A rare breed of bird has successfully bred for the first time in the Forest of Dean in 2026.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has confirmed that a pair of Dartford warblers have hatched and raised two broods this year – the first confirmed breeding of this species in this area.
The trust describes Dartford warblers as one of the UK's most distinctive heathland birds, with brown-grey plumage, a long tail and a red eye ring.
Their population was once widespread across the south of England, but the species became close to extinction in the UK during the 1960s, due to the decade's particularly harsh winters.
While their numbers have recovered, Dartford warblers are still relatively rare due to their specific habitat needs.
The birds nest close to the ground, usually among heather and gorse, feeding on insects and spiders. The Forest of Dean pair have been observed nesting and raising their young in a carefully managed patch of the forest which has the ideal conditions for the birds, with good cover and a plentiful food supply.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's environmental records officer, Tina Bouttle, said: 'Dartford warblers are rare birds with very specific needs. The fact that they have settled in the Forest of Dean is a great indication that the area is being managed effectively and providing the right conditions for them.
'It’s particularly exciting to see them successfully raise two broods, and a positive sign that the habitat is supporting a wider range of wildlife.'
