14 May 2009

During the spring and summer of 2008, a breeding bird survey, funded by the Exmoor National Park, Natural England and South West Water, was carried out on moorlands within Exmoor National Park.

The main objective was to provide current data on the breeding populations of moorland birds, and put these into both a national and regional context. The survey also aimed to highlight trends in species abundance and distribution since previous surveys in 1978, 1992/93 and 2002, and investigate habitat associations relating to these trends.

The results showed that avian diversity tended to be higher around the edge of the moor, within the valleys, and on the coastal heaths. Some areas of grass moor held very few species. Species showing significant increases since previous surveys included Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Linnet and Reed Bunting.

To read the full report by Andy Stanbury on the Exmoor National Park website, click here.