Ground nesting birds – protecting these unique UK birds
Published by
Des Sussex
Biodiversity and Conservation Manager
Apr 24 2025
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The Windsor Estate is home to some national rare birds that were once more common across the country.
Ground nesting birds are in decline across the country. Some of these much-loved birds have declined so much they have been added to the ‘red-list’ of bird conservation concern.
This includes birds like the skylark, lapwing and woodcock – birds that can all be found nesting in the Windsor Estate, parts of which are a Special Protection Area for the Conservation of Wild Birds (SPA).
A woodlark amongst grassland.
What are ground nesting birds?
Many species of bird have adapted to nest on the ground, rather than on tree branches or inside tree cavities. These areas offer vegetation coverage, making them the perfect protection against flying predators like magpies and crows.
Species of ground nesting birds are suited to different habitats from grassland to woodland, heathland, underneath farmland hedges and even coastline.
They rely on camouflage to conceal themselves, their young and their nest, with nesting generally carried out between the months of March to the end of August. Sadly, these birds are under pressure due to habitat loss across the country, and disturbances by people and dogs.
How are they at risk?
All ground-nesting birds are vulnerable to natural predation and disturbance – this is part of the natural process of ecosystems.
However, interactions with people and dogs can create additional disturbances that can cause the birds to leave their nest which can expose the nest to vigilant predators by the fleeing bird. This can also expose the eggs or chocks to cold or wet weather, and in extreme situations nests may even be accidentally trampled on.
All of these may result in a failed nesting attempt.
Birds expend a lot of effort and energy in raising a brood, and some species only get one chance to nest per year, whilst others will make up to three nesting attempts during the spring and summer months. Sadly, too many failed nesting attempts will lead to the decline of a species population.
Predatory activity from a crow.
A common crow eating an egg stolen from an unguarded bird’s nest.
Why are they important?
Ground nesting birds play a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as indicators of overall health of the habitats. Many of them feature in the Governments wildlife monitoring reports.
Like any animal they play a role in the food chain, both as predator and prey and they contribute to the overall biodiversity of an area, acting as a puzzle piece in a much larger ecosystem of animals.
More than that, each species is unique and deserves our protection. Follow the links below to hear their unique calls:
- The Dartford warbler has a distinctive scratchy call
- The streaky brown woodlark makes a sweet song whilst flying or perched on tall trees
- The nightjar is a master of camouflage and most active and dawn and dusk, easily identified by its distinctive ‘churring’ call
A camouflaged nightjar nesting on the heathland floor.
How you can help
Ground nesting birds are not always visible so in order to allow them to thrive whilst continuing to enjoy your visit to the Windsor Estate, we ask that you carry out the following:
- Keep yourself and your dog(s) to the footpaths during the nesting season of March to August
- Keep your dog under close control. If this cannot be guaranteed, then place your dog on a lead
- Should you come across a nest or young chicks it is best to leave them alone – the parents will be close by gathering food and watching from a distance
On your visit you will see signs that identify some of the most sensitive locations for your awareness and support.
Keep to footpaths to protect hidden ground nesting birds.
Ground nesting birds on the Windsor Estate
The Windsor Estate is home to a range of ground nesting birds, some are common and widespread, but others are rare and in need of extra support to ensure they can successfully raise their young:
- Birds that nest in grassland include the skylark and lapwing – both red-listed birds
- Birds that nest under farmland hedges include the partridge, chiffchaff, and whitethroat
- Woodland habitats are suited to birds like the red-listed woodcock
- Birds that nest in heathland and open forest include the nationally rare Dartford warbler, woodlark, nightjar, and tree pipit
A Dartford warbler with chicks.
A chiffchaff nesting inside a hedge.
Protecting habitats
1000 hectares/2470 acres of Swinley Forest, with their abundance of heathland and open forest habitats are so important that they have been designated part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, an internationally important area for supporting ground nesting birds. Similar habitats in Buttersteep Forest are also important for these species.
Some areas of the Estate are fenced off to provide additional protection for some of our most important and sensitive habitats and species.
Our careful conservation of Windsor Estate, including our forestry plan of rotational harvesting and replanting, maintains a variety of habitats including newly cleared areas which are favoured by some ground-nesting birds like the nightjar, as well as areas of dense young trees and scrub suited for other species.
In areas like the Deer Park, Stag Meadow and the Cavalry Exercise Ground we intentionally delay the cutting of the grassland to provide an ideal habitat for species like skylarks. We ask that visitors keep to the footpaths until this grass is cut for hay in the summer.
We do not harvest timber during the bird nesting season, and other operational activities (such as public events and filming) are planned with habitat and wildlife in mind.
We are delighted that in the last few years, land in Swinley and Buttersteep Forests has supported approximately:
- 50 nightjar territories
- 30 woodlark habitats
- 15 Dartford warbler territories
With your help we can support more ground-nesting birds to raise their young and keep populations thriving and sustainable.
Ground nesting birds on the Windsor Estate
Woodcock.
Chiffchaff.
Nightjar.
Dartford warbler.
Skylark.
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