Moorland birds

The Eastern Moors is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) to reflect the presence of bird species such as short eared owl and golden plover. Skylark numbers have almost tripled and winchat numbers doubled, bucking national trends, since the partnership took over the management in 2010. The area is also important as a breeding site for curlew, a listed bird of high concern. Another special species to look, and listen, out for during breeding season in the ring ouzel or mountain blackbird. 

In winter spot flocks of redwings and fieldfares enjoying the berries of hawthorn trees. 

Shillito Wood is an area well know to bird watchers who enjoy seeing species such as blue tits, yellow hammers, chaffinches, bramblings and great spotted wood peckers visit the feeders. Occasionally crossbills are spotted or heard searching out seeds high up in Shillito Wood plantation. For some top tips on how to feed the birds to keep them healthy please take a look at the RSPB advice.