Following on from the creation of our refreshed Land Management plans, Ecologist Albert Knott has been working to gather baseline information on the flora and fauna of DPA land holdings. As well as lichen surveys, beetle surveys, butterfly surveys, bat surveys and moth surveys, he has also been collecting important data about breeding birds. These may not be year round residents of our land and some have migrated huge distances back to Dartmoor to breed.
Albert Knott tells us: ‘Over the bird breeding season, a number of dedicated people have been gaining records on Dartmoor Preservation Association sites. These give an important baseline to refer back to after we carry out habitat management improvements. This could not be done without the help from volunteers.’
Surveys at Sharpitor, by Val Barns and Derek Collins, have helped to confirm that this site is mainly used by skylarks, wheatears, meadow pipits, crows, rooks and ravens, which are all typical grass moorland birds. Swifts were also seen feeding here. Our Ecology Advisor, Albert Knott, plans to return this autumn and winter to learn more about overwintering golden plover, which he spotted using the area last year.
We hold extensive records about plant and animal populations on our land, but many of them are now becoming out of date, and we require fresh survey data to identify present day changes and trends over time. In the case of some surveys, we are re-confirming the presence of species which have been recorded over ten years ago. At Pudsham Meadows, where birds are very plentiful, volunteer Vince Price has helped us to record hedgerow and meadow species. The hedgerow habitat, recently improved through traditional hedge-laying, has created numerous nesting sites, while the meadows provide a plentiful supply of food. The highlight here was a garden warbler and possible spotted flycatcher among other warblers and tits. Vince even recorded a nightjar close by.
The DPA also teamed up with the RSPB and carried out surveys at High House Waste and Swincombe. These surveys have been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of Dartmoor’s Dynamic Landscapes, a partnership of organisations working together to help people better understand, conserve and connect with Dartmoor. Martin, their volunteer, helped confirm a variety breeding birds including warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes and cuckoo. A multitude of scrub, woodland and open moorland loving birds were recorded at High House Waste, including Snipe.
At High House Waste, above Cornwood, we contracted a full breeding survey by Otter Ecology and their highlight was a record of wood warbler. Their survey report said in its summary “High House Waste represents an opportunity to improve the condition and diversity of habitats for breeding birds and winter migrants”. Albert will spend some time this winter adding to our information here.
Swincombe was surveyed by Deborah Deveney, from the RSPB, and Albert ,as it is a remote site with variable terrain and involves river crossings. Snipe were also heard and seen here, but given the open habitat numbers were low, further confirming the recommendation in our Land Management plan that the site could benefit from re-wetting. Other grassland and moorland birds, such as grasshopper warblers, were recorded and a highlight was a sand martin nesting on the banks of the river. Thanks also go to Gary and Anna Easton who did one recording session here.
This important recording work will continue this winter and next year, and we are always grateful to have volunteers help us. If you’re interested in helping with bird surveys over winter and next years breeding system then please get in touch via: info@dartmoorpreservation.co.uk.
Images: Morwenna Thelier and Albert Knott