so do get out and capture its beauty if you can on camera.”

Inspired by stories from communities and drawing upon sources as diverse as the poet Tennyson and a 394-year-old local map, seven bespoke stone carvings have been made as part of the Heathlands Reunited project, thanks to National Lottery Heritage funding. The sculptor, Graeme Mitcheson, spent six months working with trained volunteers who carried out recordings of local oral history and archival research in nearby communities. Volunteers also play a part in taking care of the landscape.

Flashes among the purple

The heathlands of the South Downs are a haven for snakes, lizards, frogs and toads, as well as some rare birds and butterflies. Here are some to keep an eye out for.

1) Silver-studded blue butterfly (Plebeius argus)

Image: Nigel Symington

This small butterfly is found mainly in heathland where the silvery-blue wings of the males form a beautiful sight as they fly low over the heather. 

2) Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita)

Image: Derek Middleton

Funding of almost £40,000 from the National Park Authority has helped to support the re-introduction of the natterjack toad. The iconic amphibian species was found in the area until the 1970s when it died out due to neglect of the heathland habitat. But in 2021, five years after the launch of the Heathlands Reunited conservation project, the re-introduction of the natterjack began.

3) Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)

Image: Jordan Sharp

Nightjars fly thousands of miles from southern Africa every spring to nest in suitable habitat across the South Downs. The species is extremely well-camouflaged in their breeding habitats making them difficult to see, even in the day time, while their unusual or distinctive night time songs are often better indicators of their presence.

4) Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis)

Image: Bruce Middleton

During the breeding season, male sand lizards adopt a striking bright green colour to attract a mate. They were once nearly extinct in Britain and are still classed as an endangered species and protected by law.

Main image: the heather in bloom on Stedham Common, Sam Moore

The theme of the photo competition is ‘stunning seasons of the South Downs’. It has a deadline of 31 October, and more details can be found here