A defiant nightjar has been heard singing on singed Upton Heath this week, scene of the devastating wildfire that ripped through the precious heathland.

Dorset Wildlife Trust will be surveying the African visitors as usual in July to see how many territories are left after the blaze two weeks ago that destroyed 200 acres of the designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Now the trust is offering people the chance to encounter the mysterious birds on a nearby heath, Barrow Hills between Corfe Mullen and Broadstone, during a twilight walk on July 9.

“This has got to be one of the most exciting birds to look and listen for,” said communications officer Nicky Hoar.

“After many years of observing them, I still it incredible that they find their way to the same spot from Africa every year to breed,” she said.

“The eerie sound of a nightjar “churring” is unforgettable, a sound that was heard by Thomas Hardy and, thanks to continued heathland management, we can still hear today.”

Wreathed in legend and superstition over the years, nightjars are red-listed in Britain as a bird of conservation concern due to the very limited habitats available to them.

They arrive in Dorset in May to nest mainly on heathland but also on open woodland and can be found on many heaths across the county, including urban sites adjacent to housing.

The Twilight Walk takes place on Saturday, July 9 at 9pm.

Meet at Rushcombe Bottom on the Roman Road bridleway just off Higher Blandford Road, Corfe Mullen. Stout footwear and a torch is recommended and it costs £3 for adults, children free, with proceeds to the trust’s 50th Anniversary Wildlife Fund.