Where to go

BELOW is a small selection of lowland heaths that are worthy of a visit:

• Arne RSPB, Dorset: one of many fine heathland sites in Dorset, this beautiful peninsula sticks out into Poole Harbour and can make for a dynamic day of birding.

• Beaulieu Road, Hampshire: this part of the New Forest holds all the classic heathland breeders; Hen Harrier and Great Grey Shrike often overwinter.

• Thursley Common, Surrey: as well as the expected birds of heath there are also bog species, such as Eurasian Curlew.

• Ashdown Forest, East Sussex: the biggest expanse of heathland in south-east England, this site is good for raptors.

• Dunwich and Westleton Heaths, Suffolk:

most expected heathland species can be encountered at these neighbouring sites.

• Weeting Heath, Norfolk: perhaps the best site in the country for Eurasian Stonecurlew, which can be viewed from the comfort of a hide.