Young Birders - Nightjar Ringing Demonstration with Dorset Nightjar Study Group

The Nightjar is one of our most iconic and unique heathland bird species, with a real stronghold in Dorset. Their enigmatic 'churring' song is the sound of summer, with recent increases in their population due to factors such as better heathland management and creation. Join us at one of Poole Harbour's most accessible and urban heathland sites, Canford Heath, to experience the sight and sound of these stunning birds. With Nightjars being crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn), we'll be visiting late in the evening as these birds become active across the site. We'll take a walk across the heathland, learning about why it's such an important habitat and how it is managed, whilst searching for these birds alongside hopefully some other heathland specialists like Dartford Warbler.

We'll then have the chance to hear from members of the Dorset Nightjar Study Group, who have been studying these birds across urban heathlands in Bournemouth and Poole through radio-tracking and bird ringing, and hopefully see some birds in the hand. A great opportunity to hear in-depth about local Nightjar movements and behaviour. 

Travel

This event will be taking place at Canford Heath Nature Reserve, Poole. We will be meeting at the entrance opposite Knowlton Road (What3Words: ///aware.robots.herb), along Culliford Crescent. On-road parking is available on Knowlton Road. Bursaries for local transport can be provided on request. 

Safeguarding

Please note that for this event, we will not be providing adult tickets to accompany the Young Birders. As this is a specifically funded event for 13-18s to make this no charge and we have limited spaces available, we want to offer as many as possible to the young people. We will have 2 members of staff present at the event with all relevant safeguarding training. We also find that the Young Birders interact, learn from each other and ask more questions when parents are not present. If there are specific circumstances that mean a parent must attend we can make accommodations, but you must make sure to let us know beforehand. We hope this makes sense, please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Please make sure to complete the following consent form if you intend to book a Young Birders Place on the event.