The European nightjar is a specialist heathland and young forestry bird that has declined significantly and is now a species of conservation concern in the UK.
Ground-nesting nightjars are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from dogs, walkers, and cyclists during their breeding season from May to August. Disturbed birds flush from nests exposing eggs and chicks to predation and temperature extremes. Heathland management that maintains appropriate open habitats and visitor management at key sites directly improves nightjar welfare and breeding success.