THE MANAGEMENT OF LOWLAND HEATH FOR NIGHTJARS AT MINSMERE, SUFFOLK, GREAT-BRITAIN

Management to increase the breeding population of nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus) at Minsmere RSPB reserve, Suffolk (TM 465675), Great Britain has involved: (a) creating glades in woodland; (b) resculpturing woodland margins to increase the length and width of woodland edge habitat; (c) leaving woodland shelter belts; (d) providing abundant potential nesting sites, mainly by clearing small patches of heather from the base of small birch trees. The breeding nightjar population at Minsmere has increased significantly from 8 to 23 churring males since management was initiated in 1978. Breeding nightjar populations on other heaths in the area have not increased as markedly, indicating the success of the management at Minsmere. © 1990 Academic Press Limited.