A suite of breeding bird surveys was carried out in 2021 across several woodlands in an area southeast of Trowbridge. Woodlands were surveyed in three different blocks: the ‘northern block’ (including Biss, Green Lane, Smith’s Well, and Jubilee Woods), Picket and Clanger Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the ‘other southern woods’ block (including Kettle Lane, Flowers Wood East, and Woodside Woods).
Seven target species were confirmed breeding within the northern block, five species were identified as probable breeding species, with one possible breeder. A total of 36 estimated territories were present for these species.
Five target species were confirmed breeding within Picket and Clanger Wood SSSI. An additional seven target species were identified as probable breeding species, with three possible breeders, including nightingale. A total of 62 estimated territories were present for these species.
Within the other southern woods, four target species were confirmed breeding and a further five species were identified as probable breeding species. No possible breeders were recorded. A total of 12 estimated territories were present for these species.
Whilst the highest diversity of target species was recorded within the northern block, the highest number of territories of target species was recorded within Picket and Clanger Wood. A total of 110 estimated breeding territories were present across all areas for all target species.
The most noteworthy species recorded were the presence of a singing male nightingale in Picket and Clanger Wood and a nesting red kite within the other southern woods.