An ecological survey has found 109 nightjar territories in the lowland heaths of east Hampshire.

The number of nightjars recorded in a national park is thought to have doubled in the past five years following conservation efforts.

Seventy eight of the elusive birds, which are known for their “churring” song at sunset, were recorded last year in an ecological survey within the South Downs National Park.

A spokesman for the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) described it as “a remarkable comeback” and was “thanks to nature recovery efforts and better habitat management”.