THE first ever survey of Bridport and West Bay's breeding bird populations reveals that the area is an important home to some of the UK’s rarest and most threatened birds.

Species such as the Peregrine Falcon, the tiny Firecrest and the Hobby, were all recorded in the immediate area.

Some of the UK’s most threatened species which appear on the Government’s ‘Red List’ including the Nightingale, Swift and Yellowhammer were also recorded.

The survey found 81 species breeding or attempting to breed within a mile of the urban areas of Bridport and West Bay - and development land at Vearse Farm.

The numbers are far more than expected and 14% more than the national average for a 10 km square search area.

Particular attention was placed on surveying Red Listed (rapidly declining and most threatened), and Amber Listed (declining, less threatened) Species of Conservation Concern.

Highlights included Redstart, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Marsh Tit and an important population of Herring Gulls.

The comprehensive survey was carried out by the newly-formed Bridport Bird Club.

Surveyors walked more than 2,000 miles over a 70-day period across the area’s streets, parks, gardens, golf courses, farmland, cliffs and campsites. Additionally, they listened to 700 hours of night-time bird calls recordings.

But some of the survey’s findings were worrying. More than a fifth of species (22%) were either sporadic or likely failed breeders or at population levels close to extinction.

Dr Tom Brereton, research director for conservation charity Marinelife and the head of ecology at Mapperton Estate, led the survey for Bridport Bird Club.

He said: "Traditionally, birders living in Bridport used to leave the area to go birdwatching elsewhere. But the Covid-19 lockdown meant many local birders had stay and explore what was on their doorstep and what we found has been a real surprise.

"The Bridport area is actually quite good for bird species with some rare and threatened species breeding here.

"But conservation action is needed to give these and other species the space and habitat to thrive.

"The survey found that a number of species such as Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Linnet are clinging on in the area and without conservation help could soon go the way of other once locally common but now extinct species such as Grey Partridge and Tree Sparrow."