Nightjars and stars at Trinity Hill

East Devon District Council’s Countryside team and staff from the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth are joining forces in a ‘Nightjars and Stars’ walk at Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve on Thursday 12 June and again on Tuesday 1 July between 9pm and 11pm.

Nightjars arrive to breed in southern Britain from Africa around late April, coinciding with the time of the moth population explosion. The birds are difficult to spot during their day due to their amazing camouflage, but at dawn and dusk when they are out hunting for flying insects, they often perch in prominent positions and can more easily be seen against the night sky.

“Nightjars’ preferred nesting environment is lowland heath, so Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve is an ideal place to find them,” explains Nathan Robinson, EDDC Nature Reserves Ranger.

“We are hoping for a warm, still evening – perfect conditions in which to hear their churring call. If we’re really lucky, we can watch their superb aerobatic displays as they hunt for moths”.

With the open heathland of Trinity Hill, there is as much wide expanse of night time sky to experience as there are commanding views over the Axe valley.

“As we are near the summer solstice, the skies will not be as dark as winter, but they are free from city lights,” says David Strange, Chairman of the Norman Lockyer Observatory.

“Join our members for a tour of the summer sky. We will show you how to find Mars and Saturn, and point out the brighter stars and constellations and associated myths”.

These are free events, but booking is essential as they are highly weather dependent and places are limited. To book, call 01395 517557 or email Countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk