Summer bird survey underway on Dartmoor
A significant assessment of key moorland bird species is underway this summer in a collaboration between the South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP), the RSPB, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Ministry of Defence.
This survey, which has been run previously in 2010, 2014 and 2018, aims not only to monitor the number of bird species spotted but also to assess conditions that may be suitable for those birds to breed and potential breeding numbers. Therefore, we can also assess changes and trends in bird populations and habitat over the last 14 years since the survey first began.
Eddie Adam, SWPP Monitoring Manager, highlighted the significance of the summer 2024 bird survey in understanding peatland health, particularly for indicator species like the dunlin:
“Peatland restoration is already making a hugely positive impact on Dartmoor. Not only does this landscape-scale approach bolster bird populations but it also helps to enhance a more diverse upland habitat for a range of insects and plants too. By refining restoration methods based on RSPB survey data collected this summer, the SWPP can do our bit to help species like the dunlin that rely on water in the landscape for their food, habitat and nesting sites whilst also addressing peatland erosion and improving overall peatland health.
Peatland restoration, taking place on Dartmoor, is a crucial action to deliver urgently if degraded peat bogs are to be improved, and all the associated benefits for water, wildlife, archaeology and local people are to be brought about in the face of the climate crisis. The work undertaken by the SWPP to improve the hydrological function of Dartmoor’s peat bogs is key in diversifying wildlife habitat, preventing peatland erosion and slowing the flow of water leaving the moors.
Dunlin Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Moorland bird species are facing decline as habitats are shaped and changed by human activity. Peatland restoration stands as a proven method to help these birds thrive once more.
Helen Booker, RSPB Senior Conservation Officer, said:
“Dunlin rely on good quality blanket bogs for breeding, needing the peat to be wet, with small pools. Their presence is therefore a good indicator of the condition of the peatland.
“We have seen dunlin numbers respond positively to peatland restoration in previous years as the bogs are able to hold water even in dry years. This year's survey will investigate if that positive trend has continued.”
This survey will add to the public record of the state of birdlife on predominantly central and northern Dartmoor, and help to develop an understanding of the distribution patterns of key species. It will enable the SWPP and partner organizations to assess just how peatland restoration may benefit specific moorland bird species such as the dunlin or the curlew, and where future peatland restoration can have the most positive impact for wildlife.
Oliver Howells, Principal Ecologist for the Ministry of Defence commented:
“Nationally the MOD training estate includes 50,000 hectares of peatland and we are working to support restoration of degraded peat given the multiple benefits this provides for the climate and biodiversity. In most cases this is done in partnership with other organisations and that is no different on Dartmoor where for several years we have contributed funding from our Conservation Stewardship Fund to support the SWPP.
Monitoring of breeding wader activity is a good way of assessing habitat change for peatlands and it is possible on Dartmoor thanks to the comprehensive breeding bird surveys carried out previously. We are excited to see if breeding Dunlin numbers in particular have continued to increase.”
Press release issued 29.7.24