Downton bird study

We are thrilled to share with you a recent bird study that was carried out at the Downton Jubilee Walk, the restored part of our extraction site in Milford. An exceptionally large number of different species were identified, demonstrating the rich biodiversity this new environment has created.

The report was compiled by local ornithological expert and licensed BTO bird ringer Graham Giddins, and sponsored by the Milford Conservation Volunteers.

The survey ran from January to December 2021. 88 wild bird species were found during the survey year and 34 of these were confirmed as breeding or probably breeding at the site.

The site has been noted as capable of supporting such a rich variety of wildlife due to the existence of the three distinct habitat types present, namely marginal water, open grassland and woodland, together with the sympathetic management techniques carried out by our teams. Some of the species found are of particular interest as either rare local breeders or species identified as in severe decline nationally and therefore in need of extra protection.

A number of recommendations were suggested in the report which we are now investigating further:

• The introduction of some shallower banks in some of the smaller lakes to enable access for wading birds.
• The construction of a sand martin nesting bank.
• Removal of all Elephant Grass planting.

Some of the birds of particular note:

Kingfisher

Grasshopper warbler

Firecrest