Chidswell and Heybeck has a wonderful mosaic of habitats, each supporting the needs of many different birds.

It may be the ancient woodlands of Dum Wood and Dogloitch Wood supporting woodland species such as the Nuthatch and Treecreeper; or the fields, scrublands and hedgerows supporting the Yellowhammer.

The watercourses support the Kingfisher. Insects living in the streams upon which the Kingfisher feeds as part of its diet, only live in the water for part of their life cycle and are reliant upon the habitats around the watercourses also. So not only is it vital the watercourses stay pristine but the habitats around them too in order for the Kingfisher to have all the food it needs.

The Skylarks rely on undisturbed ground for nesting. The Red Kite and Buzzard rely on all the habitats to support all the animals and insects upon which they feed to survive, and the space and places for them to nest and breed.

The ancient Dum Wood and Dogloitch Wood and the many mature trees dotted about Chidswell and Heybeck provide food and a home for Woodpeckers.

Some birds like the Dunnock stay here all year round. Some Song thrushes at Chidswell and Heybeck could live here all year round, others could have migrated here to breed from Ireland. The Grey Heron normally stays but may travel to Ireland, Holland, France or even Spain.

The Goldfinch, stopping the decline of which was one of the first missions of the Society for the Protection of Birds, sometimes stays and sometimes travels to France, Spain or Belgium to overwinter.

The Chiffchaff, arrives here after travelling over 1600 miles from West Africa to breed here at Chidswell and Heybeck.

So keeping Chidswell and Heybeck safe if as important as keeping the places safe in other countries where they overwinter.