Nightjars are nocturnal ground-nesting birds of open heath and young forestry plantations that face welfare threats from habitat fragmentation, disturbance, and heathland degradation.
Nightjars nest on open ground, making eggs and chicks extremely vulnerable to trampling disturbance. Dog walkers and off-path visitors on heathlands during the breeding season from May to August can unknowingly destroy nests. Loss of heathland habitat reduces both nesting sites and the insect-rich hunting grounds they need. Insecticide use near heathlands depletes moth populations, the primary prey. Scrub encroachment through lack of heathland management further degrades habitat. Seasonal path management and visitor guidance on heathland reserves directly protects nightjar welfare.