Skylarks nesting at Gosbecks Archaeological Park

Date issued: 10 July 2020

Multiple breeding pairs of skylarks are currently nesting in the long grass areas at Gosbecks Archaeological Park.

Colchester Borough Council is asking that visitors to the site avoid walking or dogs running through the long grass areas and to keep to the large mowed areas, from now until the end of August.

Skylarks are ground nesting birds and are protected due to declining numbers. The council’s countryside rangers have installed temporary signage around the areas where they are nesting, giving visitors information about these protected birds and what they can do to support a successful breeding season.

Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “It’s wonderful to see these protected birds nesting in our borough. Our countryside rangers are working hard to protect these special birds to ensure that their beautiful song is heard for many years to come, and we are calling out to everyone that visits the site to do their bit to help.”