A project to survey and understand as much as we can about the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) in the Forest of Dean, using a combination of observation, remote audio recording, field recordings, bio-acoustic analysis, ringing, telemetry, DNA sampling, photography and trail cameras. The project began back in 2002 but has grown both in its scope and methodology since that time.

This website collates some of the media that results from the project. Complete, accurate records and breeding data are submitted to the BTO and County Bird Recorder annually, as well as shared with the relevant land owner/manager. The project is funded by a combination of grants from Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society, Forestry England, a lottery funded local conservation project and personal funds.

Most recent project updates and articles…

2020 update for GNS

As originally published in ‘GNS News’ in March 2021 for the Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society (www.glosnats.org).

2020 Season Summary pt.2

First published at https://www.benlocke.co.uk/2020-nightjar-season-summary-part-2/. Part 2 – July-August During a few days toward the end of June I spent a bit of time at a site that used to be…

2020 Season Summary pt.1

First published at https://www.benlocke.co.uk/2020-nightjar-season-summary-part-1/. Part 1 – May-June When the 2020 nightjar season got underway, Britain was in Covid-19 lockdown. Consequently, with everything I had planned cancelled, and with little…

2019 Update for GNS

As originally published in ‘GNS News’ in 2020 for the Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society (www.glosnats.org).

2019 Season Summary

First published at https://www.benlocke.co.uk/2019-nightjar-season-summary/. The 2019 Nightjar season officially started for me on the 10th May. I’d already visited 4 different sites on the preceding nights hoping for just a…