Nightjars are secretive nocturnal birds of heathland and young forestry that require open sandy habitats for nesting and abundant large moths for food.
Nightjar welfare during the UK breeding season depends on appropriate habitat availability and low disturbance. Ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to predation by foxes and crows, which has increased as heathland management intensity declined. Dogs off leads in heathland during breeding season cause frequent nest abandonment. Appropriate rotational heathland management that provides a mosaic of vegetation heights creates optimal conditions for nightjars and simultaneously benefits numerous other heathland species.