Assessment of Supporting Habitat Liverpool Docks Aug 2015

Assessment of Supporting Habitat (Docks) for Use by Qualifying Features of Natura 2000 Sites in the

Liverpool City Region

Ornithology Report Report Ref: 4157.005

August 2015

Assessment of Supporting Habitat (Docks) for Use by Qualifying Features of Natura

2000 Sites in the Liverpool City Region Ornithology Report

Document Reference: 4157.005 Version 3.0

August 2015

Prepared by:

TEP Genesis Centre

Birchwood Science Park Warrington WA3 7BH

Tel: 01925 844004 Fax: 01925 844002

e-mail: [email protected]

for:

Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service First floor Merton House

Stanley Road Bootle

Merseyside L20 3DL

Written: Checked: Approved:

MW TR TR

CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................... 1

2.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 2

3.0 SURVEY METHODS .............................................................................................. 11

4.0 SUMMARY SURVEY FINDINGS ............................................................................ 17

5.0 CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................... 82

6.0 DISCUSSION OF IMPLICATIONS RELATING TO NATURA 2000 SITES.............. 83

7.0 REFERENCES & FURTHER READING ................................................................. 86

APPENDICES Appendix 1: Examples of Survey Sheets Appendix 2: Vantage Point Survey Coverage Appendix 3: Tabulated Raw Data Appendix 4: Protected Site Citations

DRAWINGS G4157.004 Count Area Locations G4157.007 Bird Flight Lines April 2014 – October 2014 G4157.008 Bird Flight Lines November 2013 – March 2014 G4157.009 Mallard and Cormorant Flight Lines April 2014 – October 2014 G4157.010 Mallard and Cormorant Flight Lines November 2013 – March 2014

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1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 TEP was commissioned in August 2013 to carry out non-breeding bird surveys of the

active and inactive dock systems in Liverpool and Birkenhead to aid in updating the Environmental Baseline for the suite of Natura 2000 sites that are found in the Liverpool region.

1.2 The project has been carried out to fill crucial gaps in knowledge regarding use of the dock systems as supporting habitat by birds that are qualifying features in their own right, and / or as part of the waterbird assemblage for nearby Natura 2000 sites. These sites include the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar, the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar and the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites.

1.3 The survey method was adapted from the WeBS core count methodology and

entailed monthly visits between November 2013 and October 2014. Using a team of ornithologists it was possible for the entire dock system to be covered concurrently during each survey visit. Taking this approach enables greater insight into how birds use the docks and move between these areas and adjacent estuarine habitat.

1.4 A combination of transect routes and point counts were used to count all birds on the

docks and flying over the docks. A count of all docks was undertaken at both high and low tide each month. Six one hour long vantage point surveys were also undertaken at both high tide and low tide to record any bird movements.

1.5 The survey results show that the docks are used by some birds associated with the

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar, the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar and the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar, including shelduck, redshank, black-tailed godwit and little gull. However, only low numbers and occasional usage of the docks by these species was recorded during the winter period. Increased usage of the docks by shelduck was observed during the spring period, particularly during April. The peak count of shelduck using the entire dock system was 41 individuals, equivalent to just below 1% of the Mersey Estuary SPA population.

1.6 The wintering bird assemblage for the SPA and Ramsar sites covers a larger number

of species than those listed as qualifying features within the citation. Of the wintering bird assemblage species for these protected sites, curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, redshank, turnstone, shelduck, great crested grebe, cormorant and little gull were recorded using the docks during the winter period.

1.7 Cormorant were regularly recorded fishing in most of the docks, with the largest

numbers recorded on the West Float and East Float in Birkenhead (peak count: 35 individuals). The number supported by Birkenhead Docks is equal to 4.7% of the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA population. It is considered likely that the Birkenhead Docks provide supporting habitat for cormorant associated with the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA.

1.8 Great crested grebe were regularly observed to congregate at the eastern end of the

East Float within the Birkenhead Docks, with a peak count of 12 individuals. This is equivalent to 60% of the Mersey Estuary SPA population. It is possible that the docks are functionally linked with the Mersey Estuary SPA in terms of their great crested grebe population.

1.9 Moderate usage of the Garston Docks by oystercatcher was recorded, with

occasional large groups of this species roosting directly adjacent to the dock. A peak count of 210 oystercatcher was observed at Old Dock, equivalent to 7.7% of the

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Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA population. It is considered that the Old Dock within Garston Docks provides supporting habitat for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA oystercatcher population and potentially that of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries.

1.10 It is considered that the Liverpool Docks including Garston Docks, Brunswick Docks,

Albert Docks and Princes Docks provide supporting habitat for the turnstone population that forms part of the winter bird assemblage for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA.

2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 TEP was commissioned in August 2013 to carry out non-breeding bird surveys of the

active and inactive dock systems in Liverpool and Birkenhead to aid in updating the Environmental Baseline for the suite of Natura 2000 sites that are found in the Liverpool city region. The survey comprises a full 12 months.

2.2 Initially, the project was delayed while a number of matters were resolved and survey commenced in November 2013 and continued until the end of October 2014.

2.3 A range of gaps in coverage for bird survey within the Natura 2000 sites has been

identified by joint work with Natural England, RSPB, BTO and local volunteers. The crucial gaps in knowledge include use of the dock systems as supporting habitat by birds that are qualifying features in their own right, and / or as part of the waterbird assemblage. It is therefore necessary to fill in gaps in knowledge about use of the dock systems by birds. Survey Coverage

2.4 Figure 1 shows the total survey coverage for the survey work detailed within this

report. The survey area extends from Garston docks in the south to the southern edge of Seaforth in the north on the east bank of the Mersey (Liverpool). On the western bank of the Mersey (Wirral) survey coverage included the QEII dock in the south at Eastham to the Birkenhead docks in the north.

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Figure 1: Survey area and Natura 2000 sites within the vicinity of the site.

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Natura 2000 Sites

2.5 The following Natura 2000 sites designated for birds are present within the vicinity of the Liverpool Docks:

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar Sites

Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar Sites

Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar Sites Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar Sites

2.6 The Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore was designated as a Special

Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site in July 2013. The boundaries of these sites are alike and this description covers both the SPA and Ramsar sites. These sites comprise a 2,078 ha area located at the mouths of the Mersey and Dee Estuaries. It comprises intertidal habitats at Egremont foreshore, man-made lagoons at Seaforth and the extensive mudflats of the North Wirral Foreshore. These protected sites are located approximately 300m from the Alfred Dock on the coast of Birkenhead at their closest point and are 20m from the Royal Seaforth Dock.

2.7 The SPA qualifies under Article 4.1 for being regularly used by 1% or more of the GB population of the following species:

Bar-tailed godwit (non-breeding)

Common tern (breeding)

2.8 In addition the 2013 citation states that the site is one of the most important locations in the UK for the following species:

Little gull (non-breeding)

Common tern (non-breeding)

2.9 The SPA also qualifies under Article 4.2 for being regularly used by 1% or more of the biogeographical population of the following species:

Knot (non-breeding)

2.10 The populations of qualifying species supported by the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA as stated within the 2013 citation are presented in Table 2.1. Table 2.1. Populations of qualifying species and assemblages supported by the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA as stated within the 2013 citation (see Appendix 4).

Species 5-yr peak mean (2004/05 – 2008/09)

% GB population % biogeographical population

Bar-tailed godwit 3,344 6.6


177 pairs 1.8

Common tern (non-breeding)

1,475 - *

Little Gull 213 - *

Knot 10,655 - 2.4

Wintering Waterbirds Assemblage

32,366 - -

* No population estimate provided

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2.11 The SPA is also designated for its non-breeding bird assemblage, including

cormorant, grey plover, sanderling, dunlin, redshank, oystercatcher and turnstone.

2.12 The Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site is a separate designation, although it is designated for the same species as the SPA. Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar Sites

2.13 On 30th June 2014 Natural England published an updated Conservation Objectives

list for the Mersey Estuary SPA. The list of qualifying species published is as follows:

2.14 :

Shelduck (non-breeding)

Teal (non-breeding)

Pintail (non-breeding)

Golden plover (non-breeding)

Dunlin (non-breeding)

Black-tailed godwit (non-breeding)

Redshank (non-breeding)

2.15 The populations of these qualifying species supported by the Mersey Estuary SPA as stated within the earlier 2004 citation are presented in Table 2.2. Table 2.2. Populations of qualifying species and assemblages supported by the Mersey Estuary SPA as stated within the 2004 citation (see Appendix 4).



Shelduck 6,746 - 2.2

Teal 11,723 - 2.9

Pintail 1,169 - 1.9

Golden plover 3,040 1.2 -

Dunlin 48,789 - 3.7

Black-tailed godwit

976 - 2.8

Redshank 4,993 - 3.8

Wintering Waterbirds Assemblage

99,467 - -

2.16 The Mersey Estuary Ramsar is designated for the same species as the Mersey Estuary SPA under criterion 6. This site is also designated under criteria 5 for supporting internationally important assemblages of wintering waterfowl. The designation also lists a number of ‘noteworthy species’ which are occurring at levels of national importance. These include ringed plover, curlew, spotted redshank and greenshank during the spring and autumn and wigeon during the winter.

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Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar Sites

2.17 The Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar are located 700m north west of the Royal Seaforth Dock. These SPA and Ramsar sites are designated for their breeding populations of common tern, ruff and lesser black-backed gull. They are also designated for their wintering populations of bar-tailed godwit, black-tailed godwit, Bewick’s swan, golden plover, whooper swan, dunlin, grey plover, knot, oystercatcher, pink-footed goose, pintail, redshank, sanderling, shelduck, teal and wigeon. The Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar sites also support important numbers of ringed plover and sanderling on passage. These species meet Ramsar criteria 5 and collectively meet criteria 6.

2.18 The populations of qualifying species and assemblages supported by the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA are presented in Table 2.3.

Table 2.3. Populations of qualifying species supported by the Ribble and Alt Estuary SPA as stated in the 2002 Classification Citation (see Appendix 4).



Bewick’s swan 276 3.9 -

Whooper swan 182 3.3 -

Pink footed goose 11,764 - 5.2

Shelduck 4,925 - 1.6

Wigeon 85,259 - 6.8

Teal 7,157 - 1.8

Pintail 2,731 - 4.6

Oystercatcher 18,535 - 2.1

Ringed plover (passage)

1,657 - 3.3

Golden plover 3,598 1.4 -

Grey plover 9,355 - 6.2

Knot 68,922 - 19.7

Sanderling (passage)

6535 6.5

Sanderling (winter)

2,882 - 2.9

Dunlin 39,376 - 2.8

Ruff (breeding) 1 pair 9.1 -

Bar-tailed Godwit 20,086 37.9%

Black-tailed godwit

1,273 - 1.8

Redshank (winter)

2,505 - 1.7

Redshank (passage)

3,247 - 2.2

Lesser black-backed gull (breeding)

1,800 pairs - 1.5


182 pairs 1.5 GB -

Waterbird assemblage

323,861 - -

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Seabird Assemblage

29,236 - -

Breeding bird assemblage

>20,000

Natura 2000 Sites within the Wider Area

2.19 Within the wider area, the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites are located approximately 10km west of the site. These SPA and Ramsar sites are designated for supporting breeding colonies of common tern and little tern, and for supporting sandwich tern on passage. These SPA and Ramsar sites are also designated for their wintering populations of black-tailed godwit, and for their assemblages of wintering birds. These assemblages include redshank, shelduck, teal, pintail, oystercatcher, grey plover, knot, dunlin, black-tailed godwit and curlew.

2.20 There is interchange of bird populations between the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar, the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar and the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar sites.

2.21 The Liverpool Bay SPA is a marine site, with its landward boundary following the

Mean Low Water Mark. The SPA covers an area of 170,292.94 ha between Point Lynas in the west (north coast of Anglesey) and the Fylde Peninsula in the north east. The SPA is located approximately 1.5km west of the northern end of the site (Seaforth) at its closest point. The site is designated for its populations of red throated diver and common scoter. It is also designated for its assemblage of wintering waterfowl. During the period 2001/02 – 2006/07, Liverpool Bay SPA supported at least 55,597 individual waterfowl in the non-breeding season.

2.22 Table 2.4 summarises the qualifying species for each of the SPAs both near to the

survey area and within the wider area. The table also includes lists of species included within the wintering bird assemblage for each site. It is common practice in the UK to identify the main component species that characterise a waterfowl assemblage (as well as those species that are of European importance in their own right and selected under stages 1(1) or 1(2) of the SPA selection guidelines (JNCC, 1999)). Such species are identified under stage 1(3) of the SPA selection guidelines (JNCC, 1999) because they are regularly occurring migratory species present in numbers exceeding 1% of the GB population or 20,000 individuals (Stroud et al, 2001). In the case of the Mersey Estuary SPA, the amount of information currently gained is insufficient to determine the main component species of the assemblage.

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Table 2.4. Qualifying features and assemblages for SPA sites within the vicinity of the survey area as well as within the wider area.

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

Mersey Estuary Ribble and Alt Estuaries Dee Estuary Liverpool Bay

Species Qualifying Feature

Assemblage Qualifying Feature




Bewick’s swan

Whooper swan

Pink-footed goose

Common scoter

Pintail

Shelduck

Scaup

Teal

Wigeon

Great crested grebe

Red throated diver

Cormorant

Bar-tailed godwit

Black-tailed godwit

Curlew

Whimbrel

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Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

Mersey Estuary Ribble and Alt Estuaries Dee Estuary Liverpool Bay

Species Qualifying Feature





Dunlin

Knot

Sanderling

Golden plover

Grey plover

Ringed plover

Lapwing

Oystercatcher

Ruff

Redshank

Little tern

Little gull

Common tern

Sandwich tern

Black-headed gull

Lesser black-backed gull

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Site Description

2.23 The entire site (illustrated at Figure 1) has been divided into a number of areas (see Table 3.1) to aid description and analysis. The areas have been classified by geographical location rather than area covered by each surveyor (which is described below under ‘monthly bird counts’). For example, the Garston Docks form one of the areas, as these docks form a cluster, some 6km distant from the nearest other docks. A brief description of each of the areas is given below. Each of the docks within the survey area are listed in Table 3.1. Area 1 – Birkenhead Docks

2.24 Area 1 contains the Birkenhead Docks. The far western limit of the survey area contains Bidston Moss lake. This lake falls within the Bidston Moss Nature Reserve and is separated from the other docks by an area of bare ground –the remnants of an in-filled dock. The Birkenhead Docks contain two large bodies of water; the West Float and the East Float. These two bodies of water are separated by the Duke Street Bridge. The East Float is connected to the Vittoria Dock which lies to the south. A number of smaller docks lie to the east of the East Float, adjacent to the River Mersey. These docks are bordered by various industrial units and roads, with residential areas adjacent to these. Area 1 contains the Wirral Waters area. Area 2 – Eastham Docks

2.25 Area 2 is located approximately 9km south east of Area 1. This area contains a single dock (QEII Dock) and an adjacent lock. The Manchester Ship Canal begins immediately to the north of this dock and runs between it and the River Mersey, following the Wirral coastline to the south east. Eastham Country Park lies to the north and east, and an oil storage depot, as well as a number of grazed fields, lie to the south. Area 3 – Garston Docks

2.26 Area 3 contains three interconnected docks at Garston, north of the Liverpool John Lennon Airport, collectively known as the Garston Docks. The docks are surrounded by various industrial units and the River Mersey lies directly south of the docks. Residential areas lie to the north, west and east. Area 4 – Brunswick Docks, Albert Dock, Princes Docks

2.27 Area 4 lies approximately 6km north west of the Garston Docks. Area 4 contains all docks from the Brunswick Dock in the south to the East Waterloo Dock in the north. This dockland area is open to the public and contains the Albert Dock area with its associated commercial/retail units, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries. The majority of the docks in Area 4 are surrounded by flats, commercial units and car parks. The Royal Liver Building lies within the centre of this area. The Kingsway Tunnel forms the northern boundary of the survey area. Area 5 – Trafalgar Dock to Langton Dock (Peel Ports South)

2.28 Area 5 lies to the north of Area 4, between the Trafalgar Dock in the South and Langton Dock in the north. The southern end of this area contains a number of industrial units and a Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) at Sandon Dock. The Wellington Dock to the south of the WwTW has recently been filled in. To the north of

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the WwTW lies the Peel Ports land. This is a busy docklands area containing many industrial and storage areas. Area 6 – Peel Ports North

2.29 Area 6 contains the land directly north of Area 5. This is a busy docklands area containing many industrial and storage areas. The northern end of Area 6 is located approximately 10m south of the southern boundary of the Seaforth Nature Reserve. One of the largest docks within the survey is located at the northern end of Area 6 –the Royal Seaforth Dock.

3.0 SURVEY METHODS 3.1 Surveys undertaken to determine the usage of the docks by birds were undertaken

over an entire year (November 2013 until the end of October 2014).

3.2 Surveys undertaken used two separate methods to determine different aspects of bird usage of the docks; monthly bird counts and Vantage Point (VP) surveys. Monthly bird counts were undertaken to establish which docks birds used, in what numbers and for what purpose. This method was also designed to allow factors such as tidal, diurnal, seasonal and disturbance related variation to be taken into consideration and is an adaptation of the WeBS count method. The monthly count and VP survey methods as well as desktop survey methods are described in detail below. Review of Previous Survey Information

3.3 A number of previous studies exist that have examined bird usage of areas of the Liverpool and Wirral Docks, as well as the adjacent Mersey Estuary. These information sources include Environmental Statement chapters for projects in this area, as well as individual winter and breeding bird survey reports.

3.4 Each of these sources of information has been reviewed to provide an insight into the current level of knowledge of bird usage of the Liverpool and Wirral docks areas. Monthly Bird Counts

3.5 The survey area for the monthly bird counts is shown at Figure 1. Each dock within the survey area was divided into individual sub count areas of no more than 20ha, although some individual docks were much smaller than this. These areas were numbered numerically (1 – 72). Bird counts were gained for each of these count areas. The count areas are illustrated at Drawing G4157.004.

3.6 A number of docks initially identified on OS maps have since been in-filled. This includes the dock between West Float and the Bidston Moss lake (Count Area 2) and the Wellington Dock (Count Area 46). In addition access could not be gained to the Princess Dock and Outer Basin at Birkenhead (Count Areas 14 and 15) and these docks were not included in the survey.

3.7 A team of five surveyors were deployed on each survey visit allowing for all docks within the survey area to be surveyed concurrently. Taking this approach enabled greater insight into how birds use the docks and move between these areas and adjacent estuarine habitat.

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3.8 Each monthly survey visit was divided into a low tide bird count and a high tide bird count. In some cases, subject to daylight hours and tide times, both the high tide survey and low tide survey were undertaken during the same day. However, on some survey visits it was necessary to undertake the high and low tide counts on separate days.

3.9 Each low tide count was completed within a period starting two hours prior to low tide

and finishing two hours after low tide. Each high tide count commenced two hours before high tide and finished two hours after high tide. A surveyor was therefore able to comfortably complete the counts and associated VP surveys at associated observation points in the defined four hour survey period for high or low tide.

3.10 During every bird count each surveyor drove or walked between a number of pre-

defined locations, from which each of the docks could be viewed. All waders, wildfowl, herons/egrets, gulls and cormorant were recorded both on or over the dock as well as on land within 5m of each dock. The location of each bird was mapped as well as whether the bird was flying or not.

3.11 The areas covered by each surveyor during each visit are shown in Table 3.1. This is

not to be confused with Areas 1 to 6 which were used to describe geographically distinct parts of the survey area rather than survey area sub-sections. This has been done to aid description and analysis.

3.12 Efforts were made to time survey visits to take place within 3 days of pre-determined

WeBS core count priority dates. This allows comparison of survey data with WeBS core count data which allows further insight into the movements of birds.

3.13 Prior to the January survey visit the decision was made to map the locations and

extent of any ships present on the docks and these were noted at the time of each survey. This provided an indication of the availability of habitat within the docks.

Table 3.1. Docks included within the monthly bird counts. The division of the entire site into Areas and individual Count Areas is listed in columns 1 and 4. The extent of the Count Areas that each surveyor covered during each survey visit is also shown in column 3.

Area Extent of survey area

Area covered by each surveyor

Count Area Dock Name

1

Wirral Waters Area –Morpeth

and Alfred Dock in east to

Wallasey Bridge Road in

west Docks at

Bidston Moss

Surveyor 1

1 Bidston Lake

2 Dock In-filled

3 West Float West

4 West Float Central No. 1

5 West Float Central No. 2

6 West Float East

7 East Float West

8 East Float Central

9 East Float East

10 Alfred Dock

11 Vittoria Dock

12 Egerton Dock

13 Morpeth Dock

2 Eastham 16 Eastham Dock

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17 Eastham Locks (Manchester Ship Canal)

3 Garston Docks

Surveyor 2

18 Stalbridge Dock

19 Old Dock

20 North Dock

4

Brunswick Docks, Albert

Docks, Princes Docks

21 Brunswick Dock

22 Coburg Dock

23 Queens Branch Dock No. 1

24 Queens Dock

25 Queens Branch Dock No. 2

26 Wapping Dock

27 Wapping Dock

Surveyor 3

28 Dukes Basin

29 Salthouse Dock

30 Albert Dock

31 Canning Hall Tide Dock

32 Canning Dock

33 Canning Branch Docks

34 Princes Dock South

35 Princes Dock North

36 Princes Half Tide Dock

37 West Waterloo Dock

38 East Waterloo Dock

5

Trafalgar Dock to Sandon Half

Tide Dock & Peel Ports

South

39 Trafalgar Dock

40 Salisbury Dock

41 Collingwood Dock

42 Stanley Dock

43 Nelson Dock

44 Bramley Moore Dock

45 Sandon Half Tide Dock

46 Dock In-filled

Surveyor 4

47 Huskisson Dock

48 Huskisson Branch Dock No. 1


50 Canada Dock South

51 Canada Dock North

52 Canada Branch Dock No. 1

53 Canada Graving Dock



56 Brocklebank Dock

57 Langton Locks

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58 Langton Dock

59 Langton Dock East

6 Peel Ports

North Surveyor

5

60 Alexandra Dock

61 Alexandra Branch Dock No. 2

62 Alexandra Branch Dock No. 3

63 Gladstone Dock South

64 Gladston Locks

65 Gladstone Dock

66 Gladstone Branch Dock No. 1

67 Gladstone Branch Dock No. 2

68 Gladstone Graving Dock

69 Grain Dock

70 Royal Seaforth Dock East

71 Royal Seaforth Dock Central

72 Royal Seaforth Dock West

Nocturnal Bird Survey

3.14 A nocturnal bird survey was undertaken at both high tide and low tide. The high tide visit was undertaken on the 19th/20th February 2014 and the low tide visit was undertaken on the 24th February 2014.

3.15 The nocturnal survey method used a combination of both transect routes and point counts. Two teams of two surveyors (see Appendix 3) covered the entire survey area within a five hour period at high tide and a 5 hour period at low tide. Both teams used night vision goggles to enhance bird detection capabilities.

Vantage Point Survey

3.16 During each high tide and low tide monthly bird count as described above, seven

vantage point surveys were undertaken, each lasting one hour in duration. Each surveyor undertook a single one hour vantage point survey during each full count, with the exception of Surveyors 1 and 2 who both undertook two vantage point surveys during each high tide and low tide visit. Surveyor 1 undertook a 1 hour vantage point at both East Float (VP1) and Eastham Docks (VP2). Surveyor 2 undertook a 1 hour vantage point survey at both Garston Docks (VP3) and at the Brunswick Docks (VP4).

3.17 The location of each vantage point is shown at Drawing 4157.007. The extent of the area covered by each vantage point is presented at Table 3.2. From each vantage point it was not always possible to observe an entire Count Area, due to visual obstructions in such a built up area. It is therefore possible that birds undertaking short, low-level flights within these visually obstructed areas could have been missed. To take this into account, the percentage of each count area that could be observed from each vantage point location is presented in Appendix 2.

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Primary Species

3.18 During each vantage point survey, all flight lines of the following primary species/groups within the following groups were mapped:

Waders;

Wildfowl;

Herons/egrets;

Divers;

Cormorant; and

Little gull.

3.19 Target bird species and groups were defined by the qualifying species of the nearby Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar and the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites, the WeBS core count method and through discussions with MEAS.

3.20 Information recorded regarding each flight line included the species, number of birds, location, direction of movement and flight height.

3.21 Three height bands were used to record the height of bird flight lines during the

vantage point surveys. These height bands are: 0-10m, 10-50m, >50m. If a bird flew within two height bands during a single flight, both height bands were recorded.

3.22 Any disturbance events that could influence bird flights were also recorded as well as

the time that they occurred. If the bird was recorded to land within a dock, this information was also recorded. Secondary Species

3.23 Secondary species recorded included all gull species excluding little gull which is a primary species.

3.24 During initial VP surveys the flight lines of flocks of more than 20 gulls were recorded.

However, following this initial survey it was apparent that 95% of the flight lines recorded were of gulls but flocks rarely exceeded 20 birds resulting in gulls being under recorded. A different method was therefore devised which enabled all gull activity to be recorded, whilst not reducing the likelihood of recording primary species. This method involved collecting detailed information on individual gull flight direction as well the numbers of gull flights recorded during each VP survey.

3.25 Every five minutes, secondary species seen flying over the docks were tallied. The

direction of each flight line was also tallied. Gulls that did not fly over the docks were not recorded. Gulls which were recorded to take off or land in a particular Count Area were recorded separately to those which simply flew over the dock. Gulls observed to fly at a height of greater than 30m in height were not recorded as these were considered unlikely to be flights associated with birds using the docks in that location.

3.26 The survey sheet used during VP surveys to record secondary bird species is shown

at Appendix 1.

3.27 Details of weather, including rain fall, wind force, wind direction, temperature, cloud cover and visibility was also recorded at the beginning and end of each 1 hour period.

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Data Presentation and Interpretation 3.28 The findings of the surveys are presented in Section 4.0. Survey findings for each

species are presented separately, detailing the findings of each survey type for that particular species. A summary of the main findings within each Area are presented at Table 4.76.

3.29 The surveys undertaken are described and analysed in the context of seasonal periods based on bird usage of the nearby SPAs and Ramsar sites including the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar and Mersey Estuary SPAand Ramsar. These periods are described separately in the presentation of survey findings, as it is likely that birds use the nearby protected sites and the docks in different ways during each of these periods. The seasonal periods for the purposes of data presentation are defined in Table 3.3. The autumn migration period also includes the late summer moulting period for species such as shelduck.

3.30 Data recorded during October could equally be included within the winter period.

However as autumn migration does also take place within October, and to avoid splitting the winter period into two seasons, the decision was made to split the year according to Table 3.2.

Table 3.2. Classification of seasonal periods within the year according to bird behaviour.

Period Months

Winter November, December, January, February, March

Spring Migration April, May, June

Autumn Migration July, August, September, October

Monthly Bird Counts

3.31 Data presented from the monthly bird counts include the peak counts of each species obtained from each Count Area as well as the date on which this peak count occurred. If the peak count occurred on multiple dates for that particular species, the dates are not given. It is also noted if the peak count occurred during nocturnal survey and if the peak count was for birds in flight which did not land on the dock. Vantage Point Survey

3.32 A flight line is classified as a single bird flight line. Where groups of more than one bird were observed to fly together, the number of flight lines is classed as the number of birds within that group.

3.33 For each VP, the number of bird flights recorded is given, along with additional information for that flight line including date, time, state of tide, flight direction and flight height. The number of birds (i.e. the number of flight lines) is also shown. For cormorant, due to the number of flight lines recorded, the data presented is simply number of flight lines recorded from each VP per month. Each flight line recorded during VP survey is presented in the tabulated raw data at Appendix 3.

3.34 Flight lines of all primary species excluding cormorant and mallard are presented at

Drawings G4157.007 and G4157.008. Cormorant and mallard flight lines are

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 17

presented at Drawings G4157.009 and G4157.010. These flight lines have been presented separately due to the high density of flight lines.

4.0 SUMMARY SURVEY FINDINGS 4.1 This report details the results of surveys undertaken between November 2013 and

the end of October 2014. The survey findings are presented by species. The main survey findings within each Area are presented at the end of this section in Table 4.76

Review of Previous Survey Information

4.2 A summary of each of the previous studies undertaken regarding bird usage of the docks at both Liverpool and Birkenhead, as well as studies regarding the adjacent Mersey Estuary are presented in Table 4.1. A summary of the main survey findings is presented for each study.

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Table 4.1. A summary of the main survey findings is presented for each study.

Source of information

Type of information Main Findings

ES for Exhibition Centre Liverpool AMEC - 2013

Wintering bird surveys associated with King’s Waterfront, carried out by RSK. Included Wapping and Queens Dock (Count Areas 26 & 24).

Area at eastern end of East Float, Birkenhead (Count Area 9) identified as an area regularly used by great crested grebe during the winter period.

A cormorant roost was identified on the edge of the dock between East Float and the south eastern edge of the Vittoria Dock (Count Area 11).

Wirral Waters Winter Bird Survey 2012 - TEP

Combination of point counts and transect routes used to assess bird usage of Peel owned land and Cammell Lairds land to the south of West Float. West Float also surveyed for winter bird usage. Five survey visits were undertaken once per month between November 2011 and March 2012.

A peak count of 12 curlew was recorded to use grassland east of the Graving Dock and near to the Gillbrook Basin (Count Area 5). A peak count of 41 lapwing were recorded at the eastern end of the site during February. These birds were also recorded at the Gillbrook Basin.

A group of 28 cormorant were recorded to loaf on the south bank of West Float (Cavendish Wharf –Count Area 6) during January. Cormorant were also recorded feeding on the West Float.

Occasional redshank, shelduck and little grebe were recorded at the West Float and Graving Dock (Count Area 3).

Large numbers of herring gull and black-headed gull were recorded flying over the West Float and over land to the north at dusk.

Wirral Waters Breeding Bird Survey 2011 - TEP

Breeding bird surveys undertaken at Peel owned land and Cammell Lairds land to the south of West Float. A combination of point counts and transect routes were used during two bird survey visits undertaken in May and June.

Low levels of bird activity were recorded within the site. A peak count of 4 lapwing was recorded. A single cormorant was observed within the site on one occasion. A pair of shelduck were recorded to fly over the site.

Liverpool Waters ES chapter - November 2011

The Liverpool Waters site covers the area of Liverpool docklands between Princes Dock (Count Area 34) in the south and the Bramley Moore Dock (Count Area 44) in the north. Bird surveys carried out to support the ES include:

Wintering & spring passage bird survey (WYG - 2011) (winter and spring passage survey between January and May 2011)

Breeding Bird Survey (WYG - 2009)

Nelson Dock was considered to be the most important site for cormorants.

Small numbers of oystercatcher were recorded on the site

Knot, bar-tailed godwit, redshank, turnstone and sanderling were recorded on the Wirral shore and flying north along the River Mersey when moved off by the tide or disturbance.

Only a single redshank was recorded at the site.

Lapwing, ringed plover, shelduck, kittiwake and mute swan were recorded as well as a range of gull species. At least one Mediterranean gull was recorded to overwinter.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 19



A pair of little ringed plover bred in West Waterloo Dock. A pair of peregrine nested at the Tobacco Warehouse.

Liverpool Waters HRA Screening Report - November 2011

Assessment of any potential impacts on European Designated sites (all designated for passage/wintering birds).

Small roost of oystercatcher and redshank identified within the Liverpool Waters area.

The Liverpool Waters site was assessed as of local importance for wintering waterbirds, with 1 redshank and up to 30 cormorant present at the site.

Peregrine, little ringed plover and oystercatcher were recorded to breed at the site.

Wellington Docks Winter Bird Survey 2011 - TEP

Two one hourly counts of birds undertaken at the Wellington Dock between February and March 2011.

Very low usage of birds recorded at the Wellington Dock. The most abundant birds were gull species including herring gull, greater and lesser black-backed gull and black-headed gull. Oystercatcher and Canada goose were recorded to fly over the dock.

Cormorant usage of docks reported to be associated with fish migration.

Wellington Docks Breeding Bird Survey 2011 - TEP

A team of two surveyors mapped all bird activity within the Wellington Dock and adjacent docks during 5 one-hourly counts undertaken between April and June 2011. A combination of point counts and transect routes were used.

Small numbers of oystercatcher were recorded feeding adjacent to the Wellington Dock site. A peregrine was observed hunting over the site. Up to two cormorant were occasionally observed feeding within the Wellington Dock. Small numbers of lapwing were observed occasionally flying over or near to docks. Small numbers of lapwing, mallard, mute swan, shelduck and oystercatcher were occasionally observed at the Sandon Half Tide Dock. Small numbers of mallard, mute swan, shelduck, oystercatcher and cormorant were observed at the Bramley Moore Dock.

Wintering bird counts at Liverpool Docks ESL -2010/2011

Two winter bird counts on Garston foreshore adjacent to Garston Docks

Peak counts of 82 dunlin, 37 redshank, 4 curlew, 24 oystercatcher, 2 ringed plover, 1 black-tailed godwit, 47 mallard, 64 wigeon, 2 grey heron and 1 cormorant recorded on Garston foreshore and mudflats.

On the adjacent stretch of coast towards the airport, adjacent to the Liverpool International Business Park, a peak count of 610 dunlin and 208 redshank was recorded at low tide. The peak count of dunlin was thought to be as a result of cold weather prior to the survey visit.

Liverpool Waters Ecology Baseline Report

The Liverpool Waters site covers the area of Liverpool docklands between Princes Dock in the

Count data, provided by the Wildlife Trust for the docks at the Liverpool Waters area included 16 mallard, 8 cormorant, 15 oystercatcher, 5 redshank and a single great crested grebe. A peak

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 20



2010 south (Count Area 34) and the Bramley Moore Dock (Count Area 44) in the north. A winter bird survey was carried out during November 2009.

count of 302 black-headed gull was also provided. Records of breeding peregrine were provided.

During the winter bird survey, mute swan, mallard, tufted duck and coot were recorded within the site.

EcIA for Stalbridge CHP plant SLR Consulting Ltd.

Assessment of impacts on bird fauna Data obtained from Ecological Services Limited (ESL) who carry out wintering bird surveys along the Mersey Estuary as part of monitoring for John Lennon Airport.

Only negligible bird usage identified on the part of the estuary adjacent to the site.

Mersey Tidal Power –Feasibility Study. Wintering Birds Report 2009 - 2010 RSK

Winter bird surveys of the whole Mersey Estuary, Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore. Two visits were undertaken per month. 13 sites were surveyed including Crosby, Eastham and Garston. A boat was used to carry out some of the survey work. All 13 sites were surveyed simultaneously in January and February. Both fully coordinated surveys coincided with spring tides and were aimed at taking a full inventory count of the wildfowl and wading birds on the Mersey Estuary as well as identifying all high tide roosting locations.

At Eastham a peak count of 176 shelduck were recorded in the Manisty area near to Eastham during November. Nationally important numbers of shelduck were recorded at Stanlow. Redshank, curlew, black-tailed godwit, dunlin, lapwing, oystercatcher, pintail, mallard, teal and wigeon were regularly recorded on the estuary in this location.

At Garston, Turnstone, redshank, black-tailed godwit, dunlin and oystercatcher were regularly recorded. Knot, lapwing, golden plover, mallard, teal and shelduck were occasionally recorded in this location.

At Crosby, turnstone, redshank, curlew, dunlin, sanderling, oystercatcher, mallard and shelduck were regularly recorded.

Wirral Waters Winter Bird Survey 2008. - TEP

Wintering bird surveys carried out at Birkenhead Docks for the Wirral Waters Project. Three concurrent VP locations used to record bird activity on the docks at each state of tide. Transect routes also used.

Regular usage of Birkenhead Docks by moderate numbers of cormorant identified.

Peregrine and merlin were both recorded flying through the site.

Moderate numbers of great crested grebe were recorded using the eastern end of East Float.

Turnstone was recorded on the River Mersey adjacent to the Liverpool Dock area.

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Findings of 2013 - 2014 Surveys

4.3 The results of the surveys undertaken between November 2013 and the end of October 2014 are presented below. The survey findings are presented by species. Within the results tables, only Count Areas and dates where birds or flight lines were recorded are presented. Mute Swan

Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013-2014

4.4 Only very low numbers of mute swan were recorded during the monthly bird counts. The peak counts of mute swan within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.2 and Table 4.3. Mute swan was recorded within 6 Count Areas during the winter period. The majority of the records were at Princes Dock and Waterloo Dock. Mute swan was also recorded on one occasion on the East Float (Birkenhead).

4.5 Low numbers of mute swan were recorded at Count Areas 22 and 36 during the nocturnal survey at high tide.

4.6 Differences in numbers of mute swan recorded during high and low tide were minimal. Table 4.2. Mute swan peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mute swan was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.

Area Count Area Peak Count Date (s) of Peak Count

number of visits recorded

4 22 1 # 4

34 2 # 2

36 2 # 2

38 2 17/12 2

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.3. Mute swan peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 winter bird survey. The number of visits where mute swan was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.

Area Count Area Peak Count Date(s) of Peak Count


1 1 1 # 2

4 22 3 26/11 3

35 3 10/2 1

36 2 # 4

38 2 24/1 1

# = More than one date with peak count Spring 2014

4.7 Very low numbers of mute swan were again recorded over the spring period. With the highest count of 4 individuals recorded flying over the West Waterloo Dock (Count Area 37).

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 22

Table 4.4. Mute swan peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mute swan was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 2 18/6* 3

9 2 22/4 2

4 36 1 22/4 1

37 1 22/4 1

5 41 1 15/5 1

6 60 1 15/5 1

# = More than one date with peak count * Recorded flying only

Table 4.5. Mute swan peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where mute swan was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 7 1 22/4 1

9 1 22/4 1

4 37 4* 22/4 2

6 69 2 18/6 2


Autumn 2014

4.8 Larger counts of mute swan were recorded during autumn, however numbers were still low. Peak counts of 5 individuals were recorded at Princes Dock South (Count Area 34) and East Waterloo Dock (Count Area 38). Both these counts were made on the same date in September and were likely to be the same birds. Table 4.6. Mute swan peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mute swan was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 2 # 2

3 1 8/8 1

4 34 5 8/9 1

35 2 11/7 1

36 1 8/8 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.7. Mute swan peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 autumn bird survey. The number of visits where mute swan was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 1 3 11/7 3

4 1 20/10 1

11 1 8/8 1

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4 38 5 8/9 2

# = More than one date with peak count Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.9 Mute swan flight lines recorded are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008.The numbers of

mute swan flight lines recorded during the winter VP survey are shown at Table 4.8. Only two mute swan flight lines were recorded during the VP surveys undertaken between November 2013 and the end of April 2014. These flight lines were from a pair of birds recorded moving north across the Royal Seaforth Dock in a north west direction towards the Seaforth Nature Reserve at a height of 0 – 50m. Although mute swan was occasionally recorded at Count Area 36 (Princess Half Tide Dock) and Count Area 9 (East Float) during VP surveys, no flight lines were recorded from these locations during the survey periods.

Table 4.8. Mute swan flight lines recorded during the 2013-2014 winter VP survey.

vantage point

Date Time Tide Number of Birds

Direction Flight height (m)

0-10 10-50

50+

All other VP locations

No mute swan flight lines recorded

7 26/11/13 11:00 LT 2 NW

Spring 2014

4.10 Mute swan flight lines recorded are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. Only two mute swan flight lines were recorded during the spring VP survey. These birds were recorded flying north along the western edge of the Royal Seaforth Dock in June.

Table 4.9. Mute swan flight lines recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+



7 18/6/14 08:50 LT 2 N

Autumn 2014

4.11 Mute swan flight lines recorded are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. Only one mute swan flight line was recorded during the autumn VP surveys. This bird was recorded flying east from the East Float in Birkenhead, in the direction of the River Mersey.

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Table 4.10. Mute swan flight lines recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+



1 08/09/14 18:07 LT 1 W

Canada Goose

Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.12 Canada geese were regularly recorded in Areas 1, 4 and 5 during the monthly bird counts, together with a single record in Area 6. The peak counts of Canada goose within the survey area recorded at high tide and at low tide are presented at Table 4.11 and Table 4.12. The largest numbers of individuals were recorded at the Canada Docks during the monthly bird counts. These included Count Area 53 and 54 (Canada Graving Dock and Canada Branch Dock No. 2) where 82 individuals were recorded in December and January respectively. Moderate numbers of Canada geese were also recorded at Count Area 50 (Canada Dock South).

4.13 Canada goose was recorded within more Count Areas during the high tide counts, however consistently larger numbers of Canada goose were recorded in Area 4 and Area 5 at low tide.

4.14 During the nocturnal survey visit, a peak count of 39 Canada goose was recorded at

Count Area 37 (West Waterloo Dock). A count of 14 geese was also recorded at Count Area 36 (Prince Half Tide Dock). Low numbers of Canada geese were recorded elsewhere during the nocturnal survey visits. Table 4.11. Canada goose peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where Canada goose was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.

Area Count Area Peak Count Date of Peak Count


1 1 1 21/11 1

9 8 17/12 3

13 4 24/2 1

4 21 5 17/1 1

22 2 21/11 3

23 1* 14/2 1

26 2 17/12 2

31 2 13/3 1

34 2 17/1 1

36 14 24/2^ 2

37 1 17/1 1

5 40 2 14/2 1

41 2 # 2

42 2 13/3 1

45 4 13/3 1

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47 1 14/2 1

50 5 17/2 3

53 12 17/1 2

54 40 17/1 4

55 15 14/2 2

56 19 17/1 2

58 9 13/3 1

6 60 2 # 2 # = More than one date with peak count * Recorded flying only ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Table 4.12. Canada goose peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where Canada goose was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 1 1 26/11 1

9 8 # 6

4 22 2 # 2

33 1 13/3 1

35 2 24/1 1

36 14 # 4

37 39 21/2^ 2

5 40 2 13/3 1

44 2 21/2^ 1

45 2 # 3

47 4 13/3 1

50 44 26/11 1

51 16 26/11 1

53 82 12/12 3

54 82 24/1 3

55 4 13/3 7

56 2 10/2 2

6 60 2 # 3 # = More than one date with peak count ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.15 Canada geese were again regularly recorded within Areas 1, 4 and 5, with the majority of Canada goose recorded in Area 5 at low tide during spring. Numbers were generally low, however a count of 38 individuals was recorded at Sandon Half Tide Dock (Count Area 45) at low tide in June. Counts of 24 and 20 individuals were recorded at the Sandon Half Tide Dock (Count Area 45) and the Huskisson Dock (Count Area 47) during June. Similar numbers of geese were recorded at high tide and low tide.

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Table 4.13. Canada goose peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where Canada goose was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 5 2* 15/5 1

7 2 # 2

9 2 # 2

3 19 1 15/5 1

4 22 6 15/5 1

31 2* 15/5 1

32 2 15/5 1

36 9 18/6 2

5 40 2 15/5 1

41 2 22/4 1

45 24 18/6 4

47 20 18/6 3

53 2 15/5 1

56 1 22/4 1

58 1 15/5 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.14. Canada goose peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where Canada goose was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 1 4 22/4 1

6 1 # 2

7 1 22/4 1

8 2* 18/6 2

9 7 22/4 2

2 16 2 22/4 1

3 19 2 15/5 1

4 24 1 22/4 1

26 2 15/5 1

5 32 1 22/4 1

36 2* 18/6 2

38 2* 18/6 1

39 1 22/4 1

40 2 22/4 1

41 1 22/4 1

43 5 18/6 1

44 2 22/4 1

45 38 18/6 3

47 14* 18/6 3

49 9* 18/6 1

52 5* 18/6 1

58 1 # 2

# = More than one date with peak count

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 27

Autumn 2014

4.16 The numbers of Canada geese recorded during Autumn were consistent with the numbers recorded during the rest of the year. Canada Goose was most regularly recorded in areas 1, 4, 5 with the majority of birds in Area 5. This was consistent with numbers recorded during the rest of the year. Small numbers of Canada geese were also recorded in Area 6 during July and August. Table 4.15. Canada goose peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts. The number of visits where Canada goose was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 3 2 8/8 1

9 22 8/8 2

12 3 8/9 1

4 22 4 8/9 1

36 4 # 2

37 6 20/10 3

5 41 2 8/8 2

45 27 11/7 2

47 31 11/7 3

50 1 11/7 1

54 14 20/10 2

55 2 8/8 1

58 21* 20/10 2

6 60 3 11/7 1

71 6 11/7 1

72 2 11/7 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.16. Canada goose peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 autumn bird survey. The number of visits where Canada goose was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 8 2 8/9 1

9 1 8/8 1

3 22 2 8/9 1

26 2 8/8 1

4 36 2 11/7 1

37 4 11/7 1

5 45 31 11/7 1

47 4 8/8 2

49 7 11/7 1

51 2 8/8 1

54 17 8/8 1

55 5 11/7 1

56 3 11/7 1

6 65 4 8/8 1


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Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.17 Canada goose flight lines are presented at Drawing G4157.008. The numbers of

Canada goose flight lines recorded during the winter VP survey are shown at Table 4.17. Twelve Canada goose flight lines were recorded during the Winter VP Survey. These birds flew between 0 and 50m in height. Four flight lines were recorded over the East Float at the Birkenhead Docks from VP1. Canada geese were regularly recorded taking off and landing on the eastern banks of the East Float during the monthly bird counts.

4.18 Four flight lines were also recorded from VP3. These birds were recorded moving north or south over the docks in this area. These flight lines were similar to other species that seem to use this same commuting route in this location.

Table 4.17. Canada goose flight lines recorded during the winter 2013-2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1

22/04/14 15:46 HT 2 E

22/04/14 15:51 HT 2 S

VP 3 13/03/2014

08:15

HT 4 N

VP 7 14/02/2014 10:39

HT 2 S

13/03/2014 15:08

LT 2 N

Spring 2014

4.19 Canada goose flight lines recorded are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. A total of 17 Canada goose flight lines were recorded during the spring period, with the majority of these recorded from VP 1 at the Birkenhead Docks. Pairs of Canada goose were recorded moving throughout the Birkenhead dock system. Flights were mostly below 10m in height.

Table 4.18. Canada goose flight lines recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+

All other vantage point locations

No Canada goose flight lines recorded

VP 1 22/04/14 15:46 HT 2 E

22/04/14 15:51 HT 2 S

15/05/14 09:42 HT 2 S

15/05/14 10:12 HT 2 S

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 29

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+

15/05/14 17:54 LT 2 E

VP 5 15/05/14 11:25 LT 2 N

VP 6 22/04/14 11:06 LT 2 N

15/05/14 11:40 HT 2 N

15/05/14 16:45 LT 1 N

Autumn 2014

4.20 Canada goose flight lines recorded are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. A total of 68 Canada goose flight lines were recorded during the autumn survey. Similar numbers of flight lines were recorded from both VP 1 and VP 5. Within Area 1 Canada goose was recorded moving about the East Float, whereas from VP 5 geese were recorded either flying along the River Mersey, or moving along the adjacent dock systems parallel to the River Mersey. 33 flight lines were recorded from VP 6. These birds were recorded moving north and south up and down the dock system.

Table 4.19. Canada goose flight lines recorded during the autumn 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1 11/07/14 09:31 HT 2 N

08/09/14 18:53 LT 9 W

08/09/14 18:56 LT 5 S

VP 5 08/08/14 07:45 HT 4 NE

08/08/14 07:45 HT 2 NE

08/09/14 09:40 HT 7 S

08/09/14 09:43 HT 2 W

08/09/14 17:14 LT 2 S

20/10/14 09:50 HT 2 N

VP 6 08/08/14 08:51 HT 4 S

08/08/14 09:23 HT 3 S

08/08/14 13:47 HT 2 N

08/08/14 13:56 LT 5 N

08/08/14 14:12 LT 1 N

08/08/14 14:35 LT 9 N

08/09/14 10:03 HT 4 S

08/09/14 10:49 HT 3 N

08/09/14 16:21 LT 2 N

Shelduck

Background

4.21 Shelduck is a qualifying species for the Mersey Estuary SPA under Article 4.2 and also forms part of the wintering bird assemblage for the SPA. Shelduck is also a qualifying species for the Mersey Estuary Ramsar, the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar and the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 30

Monthly Bird Counts Winter 2013 - 2014

4.22 Shelduck was regularly recorded within survey area 5 (Peel Ports South) and at the southern end of survey area 6 (Peel Ports North) during the monthly bird counts. The peak counts of shelduck within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.20 and Table 4.21. Shelduck was most regularly recorded at Count Area 53 (Canada Graving Dock), Count Area 54 (Canada Branch Dock 2) and Count Area 60 (Alexandra Dock). The peak count of shelduck was of 23 individuals recorded at Count Area 54 during January at low tide.

4.23 Shelduck was recorded at a similar number of locations and in similar numbers at both high tide and low tide.

4.24 During the nocturnal bird survey a peak count of 3 shelduck was recorded at Count

Area 60 (Alexandra Dock) at low tide. Low numbers of shelduck were also recorded at Count Areas 45 and 62 during the nocturnal survey.

4.25 Shelduck was not recorded within survey areas 1 to 4 during the monthly bird counts. Table 4.20. Shelduck peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where shelduck was recorded as well as the mean count over these number of visits are also shown.



5 50 2 14/2 1

52 2 14/2 1

53 11 17/1 2

54 14 13/3 3

55 6 13/3 1

56 2 14/2 1

58 4* 13/3 1

59 4 13/3 1

6 60 15 13/3 1

* Recorded flying only

Table 4.21. Shelduck peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where shelduck was recorded as well as the mean count over these number of visits are also shown.



5 40 2 13/3 1

45 2 21/2^ 1

50 3 10/2 1

53 4 13/3 3

54 23 24/1 3

56 2 10/2 1

58 2 10/2 1

6 60 6 10/2 3

62 1* 21/2 1

* Recorded flying only

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 31

^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.26 Shelduck was recorded in every Area during the spring period. During April shelduck was regularly observed at almost all docks within the Birkenhead Docks area (Area 1). A peak count of 7 birds was recorded at the eastern end of the East Float (Count Area 9) on the 22nd April.

4.27 The highest counts of shelduck during the spring period were recorded within Area 6, with a peak count of 12 shelduck recorded at the Alexandra Dock (Count Area 60) in May at high tide. Table 4.22. Shelduck peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where shelduck was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 7 3 22/4 1

9 7 22/4 3

13 4 22/4 2

3 19 1 15/5 1

4 37 2 22/4 1

5 40 2 15/5 1

43 2 18/6 1

45 2 18/6 1

47 1 15/5 1

51 2 22/4 1

54 1 15/5 1

55 3* 15/5 2

58 2 22/4 2

6 60 12 15/5 2

65 4 22/4 1

71 2 18/6 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.23. Shelduck peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where shelduck was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 3 1* 18/6 1

4 2 15/5 1

6 3 22/4 2

7 3 22/4 1

8 2 22/4 1

9 3 22/4 2

13 2 22/4 1

2 16 1 22/4 1

5 39 2 18/6 1

43 2 18/6 1

44 2 22/4 1

47 2 18/6 1

51 2 # 2

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 32



54 2 # 2

55 3 # 2

58 1 15/5 1

6 60 9 15/5 2

61 8 18/6 2

62 2 18/6 1

65 2 22/4 1

71 2 # 2

72 3 22/4 1

# = More than one date with peak count Autumn 2014

4.28 No shelduck was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken in autumn. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013-2014

4.29 The numbers of shelduck flight lines recorded during the winter VP survey are shown

at Table 4.24. Shelduck flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. Only two shelduck flight lines were recorded during the winter VP survey.

Table 4.24. Shelduck flight lines recorded during the 2013-2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+

VP 6 13/3 09:29 HT 2 S

Spring 2014

4.30 Shelduck flight lines recorded are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. A total of 18

shelduck flight lines were recorded from VP 1 at the Birkenhead Docks during spring. All of these flight lines were at 0-10m in height. These flight lines mainly concerned birds flying short distances within the East Float dock system. Only one group of three individuals was recorded to fly from the East Float over Tower Road in the direction of the River Mersey.

4.31 Ten shelduck flight lines were recorded from VP 2, with low numbers of birds moving up and down the Manchester Ship Canal, as well as between the River Mersey, Manchester Ship Canal and QEII Dock. Shelduck was occasionally recorded to land on the QEII Dock.

4.32 Ten shelduck flight lines were also recorded from VP 6. Shelduck was recorded

moving up and down the dock systems parallel with the River Mersey, as well as moving between the Bramley Moore Dock and the River Mersey.

4.33 17 shelduck flight lines were recorded from VP 7 during spring. These flight lines

included movements between the River Mersey and the Royal Seaforth Dock, and between the Seaforth Nature Reserve and these locations.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 33

Table 4.25. Shelduck flight lines recorded during the spring 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1 22/4 11:29 LT 2 W

22/4 11:44 LT 3 W

22/4 11:52 LT 1 S

22/4 15:31 HT 2 C*

22/4 15:31 HT 2 C

22/4 15:57 HT 2 S

18/6 10:27 LT 2 N

18/6 10:32 LT 2 S

18/6 10:42 LT 2 S

VP 2 22/4 09:11 LT 1 SE

22/4 09:12 LT 1 SE

22/4 09:21 LT 2 E

22/4 09:32 LT 2 N

15/5 12:09 HT 2 W

15/5 12:12 HT 2 E

VP 5 15/5 11:37 LT 3 S

18/6 08:55 LT 2 S

VP 6 22/4 10:41 LT 2 E

15/5 12:03 HT 2 S

15/5 17:58 LT 1 N

15/5 16:10 LT 2 N

15/5 16:18 LT 1 W

15/5 16:20 LT 2 S

VP 7 22/4 16:27 HT 2 N

22/4 17:19 HT 3 S

22/4 11:29 LT 1 S

22/4 11:56 LT 2 S

22/4 12:00 LT 2 C

15/5 11:24 HT 1 N

15/5 17:43 LT 2 N

18/6 08:54 LT 2 N

18/6 13:50 HT 2 N

*C = circling Autumn 2014

4.34 Only one shelduck flight line was recorded during the autumn VP survey. This flight line was recorded from VP6 and consisted of one shelduck flying west at high tide within the 10-50m height zone.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 34

Shoveler


4.35 Only one shoveler was recorded during the winter monthly bird counts. This bird was located on the lake at Bidston Moss (Count Area 1) on the 26th November. No shoveler was recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. Spring 2014

4.36 Two shoveler were recorded on one occasion at Count Area 53 (Canada Graving Dock) on the 15th May at high tide. Autumn 2014

4.37 No shoveler was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during autumn 2014. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.38 The numbers of shoveler flight lines recorded during the winter VP survey are shown

at Table 4.26. These flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008.

4.39 A total of two shoveler flight lines were recorded during the winter VP survey. This consisted of a pair of shoveler flying south over a number of docks at a height of 10-50m.

Table 4.26. Shoveler flight lines recorded during the 2013-2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+

VP 6 14/2 10:18 HT 2 S

Spring 2014

4.40 No shoveler flight lines were recorded during the spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.41 No shoveler flight lines were recorded during the autumn VP survey.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 35

Tufted Duck


4.42 Tufted duck was only recorded at the Bidston Moss Lake (Count Area 1). Numbers of between 4 and 8 individuals were regularly recorded in this location, with a peak count of 23 birds on the 14th February. Spring 2014

4.43 Tufted duck was recorded in this location during the majority of spring survey visits, with a peak count of 7 individuals recorded on the 22nd April.

4.44 No tufted duck was recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. Autumn 2014

4.45 Tufted duck was only recorded at the Bidston Moss Lake (Count Area 1). Tufted duck was recorded in this location during almost every autumn survey visit, with a peak count of 5 individuals recorded on the 11th July, 8th August and the 20th October. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.46 No tufted duck flight lines were recorded during winter VP surveys.

Spring 2014

4.47 No tufted duck flight lines were recorded during the spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.48 No tufted duck flight lines were recorded during the autumn VP survey.

Mallard


4.49 Mallard was recorded within all survey areas during the monthly bird counts. Usage of the docks was only occasional in the majority of areas, with more regular usage recorded within survey area 4 at Count Areas 21, 22 and 24 (Brunswick Dock, Coburg Dock and Queens Branch Dock 1). The peak counts of mallard recorded during high tide and low tide within the survey area are presented at Table 4.27 and Table 4.28.

4.50 Peak counts of mallard recorded included 15 individuals on the East Float, Birkenhead, 12 individuals on the Brunswick Dock and 11 individuals on the Wapping Dock.

4.51 Similar numbers of mallard were recorded at both high tide and low tide during the

monthly bird counts.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 36

4.52 Only two mallard were recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. These birds were

located at Count Area 17 (Manchester Ship Canal) at high tide. Table 4.27. Mallard peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mallard was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 5 17/1 2

2 17 2 24/2* 1

3 18 3 21/11 2

20 2 21/11 1

4 21 8 21/11 2

22 4 # 3

24 2 17/1 1

26 11 17/12 1

28 1 17/1 1

31 1 17/1 1

5 56 1 13/3 1


Table 4.28. Mallard peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013 - 2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mallard was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 1 1 10/2 1

8 15 10/2 1

4 21 12 12/12 2

22 4 24/1 2

24 2 10/2 2

26 8 26/11 1

32 5 26/11 1

33 2 13/3 1

5 49 2 13/3 1

6 71 2 13/1 1

72 8 26/11 1

Spring 2014

4.53 Mallard were recorded in every Area during the spring monthly bird counts, however only very low numbers of mallard were recorded. A peak count of four mallard was recorded at the Canning Hall Tide Dock (Count Area 31) at low tide during June.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 37

Table 4.29. Mallard peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mallard was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 1 # 2

7 3 22/4 1

3 21 2 22/4 1

4 33 1 15/5 1

5 40 1 22/4 1

53 2 22/4 1

6 60 2 18/6 1

71 1 18/6 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.30. Mallard peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where mallard was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



2 16 2 22/4 1

3 19 1* 15/5 1

20 1* 15/5 1

4 21 2 15/5 1

22 3 15/5 2

31 4 18/6 1

33 1 15/5 1

35 1 22/4 1

36 1 15/5 1

5

40 2 22/4 1

41 1 22/4 1

45 1 22/4 1

53 3 15/5 1

56 1 15/5 1

6 65 2* 15/5 1


4.54 Numbers of mallard increased slightly during the autumn period, with a peak count of 30 mallard at Bidston Lake (Count Area 1) during July. This particular count was likely due to families of mallard using this area during the late breeding season. The highest count of mallard in any of the other Areas was 14 individuals recorded at Brunswick Dock (Count Area 21) at low tide during September. Table 4.31. Mallard peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts. The number of visits where mallard was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 30 11/7 2

3 6 8/8 1

2 17 1 8/8 1

3 18 2 11/7 2

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 38



4 21 9 8/9 1

22 4 20/10 2

26 6 20/10 1

33 4 11/7 1

36 2 8/8 1

6 67 2 8/9 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.32. Mallard peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 autumn bird survey. The number of visits where mallard was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 1 23 11/7 3

3 2 20/10 1

6 3 11/7 1

12 1 11/7 1

3 18 2 # 2

20 1 8/8 1

4 21 14 8/9 1

29 1 20/10 1

33 4 11/7 1

6 71 6 20/10 1


4.55 The numbers of mallard flight lines recorded during the winter VP survey are shown

at Table 4.33. Mallard flight lines for the winter period are illustrated at drawing G4157.010. A total of 52 mallard flight lines (individual birds flying) was recorded during the 2013-2014 winter VP survey. The majority of these flight lines were at a height of 0-10m and no birds flew above 50m in height. Generally individual birds or groups of less than 4 birds were recorded flying, with one record of a group of 7 individuals recorded flying at VP 3 (Brunswick Dock to Albert Dock area).

4.56 Mallard were most regularly recorded flying at Eastham and at the Brunswick, Albert and Princes Docks area.

Table 4.33. Mallard flight lines recorded during the 2013 - 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1 10/02/14 13:46 LT 4 SE

VP 2 13/03/14 10:13 HT 2 N

13/03/14 10:54 HT 2 S

22/04/14 17:38 HT 1 N

22/04/14 17:41 HT 1 N

22/04/14 17:41 HT 1 S

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 39

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

22/04/14 17:44 HT 1 S

22/04/14 17:48 HT 3 S

VP 4 13/03/14

10:02 HT 7 N

10:31 HT 1 W

10:34 HT 1 S

10:50 HT 1 N

17:33 LT 1 N

17:38 LT 4 N

17:40 LT 2 S

17:45 LT 1 S

VP 5 26/11/13 11:52 LT 4 W

26/11/13 12:15 LT 2 S

12/12/13 13:02 LT 3 S

24/01/14 11:00 LT 2 N

22/04/14 10:12 LT 1 E

VP 6 22/04/14 16:40 HT 2 N

VP 7 22/04/14 16:23 HT 3 N

22/04/14 16:24 HT 1 S

22/04/14 17:07 HT 1 N

Spring 2014

4.57 Mallard flight lines for the spring and autumn period are illustrated at drawing G4157.009. A total of 27 mallard flight lines were recorded during spring 2014. Mallard flights were recorded from every VP apart from VP 3. Most flight lines were recorded over the Eastham Docks (VP 2) and the Royal Seaforth Dock (VP 7). Eighteen of the 27 flight lines were below a height of 10m.

Table 4.34. Mallard flight lines recorded during the spring 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1 15/05/14 09:15 HT 4 N

VP 2 22/04/14 17:38 HT 1 N

22/04/14 17:41 HT 1 S

22/04/14 17:41 HT 1 S

22/04/14 17:44 HT 1 S

22/04/14 17:48 HT 3 S

VP 4 18/06/14 09:03 LT 2 W

VP 5 22/04/14 10:12 LT 1 E

15/05/14 06:15 HT 2 E

15/05/14 06:25 HT 2 S

VP 6 22/04/14 16:40 HT 3 N

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 40

VP 7 22/04/14 16:23 HT 3 N

22/04/14 16:24 HT 1 S

22/04/14 17:07 HT 1 N

18/06/14 14:14 HT 1 S

Autumn 2014

4.58 Mallard flight lines for the spring and autumn period are illustrated at drawing G4157.009. A total of 15 mallard flight lines was recorded during autumn 2014. The majority of these flight lines were recorded from VP 1 (Birkenhead docks) and VP 2 (QEII docks). 14 of the 15 flight lines were recorded at a height of between 10 and 50m.

Table 4.35. Mallard flight lines recorded during the autumn 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1 08/08/14 18:46 LT 6 E

VP 2 11/07/14 17:55 LT 2 E

08/08/14 07:24 HT 3 W

20/10/14 08:04 HT 3 W

VP 3 20/10/14 08:12 HT 1 S

Great Crested Grebe

Background 4.59 Great crested grebe forms part of the wintering bird assemblage for the Mersey

Estuary and the Dee Estuary SPA’s.

4.60 Previous surveys carried out within the area have recorded great crested grebe regularly congregating at the eastern end of East Float, Birkenhead during the winter period. Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.61 Great crested grebes were regularly recorded using the north eastern corner of East Float, Birkenhead (Count Area 9 in Area 1) during the winter period with a peak count of 12 birds recorded in this location on the 17th January. Great crested grebe was also occasionally recorded elsewhere on the East Float, as well as once on the West Float. Up to two great crested grebes were recorded on the Bidston Moss lake on two occasions. The peak counts of great crested grebe recorded within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.36 and Table 4.37.

4.62 Within the other survey areas a single great crested grebe was only recorded on one occasion on Count Area 24 (Queens Dock), Count Area 37 (West Waterloo Dock) and Count Area 71 (Royal Seaforth Dock).

4.63 The peak count of great crested grebe was recorded at high tide, however great

crested grebe was more regularly recorded at low tide. This species was only recorded in Areas 1, 4 and 6 at low tide.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 41

4.64 During the nocturnal survey a peak count of three great crested grebe was recorded at Count Area 6 (West Float East) at low tide, with two great crested grebe also recorded at Count Area 8 (East Float Central) during the same visit.

Table 4.36. Great crested grebe peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where great crested grebe was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 1 17/1 1

7 2 24/2^ 1

9 12 17/1 3 ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Table 4.37. Great crested grebe peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where great crested grebe was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 1 2 10/2 2

6 3 21/2^ 1

8 2 21/2^ 1

9 9 10/2 3

10 2 12/12 1

4 24 1 13/3 1

37 1 12/12 1

6 71 1 13/3 1 ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.65 Great crested grebe was again recorded on the East Float (Count Area 9, Area 1) at Birkenhead Docks during the spring period, however numbers were reduced from those of the winter, with a peak count of two individuals. These birds were recorded in this location during every survey visit. Table 4.38. Great crested grebe peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where great crested grebe was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 8 1 22/4 1

9 2 # 3

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.39. Great crested grebe peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where great crested grebe was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 9 4 18/6 1

4 31 4 18/6 2

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 42



33 2 15/5 1


4.66 Great crested grebe was only recorded at Count Area 9 (East Float East) during the autumn monthly bird counts. This species was recorded in this location during every visit undertaken. Counts throughout the majority of autumn were typically between 3 and 5 individuals. This increased to a count of 10 individuals both at low and high tide on the 20th October.

4.67 Development works on land adjacent to the southern edge of the East Float were recorded to start in September, however the numbers of great crested grebe and their location did not appear to be affected by the disturbance. The grebes were observed on the water at a distance of approximately 20-30m from the construction site during the October visit. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.68 Great crested grebe flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. The great

crested grebe recorded generally stayed on the water and were rarely recorded to fly. Only two great crested grebe flight lines were recorded during the winter VP surveys. These flight lines were of a pair of birds flying south over East Float during December at low tide. The birds were recorded to fly below a height of 10m. Spring 2014

4.69 No great crested grebe flight lines were recorded during the spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.70 A single great crested grebe flight line was recorded during the autumn VP survey. This individual was recorded flying east from the East Float in the direction of the Egerton Dock during July.

Table 4.40. Great crested grebe flight lines recorded during the autumn 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

1 11/7 16:24 LT 1 E

Little Grebe


4.71 A single little grebe was recorded within Areas 1 and 4 during the monthly bird counts. These locations included Count Areas 8 (East Float), Count Area 12 (Egerton Dock),

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 43

Count Area 27 (Wapping Dock) and Count Area 36 (Princes Half Tide Dock). The Princes Half Tide Dock (Count Area 36) was the only location where little grebe was recorded on more than once occasion. The peak counts of little grebe within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.41 and Table 4.42. Low usage of the docks by this species at both states of tide was recorded.

4.72 No little grebe was recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. Table 4.41. Little grebe peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where little grebe was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 12 1 14/2 1

4 36 1 17/1 1

Table 4.42. Little grebe peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where great crested grebe was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 8 1 10/2 1

4 27 1 13/3 1

36 1 # 2 # = More than one date with peak count * Recorded flying only ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.73 Little grebe was only observed within two Count Areas during spring. Two little grebe were recorded at Count Area 18 (Stalbridge Dock – Area 3) at high tide and one little grebe was recorded at Count Area 22 (Coburg Dock – Area 4) at low tide. Both of these records were on the 22nd April. Autumn 2014

4.74 Only one little grebe was recorded during the autumn monthly counts. This individual was located at Count Area 36 (Princes Half Tide Dock) at low tide on the 20th October. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.75 No little grebe flight lines were recorded during the winter VP surveys.

Spring 2014

4.76 No little grebe flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.77 No little grebe flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 44

Lapwing

Background

4.78 Lapwing forms part of the wintering bird assemblage for which the Mersey Estuary, the Dee Estuary and the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA’s are designated .


4.79 No lapwing was recorded during the winter monthly bird counts. Spring 2014

4.80 No lapwing was recorded during the spring monthly bird counts. Autumn 2014

4.81 A single group of 65 lapwing was recorded loafing/roosting on the bank of the QEII dock (Count Area 16) at high tide on the 20th October 2014. No other lapwing was recorded during the autumn monthly bird counts. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.82 Lapwing flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. The numbers of lapwing

flight lines recorded during the winter VP surveys are shown at Table 4.18.

4.83 A total of 157 lapwing flight lines (individual birds flying) was recorded during the winter VP surveys. The majority of these flight lines comprised a group of birds recorded flying inland from the direction of the River Mersey, over the docks at Eastham at high tide. These birds were then recorded to land on grazed grassland fields to the south of the docks adjacent to the oil storage depot. The birds then flew up from this location and looped over the Manchester Ship Canal before landing again in this location. These individuals were recorded to fly between 0 and 50m in height.

4.84 A group of 40 lapwing was also recorded flying over the Seaforth Nature Reserve from VP 7 during November.

Table 4.43. Lapwing flight lines recorded during the 2013-2014 winter VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 2 14/02/2014 09:42 HT 58 W

14/02/2014 09:52 HT 58 Various

14/02/2014 10:02 HT 1 S

VP 7 21/11/2013 12:37 HT 40 Various

Spring 2014



4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 45

4.86 A total of 8 lapwing flight lines (individual birds flying) was recorded during the spring VP surveys. These flight lines were likely to be of a single lapwing, mostly located on the north side of the East Float located within the Birkenhead Docks (Count Areas 7 – 9). The lapwing was observed carrying out display flights and was it is likely that a pair of lapwing nested in this location during 2014. A lapwing, likely to be the same bird, was also recorded circling over the east end of the East Float on two occasions. The majority of flights were between 0 and 10m in height. Table 4.44. Lapwing flight lines recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+

VP 1 22/04/14 11:39 LT 1 C

22/04/14 15:20 HT 1 C

22/04/14 15:45 HT 1 C

22/04/14 16:11 HT 1 C

15/05/14 18:03 LT 1 C

18/06/14 10:33 LT 1 C

18/06/14 10:47 LT 1 W

18/06/14 14:46 HT 1 N

Autumn 2014



4.88 A single lapwing, likely to be the same bird as that recorded during the spring VP surveys, was recorded on one occasion at the north side of the East Float. It is likely that this bird was maintaining territory prior to dispersing for the winter period.

4.89 During August and October, a total of 218 lapwing flight lines (individual birds flying)

was recorded flying over the QEII docks. These flight lines were from two groups of lapwing, observed to fly in from the direction of the River Mersey and loaf/roost on the banks of the QEII dock and also on the fields to the south of the docks. These flight lines were all at a height between 0 and 10m.

Table 4.45. Lapwing flight lines recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

vantage point



0-10 10-50

50+

VP 1 11/07/14 10:04 HT 1 N

VP 2 08/08/14 13:51 LT 1 C

20/10/14 07:45 HT 64 C

20/10/14 08:04 HT 64 C

20/10/14 13:42 LT 90 SE

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 46

Ringed Plover

Background

4.90 Ringed plover is a qualifying species for the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar sites with peak numbers recorded during passage. Ringed plover is also listed as a ‘notable species’ for the Mersey Estuary Ramsar. Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.91 Two ringed plover were recorded on the 14th February at Count Area 60 (Alexandra Dock, Peel Ports North). No other ringed plover were recorded during the monthly bird counts during the winter period. No ringed plover were recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. Spring 2014

4.92 A single ringed plover was recorded on the eastern bank of the East Float on the 22nd April. Autumn 2014

4.93 No ringed plover were recorded during the autumn monthly bird counts. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.94 Ringed plover flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. Two ringed plover

were recorded flying on one occasion from VP 1 (Birkenhead) during the winter VP surveys. These two birds were recorded to fly in from the west over the East Float at high tide and land on the bank at the eastern edge. The birds flew between 0 and 50m in height.

Spring 2014

4.95 No ringed plover flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.96 No ringed plover flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

Redshank

Background

4.97 Redshank is a qualifying speciesfor the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar, the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar and the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites. Redshank also forms part of the wintering bird assemblage for which these SPA’s are designated.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 47

Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013-2014

4.98 Count Area 9 (East Float) and Count Area 12 (Egerton Dock) in Area 1 (Birkenhead) were recorded to be used by up to two redshank during the monthly bird counts, although redshank was only recorded in each of these areas on one occasion. The peak counts of redshank within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.46 and Table 4.47. Occasional usage of up to two redshank were also recorded at Count Area 22 (Coburg Dock) and Count Area 26 (Wapping Dock) in Area 4.

4.99 Very low usage of the docks by this species was recorded at both states of tide.

4.100 No redshank was recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. Table 4.46. Redshank peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where redshank was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 9 2 17/12 1

4 26 1 # 3 # = More than one date with peak count

Table 4.47. Redshank peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where redshank was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 12 1 10/2 1

4 22 1 12/12 1

Spring 2014

4.101 A single redshank was recorded at Count Area 21 (Brunswick Dock) at low tide on the 18th June 2014. No other redshank was recorded during the spring monthly counts. Autumn 2014

4.102 No redshank was recorded during monthly counts undertaken in autumn. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.103 Redshank flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. The numbers of redshank

flight lines recorded during the winter VP surveys are shown at Table 4.48. A total of 18 redshank flight lines were recorded during the winter VP surveys. The majority of flight lines comprised a group of 12 birds flying south at high tide along the Manchester Ship Canal at Eastham at above 50m in height. These flight lines are considered too high to be associated with the docks.

4.104 Elsewhere very few flight lines were recorded, with small numbers of birds flying at below 50m at Garston Docks and Brunswick Docks.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 48

Table 4.48. Redshank flight lines recorded during the 2013-2014 VP surveys.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 2 14/02/2014

09:57

HT 12 SE

VP 3 13/03/2014

15:45

LT 1 E

VP 4 17/12/2013

09:55

HT 1 E

VP 5 12/12/2013

13:12

LT 3 N

13/03/2014

16:08

LT 2 W

Spring 2014

4.105 No redshank flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.106 No redshank flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

Oystercatcher

Background 4.107 Oystercatcher is a qualifying species for the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and

Ramsar and the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites. Oystercatcher is one of the species listed within the wintering bird assemblage for these two SPA’s as well as the Mersey Estuary and North Wirral Foreshore SPA. Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.108 Moderate to large numbers of oystercatcher were occasionally recorded at the Old Dock (Count Area 19) at Garston during the monthly bird counts. The peak count of birds recorded in this location was 210 birds recorded during January at high tide. All other large counts in this location occurred at high tide. The peak counts of oystercatcher within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.49 and Table 4.50.

4.109 Elsewhere within the survey area, oystercatcher was far less abundant, with a peak count of 14 individuals recorded at Count Area 37 (West Waterloo Dock) just south of the Kingsway tunnel.

4.110 Oystercatcher was only recorded using Count Areas 21 (Brunswick Dock) and 24 (Queens Dock) during the low tide nocturnal survey undertaken during February. Only single birds were recorded on each of these occasions. No other oystercatcher was recorded during the nocturnal bird survey.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 49

Table 4.49. Oystercatcher peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where oystercatcher was recorded out of a total of seven visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 9 3 14/2 3

3 19 210 17/1 4

4 36 2 13/3 1

37 14 13/3 1

6 60 2 17/12 1

72 3 17/12 2

Table 4.50. Oystercatcher peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where oystercatcher was recorded out of a total of seven visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 9 20 24/1 7

4 21 1 21/2^ 1

24 1 21/2^ 1

36 3 10/2 2

5 40 1 13/3 1 ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.111 Oystercatcher was recorded within every Area during monthly bird counts undertaken in spring. Numbers were reduced from those recorded during the winter period, with a peak count of 12 individuals recorded at Old Dock (Count Area 19) at Garston during April at high tide. Numbers of oystercatcher recorded at the docks at low tide were generally lower than those recorded at high tide. Table 4.51. Oystercatcher peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where oystercatcher was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



2 16 2 15/5 1

17 1 18/6 1

3 18 2 # 2

19 12 22/4 2

4 21 4 # 2

35 1 22/4 1

5 43 1 18/6 1

47 2 18/6 1

51 2 22/4 2

6 60 2 # 2


4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 50

Table 4.52. Oystercatcher peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where oystercatcher was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 9 1 22/4 1

2 16 5* 18/6 1

4 37 2 22/4 1

5 43 2 18/6 1

5 51 1 18/6 1

6 60 2 18/6 2

6 72 2* 15/5 2


Autumn 2014

4.112 By far the largest numbers of oystercatcher recorded during the autumn monthly bird counts were recorded at Area 3 (Garston Docks). A peak count of 44 individuals was recorded at the Old Dock (Count Area 19) during July. Numbers of oystercatcher recorded in other areas were very low (<5 individuals). Table 4.53. Oystercatcher peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts. The number of visits where oystercatcher was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 12 1 20/10 1

13 1 20/10 1

2 16 1 8/8 1

17 1 11/7 1

3 18 19 11/7 2

19 44 11/7 1

5 47 2 11/7 1

50 1 20/10 1

6 60 2 11/7 1

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.54. Oystercatcher peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 autumn bird survey. The number of visits where oystercatcher was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 12 1 20/10 1

13 2 20/10 1

2 16 2 8/8 1

3 18 4 8/9 1

19 2 11/7 1

4 21 1 8/9 1

6 72 2 11/7 1


4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 51


4.113 Oystercatcher flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. The numbers of

oystercatcher flight lines recorded during the winter VP surveys are shown at Table 4.55. A total of 542 oystercatcher flight lines were recorded during the winter VP surveys. The majority of these flight lines were from groups of up to 150 oystercatcher recorded at high tide at the Garston Docks. These birds tended to fly when flushed from a jetty by passing boats or workers.

4.114 Elsewhere, small numbers of oystercatcher were recorded at Count Area 16 (Eastham Docks), Count Areas 35 and 36 (Princes Docks) and Count Area 72 (Royal Seaforth Dock).

Table 4.55. Oystercatcher flight lines recorded during the 2013-2014 VP surveys.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 2 22/04/2014 09:24 LT 2 Circled

22/04/2014 09:24 LT 2 S

VP 3 21/11/2013 13:07 HT 150 NE

13:20 HT 110 W

13:39 HT 40 W

13:55 HT 96 E

13:55 HT 40 W

17/12/2013 11:15 HT 60 E

10/02/2014 14:05 LT 2 N

14/02/2014 10:07 HT 1 N

10:08 HT 7 N

10:10 HT 5 N

10:42 HT 10 S

22/04/2014

15:12 HT 4 N 15:15 HT 6 N 15:26 HT 2 N

VP 5 26/11/2013 11:48 LT 3 W

13/03/2014

09:25 HT 1 W

09:29 HT 2 W

VP 7 26/11/2013 11:24 LT 1 E

Spring 2014

4.115 Oystercatcher flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. A total of 46

oystercatcher flight lines was recorded during spring 2014. Twenty of these flight lines were recorded from VP 2 (QEII Docks and Manchester Ship Canal). Almost all of these flight lines were of birds moving up and down the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. Only one group of three oystercatchers was recorded flying inland over the QEII dock. Almost all flights were below a height of 10m.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 52

Table 4.56. Oystercatcher flight lines recorded during the spring 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 1 18/06/14 14:01 HT 1 N

18/06/14 14:57 HT 1 NE

VP 2 22/04/14 09:24 LT 2 C

22/04/14 09:24 LT 2 S

15/05/14 12:23 HT 1 S

15/05/14 12:24 HT 3 W

15/05/14 19:33 LT 1 N

15/05/14 19:34 LT 1 E

18/06/14 07:51 LT 6 SE

18/06/14 07:52 LT 1 E

18/06/14 08:12 LT 1 W

18/06/14 08:19 LT 1 E

18/06/14 08:39 LT 1 N

VP 3 22/04/14 15:12 HT 4 N

22/04/14 15:15 HT 6 N

22/04/14 15:26 HT 2 N

VP 6 18/06/14 10:11 LT 1 N

18/06/14 10:14 LT 2 N

18/06/14 14:04 HT 2 N

18/06/14 14:14 HT 2 N

18/06/14 14:35 HT 5 N

Autumn 2014

4.116 Twelve oystercatcher flight lines were recorded during autumn 2014. Six of these flight lines were recorded from VP 3 and comprised six individuals flying east inland from the River Mersey, over the Garston docks without landing.

Table 4.57. Oystercatcher flight lines recorded during the autumn 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 2 08/09/14 16:02 LT 3 S

VP 3 11/07/14 08:40 HT 6 E

VP 6 08/09/14 13:53 LT 1 S

VP 7 11/07/14 15:40 LT 2 N

Turnstone

Background

4.117 The Mersey Estuary and North Wirral Foreshore SPA supports exceptionally high numbers of turnstone during the winter period. Although turnstone is not listed on the Mersey Narrows And North Wirral Foreshore July 2013 citation, JNCC lists this species as qualifying under Article 4.2, with the SPA supporting 1,138 individuals representing at least 1.6% of the wintering Western Palearctic - wintering population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6). A large proportion of these birds feed on the Egremont foreshore and this species does form part of the waterbird assemblage.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 53


4.118 Turnstone was occasionally recorded during the monthly bird counts, with the majority of records within Area 4, including Count Area 21 (Brunswick Dock), Count Area 24 (Queens Dock), Count Areas 26 and 27 (Wapping Dock), Count Area 31 (Canning Hall Tide Dock) and Count Area 37 (West Waterloo Dock). Generally low numbers were recorded in this area. The peak counts of turnstone within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.58 and Table 4.59.

4.119 Turnstone was only recorded at Count Areas 21 (Brunswick Dock), 24 (Queens Dock) and 31 (Canning Hall Tide Dock) during the nocturnal survey undertaken in February at low tide. A peak count of 20 individuals was recorded at Count Area 31 during the nocturnal survey.

4.120 Within Area 4, turnstone was primarily recorded during March at high tide. Turnstone

was only recorded during the February nocturnal survey at low tide.

4.121 Within survey area 5, turnstone was only recorded on two occasions, with a peak count of 35 individuals recorded at Count Area 58 (Langton Dock) within the south Peel Ports area during January. A turnstone was recorded within survey area 1 on one occasion. Table 4.58. Turnstone peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where turnstone was recorded out of a total of seven visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



4 26 2 13/3 1

27 2 13/3 1

37 11 13/3 1

5 58 35 17/1 1

6 60 1 17/12 1

Table 4.59. Turnstone peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The number of visits where turnstone was recorded out of a total of seven visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



4 21 1 21/2^ 1

24 1 21/2^ 1

26 2 21/2^ 2

31 20 21/2^ 1

5 58 25* 24/1 1 * Recorded flying only ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.122 Turnstone was only recorded at high tide during the spring 2014 monthly bird counts. Almost all turnstone recorded were at Area 3 (Garston Docks), with a peak count of 22 individuals recorded at Old Dock (Count Area 19) during April.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 54

Table 4.60. Turnstone peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where turnstone was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 9 2 15/5 1

3 18 3 22/4 1

3 19 22 22/4 1

4 21 6 22/4 1

6 60 1 22/1 1

Autumn 2014

4.123 The majority of turnstone recorded during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts were recorded at the Garston Docks (Area 3). A peak count of 34 turnstone was recorded at Count Area 19 (Old Dock) during July at high tide. Turnstone was also recorded at Count Area 22 (Coburg Dock) on one occasion. Table 4.61. Turnstone peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts. The number of visits where turnstone was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



3 18 5 11/7 1

3 19 34 11/7 1

4 22 2 11/7 1

Table 4.62. Turnstone peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 autumn bird survey. The number of visits where turnstone was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



3 18 8 8/9 1

3 19 6 11/7 1


4.124 Turnstone flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. A single group of 15

turnstones was recorded flying up from their roosting location on a jetty on the Mersey south of Garston Docks at high tide during December. The birds were recorded to circle over Garston Docks before returning to their roosting location and flew at a height of below 10m. No other turnstone flight lines were recorded during the winter VP surveys.

Spring 2014

4.125 Turnstone flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. A group of 12 turnstones

was recorded flying from VP 3 during April. These birds flew inland from the River Mersey to land on the southern bank of the Old Dock in Garston Docks. A single group of 6 turnstones was recorded flying north east at a height of between 10 and 50m over the Brunswick Docks towards the River Mersey during April.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 55

Table 4.63. Turnstone flight lines recorded during the spring 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 3 22/04/14 15:22 HT 12 N

VP 4 22/04/14 11:53 LT 6 NE

Autumn 2014

4.126 No turnstone flight lines were recorded during autumn 2014.

Black-tailed Godwit

Background

4.127 Black-tailed godwit is a qualifying speciesfor the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar, the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites.. Black-tailed godwit also forms part of the wintering bird assemblage for which these SPA’s are designated. Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.128 A single black-tailed godwit was observed during the monthly bird counts. This individual was observed at Count Area 19 (Old Dock) in a flock of oystercatcher on the south side of the dock at Garston on the 14th February at high tide. No other black-tailed godwit was recorded during the monthly bird counts. No black-tailed godwit was recorded during the nocturnal bird survey. Spring 2014

4.129 Two black-tailed godwit were observed during the monthly bird counts. These individuals were observed at Count Area 21 (Brunswick Dock) on the 22nd April at low tide. No other black-tailed godwit was recorded during the monthly bird counts. Autumn 2014

No black-tailed godwit was observed during monthly counts undertaken during autumn. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.130 No black-tailed godwit flight lines were recorded during the 2013-2014 VP survey

during the winter period.

Spring 2014

4.131 No black-tailed godwit flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.132 No black-tailed godwit flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 56

Curlew

Background

4.133 Curlew is a qualifying species for the Dee Estuary SPA and Ramsar sites. Curlew alsoforms part of the wintering bird assemblage for which the SPA is designated. This species is listed as ‘noteworthy’ under the citation for the Mersey Estuary Ramsar. Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.134 Curlew was only recorded during the nocturnal bird survey undertaken on the 21st February. A single bird was recorded at the edge of Count Area 3 (West Float) and Count Area 7 (East Float) in Birkenhead on this date. Spring 2014

4.135 No curlew was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during spring 2014. Autumn 2014

4.136 Curlew was recorded on two occasions within count areas during monthly bird counts undertaken in autumn 2014. The peak count was of six curlews recorded at Count Area 19 (Old Dock) in the Garston Docks on the 11th July at high tide. The other record was of a single curlew recorded flying over the Manchester Ship Canal (Count Area 17) on the 8th September at low tide. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.137 No curlew flight lines were recorded during the 2013-2014 winter VP survey.

Spring 2014

4.138 No curlew flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.139 Curlew flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.007. A single curlew flight line was

recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey. This was a single bird that was recorded from VP 2 to fly south adjacent to the QEII Dock and land in a field to the north, joining a group of 44 other curlew feeding on the grassland in this location. Snipe


4.140 Snipe was recorded on two occasions during the monthly bird counts. A single snipe was recorded on the grassland on the eastern bank of the East Float (Count Area 9) during the low tide nocturnal visit undertaken on the 24th February. Another snipe was

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 57

recorded during the daytime at the Alexandra Dock (Count Area 60) on the 12th December at low tide. Spring 2014

4.141 No snipe was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during spring 2014. Autumn 2014

4.142 No snipe was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during autumn 2014. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.143 No snipe flight lines were recorded during the 2013-2014 winter VP surveys.

Spring 2014

4.144 No snipe flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.145 No snipe flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

Guillemot


4.146 Guillemot was recorded on two occasions during the monthly bird counts in Area 6. A single bird was recorded on Count Area 60 (Alexandra Dock) on the 12th December and a single bird was recorded on Count Area 71 (Royal Seaforth Dock) on the 17th December. Spring 2014

4.147 No guillemot was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during spring 2014. Autumn 2014

4.148 Two guillemots were recorded at low tide at Count Area 33 (Canning Branch Docks) on the 11th July. A single guillemot was also recorded flying over the same dock at low tide on the same date. No other guillemot was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during autumn 2014. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.149 No guillemot flight lines were recorded during the 2013-2014 winter VP surveys.

Spring 2014

4.150 No guillemot flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 58

Autumn 2014

4.151 No guillemot flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

Cormorant

Background

4.152 Cormorant is listed as part of the wintering bird assemblage which is a qualifying feature for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore, the Dee Estuary and the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA’s. Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.153 Cormorant was recorded at 55 of the 68 dock areas surveyed during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts. The peak counts of cormorant within the survey area at high tide and low tide are presented at Table 4.64 and Table 4.65. The largest numbers of cormorant were recorded fishing on East Float, Birkenhead during the winter period. A peak count of 35 cormorant was recorded within this location at Count Area 9 during February.

4.154 Elsewhere numbers of cormorant were less, with a peak count on the Liverpool side of 12 birds, recorded at Count Area 36 (Princes Half Tide Dock) during March.

4.155 With few exceptions, cormorant was recorded in similar numbers and over a similar

extent of the dock system at both high tide and low tide. The peak count of birds within Area 1 at East Float was recorded at high tide.

4.156 During the nocturnal bird survey, low numbers of cormorant were recorded at Area 1,

3 and 4. Table 4.64. Cormorant peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2013-2014 winter monthly bird counts. The number of visits where cormorant was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 1 17/2 1

3 2 17/1 1

4 10 14/2 1

5 1 14/2 1

6 4 17/1 3

7 4 17/1 3

8 5 14/2 1

9 16 14/2 4

13 2 # 2

2 16 1 14/2 1

3 18 4 14/2 2

19 4 14/2 2

20 1 # 2

4 21 4 21/11 2

22 1 24/2^ 1

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 59



23 1 24/2^ 1

26 2 24/2^ 2

27 4 14/2 2

30 2 14/2 2

31 2 14/2 2

32 1 21/11 1

34 2 17/1 1

36 12 13/3 2

37 4 14/2 3

5 40 1 17/12 1

42 1 # 2

43 1 # 2

44 1 # 3

45 2 17/1 4

47 1 # 4

48 1 14/2 1

51 1 17/12 1

53 1 # 2

54 2 17/1 1

55 1 17/1 1

56 2* 21/11 3

58 2 14/2 1

59 1 17/12 1

6

67 1 14/2 1

69 1 17/12 1

70 1 13/3 2

71 1 21/11* 4

72 4 # 2 # = More than one date with peak count * Recorded flying only ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Table 4.65. Cormorant peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2013-2014 winter monthly bird counts. The number of visits where cormorant was recorded out of a total of five diurnal visits and one nocturnal visit undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 3 5 25/2^ 1

4 10 10/2 1

5 1 10/2 1

6 4 10/2 2

7 3 13/12 4

8 1 10/2 1

9 35 10/2 4

10 1* 10/2 1

13 1 10/2 3

2 17 1 10/2 1

3 18 2 26/11 1

19 4 26/11 2

20 1 # 3

4 21 8 26/11 5

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 60



22 1 12/12 1

24 8 24/1 3

26 2 10/2 2

27 1 10/2 1

28 1 24/1 1

29 4 24/1 1

30 2 21/2^ 3

31 1 # 2

32 1 24/1 1

34 1 13/3 1

36 1 13/3 1

37 5 10/2 2

38 1 13/3 1

5 39 1 10/2 1

40 1* 10/2 2

41 1 12/12 1

45 1 # 3

47 2* 13/3 2

48 2* 13/3 1

49 1 # 2

50 1 # 2

51 1 # 2

52 2 24/1 1

53 7 10/2 3

56 2 26/11 3

58 1* 13/3 1

6 61 1 10/2 1

67 1* 10/2 1

70 1 10/2 1

71 3 10/2 3 # = More than one date with peak count * Recorded flying only ^ Recorded during nocturnal survey

Spring 2014

4.157 Cormorant numbers recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken in spring were lower than those recorded during the winter period and were only recorded at 25 Count Areas. A peak count of four cormorants was recorded at Gladstone Dock (Count Area 65) during April at high tide. Table 4.66. Cormorant peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 spring monthly bird counts. The number of visits where cormorant was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 3 1 22/4 1

6 2 18/6 1

8 1 22/4 1

9 1 22/4 1

10 1 22/4 1

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 61



3 18 2 22/4 2

19 1 15/5 1

4 21 1 # 2

22 1 15/5 1

29 1 22/4 1

36 2 22/4 1

37 3 15/5 1

5 42 1 22/4 1

43 1 18/6 1

44 1 22/4 1

48 1 22/4 1

6 60 1 # 2

65 4 22/4 2

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.67. Cormorant peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 spring bird survey. The number of visits where cormorant was recorded out of a total of three visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 8 1 18/6 1

2 16 2 18/6 1

3 18 1 15/5 1

19 1 18/6 1

4 21 1 15/5 1

37 1 15/5 1

5 45 1 18/6 1

56 1 18/6 1

58 1 22/4 1

6 60 1 15/5 1

61 1 18/6 1

71 2 18/6 1

72 1 15/5 1


4.158 Cormorants were recorded at 33 Count Areas during the autumn monthly bird counts. A peak count of 18 cormorants were recorded at the East Float during August at high tide. Cormorants were observed to roost at a number of locations at the East Float, these include:

On a wooden jetty between Vittoria Dock (Count Area 11) and East Float;

On the north eastern bank of East Float;

On land at the eastern bank of the East float opposite the entrance to Tower Wharf (now developed).

4.159 The largest numbers recorded on the wooden jetty (7 individuals) was recorded during

October, and may have been a response to the loss of the area at the eastern end of East Float opposite Tower Wharf, to development.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 62

4.160 Elsewhere, a count of 17 cormorants was observed at North Dock (Count Area 20)

within the Garston Docks during July. Table 4.68. Cormorant peak counts recorded at high tide during the 2014 autumn monthly bird counts. The number of visits where cormorant was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at high tide is shown.



1 1 1 # 2

3 1 20/10 1

6 1 # 2

7 13 8/9 1

8 1 # 3

9 18 8/8 4

13 1 # 2

3 18 1 # 2

19 6 11/7 2

20 2 11/7 2

4 21 1 # 2

30 1 20/10 1

31 1 8/9 1

36 1 8/8 1

37 3 8/9 2

5 43 1 20/10 1

45 3 29/10 1

6 70 1 8/8 1

71 4 8/9 1

72 3 20/10 2

# = More than one date with peak count Table 4.69. Cormorant peak counts recorded at low tide during the 2014 autumn bird survey. The number of visits where cormorant was recorded out of a total of four visits undertaken at low tide is shown.



1 4 2 20/10 1

5 1 11/7 1

7 8 8/9 4

8 9 11/7 3

9 17 8/8 4

11 7 20/10 1

13 2 # 3

2 17 1 # 2

3 18 1 # 2

19 1 20/10 1

20 17 11/7 2

4 21 1 8/8 1

22 1 8/9 1

24 1 8/9 1

34 1 8/8 1

36 1 # 2

37 3 # 2

5 40 1 8/8 1

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 63



45 4 8/8 2

53 2 20/10 1

55 1 11/7 1

58 1 8/8 1

6 60 1 # 2

62 1 8/9 1

64 1 8/8 1

72 1 11/7 1


4.161 Cormorant flight lines for the winter period are illustrated at drawing G4157.010. The

numbers of cormorant flight lines recorded during the winter VP surveys are shown at Table 4.70. Cormorant undertook regular movements both within the docks and between docks during the VP surveys. The largest number of cormorant flight lines was recorded at VP 1. Cormorants were regularly recorded to land on the bank at the eastern end of the East Float during the VP surveys.

Table 4.70. Number of cormorant flight lines recorded during the winter 2013-2014 VP survey.

Location Month Number of flight lines

VP 1 November 3

December 10

January 13

February 25

March 16

Total flight lines 67

VP 2 February 2

VP 3 December 3

January 2

February 13

March 1

Total Flight lines 19

VP 4 February 2

March 5


VP 5 December 4

January 15

February 4

March 27


VP 6 November 4

December 5

January 7

February 7

March 6


4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 64


VP 7 November 4

December 8

January 5

February 15

March 1


Spring 2014

4.162 Cormorant flight lines for the spring and autumn period are illustrated at drawing

G4157.009. The numbers of cormorant flight lines recorded during the winter VP surveys are shown at Table 4.71. Numbers of cormorant were much reduced during the spring from that in the winter period. The largest number of cormorant flight lines observed during the spring was from VP 5, with 20 flight lines recorded.

Table 4.71. Number of cormorant flight lines recorded during the spring 2014 VP survey.


VP 1 April 1

May 1

June 0


VP 2 April-June 0

VP 3 April 1

May 3

June 0


VP 4 April 2

May 3

June 0


VP 5 April 5

May 11

June 4


VP 6 April 2

May 0

June 1


VP 7 April 0

May 0

June 3


Autumn 2014

4.163 Cormorant flight lines for the spring and autumn period are illustrated at drawing

G4157.009. The numbers of cormorant flight lines recorded during the winter VP

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 65

surveys are shown at Table 4.72. Cormorant undertook regular movements both within the docks and between docks during the VP surveys. The largest number of cormorant flight lines was recorded at VP 1. Cormorants were regularly recorded to land on the east bank and the north bank at the eastern end of the East Float during the VP surveys.

Table 4.72. Number of cormorant flight lines recorded during the autumn 2014 VP survey.


VP 1 July 4

August 17

September 12

October 10


VP 2 July 1

August 2

September 0

October 0


VP 3 July 0

August 0

September 0

October 13


VP 4 July 3

August 0

September 4

October 7


VP 5 July 0

August 2

September 3

October 2


VP 6 July 1

August 0

September 10

October 5


VP 7 July 2

August 1

September 4

October 0


4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 66

Shag


4.164 Shag was recorded within two docks during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts, although they were only recorded during one survey visit (17th January 2014). A count of 3 individuals in Count Area 30 (Albert Dock) and 4 in Count Area 36 (Princess Half Tide Dock). Spring 2014

4.165 No shag was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during spring 2014. Autumn 2014

4.166 No shag was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during autumn 2014. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.167 No shag flight lines were recorded during the 2013-2014 VP surveys.

Spring 2014

4.168 No shag flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.169 No shag flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

Grey Heron


4.170 Very few herons were recorded during the monthly bird counts. Single herons were recorded at Count Area 9 (East Float) and Count Area 23 (Queens Branch Dock) on the 26th November. A heron was also recorded on Count Area 62 (Alexandra Branch Dock) on the 17th December. During the nocturnal bird survey on the 24th February a heron was recorded at the QEII dock at Eastham (Count Area 16). Spring 2014

4.171 No heron was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during spring 2014. Autumn 2014

4.172 No heron was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during autumn 2014.

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4.173 Heron flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. A single heron flight line was

recorded during the winter VP surveys. This bird was recorded from VP 7 and flew at a height of between 10 and 50m flying north west.

Spring 2014

4.174 Three heron flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP surveys. These were

recorded from VP 2 over the QEII dock at Eastham, flying at a height of between 10 and 50m. A single heron flight line was also recorded over the Brunswick Docks between 0 and 10m, heading west.

Table 4.73. Heron flight lines recorded during the spring 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 2

22/04/14 17:27 HT 1 S

18/06/14 08:32 LT 1 E

VP 4 18/06/14 09:12 LT 1 W

Autumn 2014

4.175 Three heron flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP surveys. All three individuals were recorded at high tide and were likely to be undertaking local foraging flights around the dock systems.

Table 4.74. Heron flight lines recorded during the autumn 2014 VP survey.

vantage point



0-10

10-50

50+

VP 2 08/08/14 07:37 HT 1 E

VP 3 11/07/14 09:10 HT 1 E

VP 7 08/09/14 08:50 HT 1 NW

Little Gull Background

4.176 Little gull is a qualifying species for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar with a 5 year peak mean of 213 individuals (2004/05 – 2008/09). Monthly Bird Count Winter 2013 - 2014

4.177 A total of two little gull was recorded during the monthly bird counts. These birds were recorded within a larger group of black-headed gulls on the Alfred Dock (Count Area 10) during the nocturnal survey undertaken on the 21st February.

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Spring 2014

4.178 No little gull was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during spring 2014. Autumn 2014

4.179 No little gull was recorded during monthly bird counts undertaken during autumn 2014. Vantage Point Survey Winter 2013 - 2014

4.180 Little gull flight lines are illustrated at Drawing G4157.008. The numbers of little gull flight lines recorded during the winter VP surveys are shown at Table 4.75. A total of six little gull flight lines were recorded during the winter VP surveys. Two of these flight lines were recorded at the Brunswick Docks and the other four flight lines were recorded within the Peel Ports North area close to Seaforth. All little gull flight lines were recorded during November and December.

4.181 Reports from Seaforth Nature Reserve state that there was no large movement of little gull during 2014. A small movement of little gull was reported to occur during early November.

Table 4.75. Little gull flight lines recorded during the 2013 - 2014 VP survey.

Vantage Point



0-10 10-50

50+

VP 4 21/11/13 11:06 HT 1 N

11:20 HT 1 S

VP 7 21/11/13 13:23

HT 2 Various

17/12/13

10:44

HT 1 N

17/12/13

10:49

HT 1 N

Spring 2014

4.182 No little gull flight lines were recorded during the 2014 spring VP survey.

Autumn 2014

4.183 No little gull flight lines were recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey.

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Other Gull Species Monthly Bird Count

4.184 A total of six other species of gull were recorded during the monthly bird counts; herring gull, lesser black-backed, great black-backed, common gull, black-headed gull and Mediterranean gull.

4.185 The most prevalent species recorded at the docks was black-headed gull, with counts of more than 100 individuals recorded within the Birkenhead Docks (East Float and West Float), the Eastham Docks and within the Peel Ports Area in Liverpool (Canada Branch Dock and Alexandra Dock) on a number of occasions.

4.186 The largest numbers of black-headed gull were recorded on the water during the

nocturnal survey undertaken during February, with a peak count of 450 individuals recorded on the East Float on the 21st February. A similar count of 383 black-headed gulls was recorded during the high tide nocturnal visit at Count Area 7 (East Float West). A count of 180 black-headed gulls was also recorded during the nocturnal survey at Count Area 54 (Canada Branch Dock) within the Liverpool Docks. These findings suggest that the docks are used as a nocturnal roost by large numbers of black-headed gull during the winter period.

4.187 Very occasional black-headed gulls were recorded during spring, with the numbers

gradually increasing again during the autumn. A peak autumn count of 150 black-headed gulls was recorded on the East Float (Count Area 7) during August.

4.188 Herring gull were recorded in low to moderate numbers either flying over or on almost

every dock within the survey area throughout the year. Much lower numbers of herring gull were recorded during the nocturnal surveys than the daytime surveys. The largest numbers of herring gull were recorded on Count Area 5 (West Float, peak count, 92 individuals) and 21 (Brunswick Dock, peak count; 60 individuals).

4.189 Lesser black-backed gulls were recorded in small numbers either on or flying over the

majority of docks within the survey area during the monthly bird counts throughout the year. The largest numbers of this species were recorded during August, with a peak count of 54 individuals at Count Area 37 (West Waterloo Dock) 35 individuals at Count Area 26 (Wapping Dock).

4.190 Generally very low numbers of great-black backed gulls (generally less than 3 birds)

were occasionally recorded at 13 of the docks surveyed. A peak count of 18 great black-backed gulls was recorded at Count Area 33 (Canning Branch Docks) during July. A count of 9 great black-backed gulls was recorded in Count Area 71 (Royal Seaforth Dock) on the 17th December.

4.191 Low numbers of common gull were recorded at approximately half of the docks

surveyed during the monthly bird counts. Moderate numbers were occasionally recorded including a peak count of 41 birds recorded at Count Area 21 (Brunswick Dock) during January. Numbers of common gull dropped off entirely over spring and gradually started to increase at the end of autumn.

4.192 A single Mediterranean gull was recorded during the 2013-2014 monthly bird counts.

This individual was recorded on Count Area 67 (Gladstone Branch Dock) on the 14th February. Another Mediterranean gull was recorded at Count Area 72 (Royal Seaforth Dock West) on the 8th August.

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Tern Species

4.193 Common tern was the only tern species recorded within the survey area during the survey year. Common tern is a qualifying breeding species for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA, the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and the Dee Estuary SPA. This species was recorded between May and August, with a peak count of 17 individuals recorded at Count Area 51 (Canada Dock North). A breeding colony of common tern was recorded at Count Area 51 and numbers of approximately 15 individuals were regularly recorded in this location between July and August.

4.194 Elsewhere within the survey area, small numbers of common tern were recorded foraging at Areas 1, 5 and 6. Up to 9 common terns were regularly recorded at the Royal Seaforth Dock (Count Area 72). Summary of results by Survey Area

4.195 A summary of the main findings of the winter and spring bird surveys for each survey area are presented in Table 4.76. The survey areas correspond to those described in Table 3.1.

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Table 4.76. Summary of findings of winter and spring bird surveys by Area.

Area Winter Bird Records (Nov-Mar) Spring Bird Records (Apr - June) Autumn Bird Records (Jul - Oct)

1 WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Great crested grebe was regularly recorded on docks in Area 1 throughout the winter with a peak count of 12 birds in Count Area 9 during January. Redshank was recorded twice during winter in Area 1 with a peak count of two birds in Count Area 9. A single curlew was heard during nocturnal survey on the edge of the West Float in Count Area 3. A peak count of 35 cormorants were recorded on Count Area 9 in February. Two little gulls were recorded on Count Area 10 during February nocturnal surveys. OTHER SPECIES Highest diversity of wildfowl including mute swan, tufted duck, shoveler and coot. Diversity is largely attributed to wildfowl using Bidston Moss lake in the west in Count Area 1. Count Area 9 had largest counts of Canada goose and one record of snipe during nocturnal survey. Black-headed gulls and herring gulls were recorded frequently throughout the winter period. Large numbers of 450 black headed gulls were recorded roosting at night time on Count Area 9 in February. Large night

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Great crested grebe continued to use the East Float in Area 1, but at lower numbers than during the winter. Shelduck was regularly recorded within the Birkenhead docks throughout the spring period, with the highest counts recorded during April. A peak count of seven birds was recorded in Count Area 9. A single ringed plover was recorded in Count Area 9 during April. Two turnstones were recorded at the eastern end of East Float (Count Area 9) during May. OTHER SPECIES Similar species records to the winter months. Canada geese were observed to use more Count Areas within Area 1 during the spring. Very few black-headed gulls were recorded after March.

Great crested grebes were recorded on the East Float during every survey visit with a peak count of 10 individuals recorded at Count Area 9 during October. Counts of between 1 and 2 oystercatchers were recorded feeding on the banks of the Egerton Dock and Morpeth Dock (Count Areas 12 and 13) at both high and low tide during October. OTHER SPECIES Similar species records to the winter months. A peak count of 30 mallard was recorded at the Bidston Moss lake (Count Area 1) during July. A peak count of 3 mute swan was recorded at Count Area 1 during July. Low numbers of mute swan were recorded at the West Float.

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time black-headed gull roost was also recorded on Count Area 7.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Two ringed plovers were recorded flying over Count Area 9 in February at high tide. Cormorant was the most frequently recorded species with 25 flight lines in Area 1 during February. OTHER SPECIES Four mallard were recorded to fly-in and land in Count Area 9.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES 18 shelduck flight lines were recorded through both high and low tide in spring. These flight lines mainly concerned birds flying short distances within the East Float dock system. Only one group of three individuals was recorded to fly from the East Float over Tower Road in the direction of the River Mersey. A single lapwing was recorded in display flight over the northern edge of the dock in Count Area 9. OTHER SPECIES Canada geese were recorded flying over Area 1 in spring with four flight lines in April.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A single lapwing, likely to be the same bird as that recorded during the spring VP surveys, was recorded on one occasion at the north side of the East Float.

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2 WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Very few records made in winter in Area 2. A single cormorant was recorded on Eastham dock in February. OTHER SPECIES Mallard was observed on one occasion with a grey heron recorded during the nocturnal survey. Both black-headed gulls and herring gulls frequently recorded in area 2 with a peak of 100 black-headed gulls using Eastham Dock during the nocturnal survey.

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A single shelduck was recorded in Count Area 16 at low tide in April. Very low numbers of oystercatchers were recorded on the bank of the QEII dock (Count Area 16). A peak count of two oystercatchers was recorded in this location in May. OTHER SPECIES Two mallard and Canada geese were recorded on one occasion in April in Count Area 16. Very few black-headed gulls were recorded here after March.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A count of 65 lapwings was recorded roosting on the bank of the QEII dock (Count Area 16) during October at high tide.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES 12 redshank flew along the Manchester Ship Canal (Count Area 17) at high tide in February. These birds flew at a height of over 50m so were not directly using Count Area 17. 58 lapwings flew over the canal from the Mersey and landed south of Count Area 16 in February. OTHER SPECIES Four mallard flight lines were recorded at Count Area 16 in March.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Twenty oystercatcher flight lines were recorded flying low over Eastham dock in spring. Six shelduck flight lines were also recorded here during April. OTHER SPECIES Seven mallard flight lines were recorded in Area 2 during VP survey. Two heron flight lines were also recorded in April.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A single curlew flight line was recorded during the 2014 autumn VP survey. This was a single bird that was recorded from VP 2 to fly south adjacent to the QEII Dock and land in a field to the north, joining a group of 44 other curlew feeding on the grassland in this location. During August and October, a total of 218 lapwing flight lines were recorded flying over the QEII docks. These flight lines were from two groups of lapwing, observed to fly in from the direction of the River Mersey and loaf/roost on the banks of the QEII dock and also on the fields to the south of the docks.

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Three oystercatchers were recorded flying over the Manchester Ship Canal (Count Area 17). OTHER SPECIES Eight mallard flight lines were recorded in Area 2 during VP survey. A single heron flight line was also recorded in August.

3 WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Oystercatcher was regularly recorded on Count Area 19 at high tide with a peak count of 210 birds. A single black-tailed godwit was recorded at Count Area 19 in February. Cormorants were regularly recorded with four birds in this area in February. OTHER SPECIES A single mallard was recorded in Count Area 18 in March. Both Black-headed and herring gull were recorded in low numbers with herring gull recorded more regularly in Area 3

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Turnstones were only recorded at high tide during the spring 2014 monthly bird counts. 22 turnstones were observed on Count Area 19 during April at high tide. A peak count of 12 oystercatchers were recorded in Count Area 19 during April. OTHER SPECIES Two little grebes was observed in Count Area 18 in April at high tide. Only one black-headed gull was recorded in Area 3 in April with 28 herring gulls recorded in the same period.

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Small numbers of turnstone were regularly recorded in this area. A peak count of 34 turnstones was recorded adjacent to Count Area 19 (Old Dock) during July at high tide. A peak count of 44 oystercatchers were recorded in Count Area 19 at high tide during July.

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VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES 150 Oystercatchers were flushed between jetty and docks at Garston by passing ships from Count Area 19. 15 turnstones circled over Garston docks from the Mersey Estuary in December. Low numbers of cormorant were recorded flying to and from these docks between December and March. Redshank was recorded twice in winter with a peak-count of 31 birds flying from the Jetty to the south dock side at Count Area 19. OTHER SPECIES Four Canada geese flew over the Count Area 19 in March.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES 12 turnstones flying in from the estuary landed on the dock edge on Count Area 19 during April at high tide. 12 oystercatcher flight lines were recorded flying over Count Area 19 in Spring. OTHER SPECIES A total of 4 cormorant flight lines were recorded in spring from VP 3.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A group of 6 oystercatcher was recorded from VP 3 flying east inland from the River Mersey, over the Garston docks without landing. OTHER SPECIES A total of 13 cormorant flight lines were recorded in spring from VP 3. A single mallard was recorded flying over the Garston Docks during October.

4 WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A peak count of 14 oystercatchers were recorded within Count Area 37. Turnstone was recorded in Area 4 in low numbers in February and March with a peak count of 20 birds at high tide in Count Area 31 during the February nocturnal survey. Oystercatcher and turnstone were recorded in low numbers using Count Areas 21 and 24 during the nocturnal survey.

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Six turnstone were recorded at high tide in Count Area 21 in April. Two shelducks were recorded at high tide in Count Area 37 in April. OTHER SPECIES A peak count of 9 Canada geese was recorded using Count Area 32 in June. Six Canada geese were also recorded at Count Area 22 in April.

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Two turnstones were recorded at Count Area 22 in July. OTHER SPECIES A single little grebe was recorded at Count Area 36 during October.

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A single redshank was observed in Count Area 26 on three occasions through the winter with a single record in Count Area 22. A peak count of 12 cormorants was recorded in Count Area 36. A single great crested grebe was observed in Count Area 24 in March. OTHER SPECIES Shag were recorded in January with a peak count of 4 birds in Count Area 36. Mute swan were recorded on two occasions at Count Area 22 with the peak count of four mallard also in this dock. A little grebe was noted In Count Area 22 in March. Coot were recorded frequently at the north end of Area 4 with a peak count of 18 birds in Count Area 34. Both black-headed and herring gull were recorded in moderate numbers across the docks in Area 4. During nocturnal survey in February 39 Canada geese were recorded in Count Area 37.

A single little grebe was recorded in April in Count Area 22. Herring gulls were recorded in moderate numbers in most Count Areas.

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VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Two little gull flight lines were recorded over Brunswick Dock in November (Count Area 21). Area 4 had the fewest cormorant flight lines with just 7 records through the winter. A single redshank flew in to Count Area 22 to feed in December. OTHER SPECIES 18 mallard flight-lines were recorded in the vicinity of Count Area 22 during March

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Six turnstones flew high over Count Areas 21-25 towards the River Mersey during April. Two shelducks were recorded flying south along the edge of the Mersey during June. OTHER SPECIES Canada goose was recorded flying along the River Mersey and north over the Princes Dock during May.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES No SPA or/Ramsar species were recorded flying from VP 4 or VP 5 during autumn 2014. OTHER SPECIES Canada goose was recorded flying inland from the River Mersey over West Waterloo Dock, and north and south over this dock during the autumn.

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5 WEBS Count SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Area 5 regularly held low to moderate numbers of shelduck with a peak count of 23 birds in Count Area 54 at low tide in January. Turnstone was recorded in moderate numbers twice in January with a peak count of 35 birds on Count Area 58. Cormorants were recorded in low numbers in docks across Area 5, with a peak count of seven birds in Count Area 53 at low tide in February OTHER SPECIES Both black-headed and herring gull were recorded throughout Area 5 in moderate numbers. In the nocturnal survey, a peak count of 180 black-headed gulls was recorded loafing in Count Area 54.

WEBS Count SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Two oystercatcher were recorded in Count Area 51 during April, and Count Areas 43 and 47 during June. Low numbers of shelducks were regularly recorded within Area 5 during Spring. A peak count of 3 shelduck was recorded at Count Area 55 on two occasions. Counts of approximately 15 common terns were observed and individuals were regularly recorded at Count Area 51 between July and August. These birds were associated with the breeding colony at this location. Only very low numbers of common tern were recorded outside of the breeding season. OTHER SPECIES Counts of up to 24 Canada goose were recorded at Area 5 during June, with counts of more than 20 birds recorded at Count Area 45 and 47. Low numbers of mallard were recorded in Count Areas 40, 41, 53 and 56 during spring. Low to moderate numbers of herring gull and lesser black-backed gull were recorded in this area during spring. Peak counts of 50 herring gulls and 38 lesser black-backed gulls were recorded at Count Area 47 during June.

WEBS Count SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A peak count of two oystercatchers was recorded in Count Area 47 during July. A peak count of four cormorants was recorded in Count Area 45 during August. OTHER SPECIES Counts of up to 31 Canada goose were recorded at Area 5 during June, with counts of more than 20 birds recorded at Count Area 45 and 47.

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VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Cormorants were regularly recorded with 27 flight lines recorded in Area 5 in March alone. Two shelduck flight lines were recorded over Count Area 48 in March. OTHER SPECIES A peak count of 11 Canada geese wasobserved flying south in March with regular records of smaller groups throughout the winter.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A total of 10 shelduck flight lines were recorded in spring from VP 6. One of these involved a shelduck flying to the Mersey from the Bramley Moore Dock. Another pair of shelduck was observed flying into the docks from the Mersey. The other flight lines were of birds flying up and down the dock system. Twelve oystercatcher flight lines were observed during spring. All of these were observed flying along the River Mersey. OTHER SPECIES Three mallard and five Canada geese flight lines were recorded during VP survey in spring.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES One oystercatcher was observed to fly south along the dock system during August. One shelduck was recorded from VP6 flying west at high tide within the 10-50m height zone. This bird flew from the Bramley Moore Dock out to the River Mersey. Ten cormorant flight lines were observed over the docks during September. OTHER SPECIES 33 Canada goose flight lines were recorded flying north and south along the dock systems. Three mallard flight lines were recorded during VP survey in April.

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6 WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES 15 shelducks were recorded in Count Area 60 during the March and were recorded much more frequently here than on other docks in this Area. A single snipe was recorded in Count Area 60 at low tide in December. Two ringed plover were also observed in this location at high tide in February. A single guillemot was also observed in Area 6 in Count Areas 60 and 71 in December. A single great crested grebe was recorded on the Royal Seaforth Dock (Count Area 71) during March. OTHER SPECIES Canada geese were recorded in low numbers frequently in Count Area 60 but on only one other occasion in all other docks in Area 6. Mallard was recorded on one occasion in Count Area 71 in March. A single grey heron was observed on the dock at Count Area 62 in December.

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Shelduck was regularly recorded at the docks within Area 6 during spring. A peak count of 12 individuals was recorded at Count Area 60 during May at high tide. A single turnstone was recorded on Count Area 60 at high tide in April. Two oystercatchers were recorded on two occasions at Count Area 60 during spring. Up to 9 common terns were regularly recorded at Count Area 72 between May and August. OTHER SPECIES Very few black-headed gull records were made compared with earlier months. Low numbers of herring gull observed throughout Area 6.

WEBS Counts SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Two oystercatchers were recorded on two occasions at Count Area 60 during July. OTHER SPECIES Small numbers of mallard were recorded on the Royal Seaforth Dock during autumn, with a peak count of 6 individuals at Count Area 71 during October. Canada goose was occasionally recorded in low numbers in Area 6 during July and August.

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VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES Four little gull flight lines were recorded close to Seaforth in November and December. Cormorants were regularly recorded in flight in low numbers across Area 6, particularly Count Areas 71 and 72. A single oystercatcher flew over Count Area 70 in November. OTHER SPECIES Two Canada geese were flying over Seaforth Dock in February and March.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES A total of 17 shelduck flight lines was recorded from VP 7. These birds were most often recorded moving up and down the Royal Seaforth Dock. They were also recorded moving between Seaforth Nature Reserve and the Royal Seaforth Dock, and between the Royal Seaforth Dock and Gladstone Docks to the south through the Gladstone Passage. Two shelducks were observed flying in from the Mersey. OTHER SPECIES Five mallard flight lines were recorded in the Seaforth Dock area during April. Two mute swan flight lines were recorded over the Royal Seaforth Dock in June. Small numbers of Canada goose flight lines were recorded moving between the Royal Seaforth Dock and the Nature Reserve to the north.

VP Survey SPA/RAMSAR SPECIES An oystercatcher was observed flying from the docks to the River Mersey during July. OTHER SPECIES Small numbers of Canada goose flight lines were recorded moving between the Royal Seaforth Dock and the Nature Reserve to the north. A heron was observed flying over the Royal Seaforth Dock in September.

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5.0 CONCLUSIONS 5.1 The docks are used by birds associated with the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral

Foreshore SPA and Ramsar,the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar, The Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar and the DEE Estuary SPA and Ramsar. Such species include shelduck, redshank, black-tailed godwit, Lapwing, curlew Oystercatcher, great crested grebe, cormorant and little gull. However, few of these species were recorded using the docks during the year of survey.

5.2 Almost all shelduck recorded during the winter were within the Peel Ports Area, although numbers at Birkenhead Docks rose during the late winter and spring surveys in March and April. Shelduck was recorded throughout the dock systems during spring, with the largest numbers (up to 12 individuals) recorded in the north Liverpool Dock areas (Areas 5 and 6). A peak count of 41 shelduck over the entire survey area was recorded during a single survey visit in March.

5.3 Numbers of little gull recorded at Seaforth Nature Reserve suggest that numbers have

been unusually low at the reserve this year. It has been reported that only a small movement of little gull occurred in 2014, with this movement occurring during early November.

5.4 Of the species listed as forming part of the wintering bird assemblage for these protected sites, curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, great crested grebe and cormorant were recorded using the docks during the winter period. Numbers of lapwing and curlew increased during the autumn migration period, however numbers of the other species dropped during the remainder of the year.

5.5 Lapwings were occasionally recorded flying over the docks at Eastham where they

used an adjacent field at high tide. A group of 65 lapwing were recorded to roost adjacent to the QEII dock on one occasion in October. Moderate to large numbers of oystercatcher were regularly recorded at high tide on a jetty near to the Garston Docks, and occasionally at the edge of the docks. Great crested grebes were observed to congregate at the eastern end of the East Float within the Birkenhead Docks. This matches the findings of previous bird surveys undertaken in this location.

5.6 Cormorants were regularly recorded fishing in most of the docks, with the largest

numbers recorded on the West Float and East Float in Birkenhead. Numbers of cormorant dropped during the spring period and increased again in autumn during the migration period prior to winter.

5.7 The docks are used by moderate to large numbers of gulls throughout the winter

period, with black-headed gull the most abundant species. Large numbers of black-headed gull were observed to use the Birkenhead Docks at night time during the winter period with a peak count of 450 birds. Large numbers were also recorded at night at the Canada Branch Dock (Count Area 54) in Liverpool. Large numbers of black headed gull were observed to move between the Royal Seaforth Dock and Seaforth Nature Reserve. These numbers are not considered to be significant as the threshold numbers for populations of national and international significance are 22,000 and 20,000 respectively (WeBS 2012-13).

5.8 Black headed gulls move away from the dock systems during spring and start to return

during late autumn. Herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls use the dock systems throughout the year.

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5.9 Groups of up to 210 oystercatcher were recorded to regularly roost in two locations at the Garston Docks; one at the wall of the Old Dock and the other on the jetty within the River Mersey adjacent to the docks area. These birds were observed to move from the jetty to the dockside when disturbed by passing boats on the River Mersey. Conversely, birds would also move from the dockside to the jetty when disturbed by workers or moving vehicles adjacent to the docks. It is therefore concluded that both of these features are important for oystercatcher to limit disturbance effects.

5.10 Existing human disturbance associated with the Liverpool town centre (such as the

Albert Dock complex) is so high that usage of these docks by waders and wildfowl is unviable.

5.11 When a ship was in occupation in some of the smaller docks such as the Graving

dock, it could take up a larger proportion of the dock open water area (in some cases more than 50%). This made the habitat unfavourable to usage by wildfowl during these periods. The towering effect of ships was also likely to have reduced wader and wildfowl usage of the dock sides adjacent to the ship locations.

5.12 Wildfowl were recorded to be flushed from the QEII Dock at Eastham when ships

entered the dock. However, this was only recorded very occasionally due to the low numbers of waterbirds that were recorded to use this dock.

5.13 Overall, apart from the oystercatcher roost at the Garston Docks, and the particularly

high levels of disturbance associated with the Liverpool town centre docks, the majority of birds observed exhibited high levels of habituation to visual and noise disturbance at the docks. This included human visual disturbance, construction works and other dock activities, vehicle movements and boat/shipping movements.

6.0 DISCUSSION OF IMPLICATIONS RELATING TO NATURA 2000 SITES

6.1 Species which are either qualifying species in their own right or form part of the wintering bird assemblage for nearby Natura 2000 sites, recorded during bird surveys undertaken at the docks include curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, redshank, turnstone, shelduck, great crested grebe, cormorant and little gull.

6.2 Occasional movements of qualifying species for nearby Natura 2000 sites were observed between the docks and the River Mersey. Species that undertook such movements included cormorant, shelduck, lapwing and oystercatcher. This suggests that there is some connectivity between these Natura 2000 sites and the Liverpool dock system. Shelduck

6.3 Shelduck was found to use the docks most frequently during the late winter and early spring migration period. A peak count of 41 shelduck over the entire survey area was recorded during a single survey visit in March. The most important areas for shelduck were the South Peel Ports docks and the Birkenhead Docks. The most recent 5-year peak mean (08/09- 12/13) for shelduck at the Mersey Estuary is 4416 individuals. The peak count of shelduck using the docks is therefore equal to just under 1% of the Mersey Estuary SPA population.

6.4 It is therefore considered that although the SPA and the dock systems are likely to be

linked, only comparatively low numbers of shelduck use the docks.

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Lapwing 6.5 Lapwing forms part of the qualifying winter bird assemblage for the Mersey Estuary

SPA. The most recent 5-year peak mean (08/09- 12/13) for lapwing at the Mersey Estuary is 3,910 individuals. Lapwing was only recorded in significant numbers on one occasion. This concerned a group of 65 lapwing, flying in from the River Mersey, to roost next to the QEII Dock during October. This is equal to 1.7% of the SPA population. Although the Eastham Docks therefore support on occasion a potentially significant proportion of the Mersey Estuary SPA lapwing population, this was observed to be a very rare occurrence.

Oystercatcher

6.6 Oystercatcher forms part of the winter bird assemblage for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA. They also are a qualifying feature for the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA. The Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA supports 2,718 oystercatcher. The Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA is partly designated for supporting 18,535 oystercatcher (5-year peak mean 1993/94 – 1997/98). A peak count of 211 oystercatcher were observed on one visit over the entire survey area, however almost all of these birds were recorded at the Garston Docks, adjacent to Old Dock (210 individuals). These birds regularly moved between the south of the dock and a wooden jetty on the River Mersey. Very low usage of all other docks was observed over the entire survey year.

6.7 210 individuals is equal to 7.7% of the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

SPA, or 1.13% of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA oystercatcher population. As moderate numbers of oystercatcher were regularly recorded using Garston Docks, it is considered that the Old Dock within Garston Docks provides supporting habitat for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and potentially the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA oystercatcher population.

Cormorant

6.8 Apart from gull species, cormorant was the most frequently recorded bird using the docks during surveys, particularly during the winter period. Cormorants form part of the wintering bird assemblage for both the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA. A peak count of 75 cormorant was recorded over the entire dock survey area during a single survey visit in February, with the majority (46) recorded on the Birkenhead Docks.

6.9 The Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA supports a population of 972 cormorants. The number of cormorant supported by all the docks is therefore equal to 7.7% of the SPA qualifying cormorant population. The number supported by Birkenhead Docks is equal to 4.7% of the SPA population. Cormorants were observed to roost and feed on the Birkenhead Docks. Due to the movements of cormorant observed between the Birkenhead Docks and the River Mersey it is considered likely that the Birkenhead Docks provide supporting habitat for the cormorant population associated with the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA.

Great crested grebe

6.10 Great crested grebes were regularly recorded using the East Float at the Birkenhead Docks. This species were recorded in this location during almost every survey visit throughout the year, with a peak count of 12 individuals during January. This is consistent with desktop records. Great crested grebe form part of the wintering bird assemblage for the Mersey Estuary SPA.

6.11 The most recent 5-year peak mean (08/09- 12/13) for great crested grebe at the

Mersey Estuary is 20 individuals. The number using East Float is therefore over half

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 85

the number found at the Mersey Estuary. It is likely that at least some of the birds recorded at East Float also used the Mersey Estuary SPA, due to the variation in numbers recorded at the dock throughout the winter period. Only one movement of a single great crested grebe from the dock in the direction of the River Mersey was observed during the VP surveys.

6.12 As such it is therefore possible that the docks are functionally linked with the Mersey

Estuary SPA in terms of their great crested grebe population.

Turnstone 6.13 Although turnstone is not listed on the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

July 2013 SPA citation, JNCC lists this species as qualifying under Article 4.2, with the SPA supporting 1,138 individuals representing at least 1.6% of the wintering Western Palearctic - wintering population (5 year peak mean 1991/2 - 1995/6. Counts of between 20 and 35 turnstone were recorded throughout the year at the Liverpool Docks although usage of the docks by this species was only occasional. The largest groups of turnstone were at the Garston Docks, West Waterloo Dock and Langton Dock. Nocturnal usage of Area 4 (Brunswick Docks, Albert Docks, Princes Docks) by up to 24 turnstone was observed. A peak count of 41 turnstone was recorded over the entire survey area in July. This equates to 3.6% of the SPA population.

6.14 It is therefore considered that the Liverpool Docks including Garston Docks, Brunswick Docks, Albert Docks and Princes Docks provide supporting habitat for the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA turnstone population.

Little gull

6.15 Only very low numbers of little gull were recorded at the docks, with the majority of these birds recorded to fly over the docks without landing or feeding. As numbers of little gull recorded at Seaforth Nature Reserve were unusually low during the survey period, it is not known whether this usage of the dock system is typical of recent years. No firm conclusions regarding the role of the docks as supporting habitat for little gull associated with the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA can therefore be drawn.

4157.005 August 2015 Version 3.0 86

7.0 REFERENCES & FURTHER READING Cook, A.S.C.P., Barimore, C., Holt, C.A., Read, W.J. and Austin, G.E. (2013). Wetland Bird Survey Alerts 2009/2010: Changes in numbers of wintering waterbirds in the Constituent Countries of the United Kingdom, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). BTO Research Report 641. BTO, Thetford. http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs/publications/webs-annual-report Holt, C.; Austin, G.; Calbrade, N.; Mellan, H.; Thewlis, R.; Hall, C.; Stroud, D.; Wotton, S.; and Musgrove, A. (2009) Waterbirds in the UK 2007/08 - The Wetland Bird Survey, WEBS. Dee Estuary web-site (deeestuary.co.uk). Norman, D. 2008. Birds in Cheshire and Wirral. A breeding and wintering atlas. CAWOS. Stillman, R. A. and Goss-Custard, J. D. 2002. Seasonal changes in the response of oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus to human disturbance. – J. Avian. Biol. 33:

358–365. Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA UK9020287 Citation. Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds Special Protection Area (SPA). Natural England. July 2013.

European Site Conservation Objectives for the Mersey Estuary Special Protection Area site code UK9005131. Natural England. 30/06/14.

European Site Conservation Objectives for the Ribble and Alt Estuaries Special Protection Area site code UK9005103. Natural England. 30/06/14.

Waterbirds in the UK 2012/13 (http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs/data)

http://www.bto.org/volunteer-surveys/webs/publications/webs-annual-report

4175.005 Appendices Version 3.0

APPENDIX 1: Examples of Survey Sheets

Date: Period: Location:Weather (every 60 mins) Surveyor: LIVERPOOL DOCKS (4157)

Time (every hour)

Rainfall (0 - 5)

Wind Force (1 - 12)

Wind Direction

Temperature ( start & finish )

Cloud Cover (/8)

Visibility (0-4)(range = acceptable)

Primary species: All waders, wildfowl, cormorant, herons/egrets, little gull and diver.

Secondary species: All gulls and terns apart from little gull (USE OTHER FORM).

Primary species only Height Zone -tick appropriate box

Bird Reg.

No.Species

Start Time

Number

of birds

Flight

Direction 0-10m 10-50m 50+ m Notes

Species to Record:

Comments:

Additional weather notes:

Bird Reg.

No.Species

Start Time

Number

of birds

Flight

Direction 0-10m 10-50m 50+ m Notes

Comments:

Secondary species - all gull species apart from little gull Dock reference number: F = no. of bird flyover; W = no. of birds took off or landed on water.

N S E W Indeter. F W F W F W F W F W

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

No. No. No.

6

Tips: Only record gulls flying with 30 metres of dock water surface. Treat little gulls as a primary species.

Comments:

No. No.

1

2

3

5-minute

interval Sp.

Gull count / direction

5

4

N S E W Indeter. F W F W F W F W F W

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

BH

HG

LB

CM

GB

Comments:

No. No. No. No. No.

7

5-minute

interval

11

12

10

8

9

Sp.

Gull count / direction


APPENDIX 2: Vantage Point Coverage


Count Areas covered by each vantage point location. The proportion of each Count Area that could be visually observed from each vantage point is also shown.

Vantage Point Count Areas Covered

Dock Name Proportion of Count Areas observed from VP (%)

1

7 East Float West 50

8 East Float Central 100

9 East Float East 100

10 Alfred Dock 20

11 Vittoria Dock 20

12 Egerton Dock 20

2 16 QEII Dock 100

17 Manchester Ship Canal

60

3 18 Stalbridge Dock 100

19 Old Dock 100

20 North Dock 60

4 21 Brunswick Dock 80

22 Coburg Dock 90

24 Queens Dock 100

26 Wapping Dock 25

5 34 Princes Dock South

40

35 Princes Dock North

100

36 Princes Half Tide Dock

100

37 West Waterloo Dock

50

38 East Waterloo Dock

50

6 44 Bramley Moore Dock

30

45 Sandon Half Tide Dock

100

47 Huskisson Dock 40


20


10

7 65 Gladstone Dock 70

69 Grain Dock 100

70 Royal Seaforth Dock East

50

71 Royal Seaforth Dock Central

100

72 Royal Seaforth Dock West

100


APPENDIX 3: Raw Tabulated Data

Mute Swan Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks

On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over

1 1 123456789

10111213141516171819202122 1 3 1 1 1 1232425262728293031323334 2 235 336 23738 2 239404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 1 0 6 0 1 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 3 0

November December January24/01/2014 (LT)21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT)Dock

No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock

No. On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over

1

1

1 2

1

2 2 2 14 1 1

1

1

0 0 3 0 2 0 2 0 2 4 4 0 2 1 0 1

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)

February (Nocturnal)21/02/14 (LT) 24/02/14 (HT)

March April13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 2 3 1 1 2 2

1

1

52

1

2 5

2

2 1 0 2 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 0 7 0 7 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock

No. On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over

1

SurveyorJohn CrowderLee GreenhoughSaul BeckettPaul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill

High tide (HT)Low tide (LT)No access to dock/dock developed

5

0 0 6 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Canada Goose Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 1 123456789 8 8 8 3 4 5

101112131415161718192021 522 2 2 223 1242526 1 22728293031323334 235 236 2 14 637 1 3383940 241 242434445 14647 1484950 2 44 551 165253 82 12 20 154 72 39 40 82 1055 6 1556 19 2 257585960 2 26162636465666768697071 272

TOTAL 78 0 71 1 92 0 62 0 79 0 94 2 50 0 32 3


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


4

21 11 21

4 8 1 7 2 2

4

2

1 2

6

1

2

2 21 2

1

4 14 14 2 139 2 4 10

12 2 2

2 1 22

2 22 4 2 2 2 1 3

4 4 2 3 4

3

4 22 7

41

9 1 1

2 2 2

53 0 26 0 17 11 39 0 31 6 19 0 22 4 15 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

22 2

2 22 1 1

3

4 2

2

2 9 2 4 42 4

2

1 2

5 5

38 24 2 27 31 2

2 14 20 31 2 8 4

9 71

25

5 175 23

1 6

3

4

62

40 40 35 29 71 2 52 2 47 6 30 0 12 0 4 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2



6

26

14 38

21

48 21 38 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Greylag Goose Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Dock

No.24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)

November December January February21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)24/02/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT)

AprilMarchFebruary (Nocturnal)21/02/14 (LT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Shelduck Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

1011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950 3 25152 253 1154 2 23 4 125556 2 25758 25960 2 6616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 25 0 17 0 18 0

November December January21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT)

Dock No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


2

3 13 323 7 2 2

2 4

1

1

2

2 2

22 1

1

2 2

1 414 16 2 1 26 3 2 3 3

2

4 1 2 1 2 14

3 15 3 2 2 12 2 91

1

2 4

1 23

4 2 0 0 41 4 22 3 29 3 28 4 20 7 18 3

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




1

2 5

1

2

2 2

2 2 2 2

2

2 2

2

82

2 21

20 11 11 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over



0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Mallard Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 2 5 12345678 159

101112131415161718 31920 221 8 12 1 1022 2 2 4 42324 2 1 22526 8 112728 1293031 132 533343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172 8

TOTAL 15 0 23 0 12 0 13 0 10 0 14 1 18 0 4 0

JanuaryDecemberNovember24/01/2014 (LT)21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT)Dock

No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

3

22

111

2 24 3

1

2 1 1

11

2 11

1

2

2 31

1 1

2

0 0 2 0 5 1 6 0 8 0 8 2 1 0 11 2

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 30 23 8 5 3

6

3

1

12 2 2

19 14

1 2

4

4 4

2

2

2

2

1

4 3 1 3 36 0 33 0 19 0 6 0 11 0 19 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

SurveyorJohn CrowderLee GreenhoughSaul BeckettPaul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn Wilson

1 Ashley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill

4High tide (HT)Low tide (LT)No access to dock/dock developed

6

1

6

11 0 9 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Shoveler Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Tufted Duck Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 8 4 4 2 3 2323456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 8 0 4 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 23 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


7 4 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 4 0 0 0 0 1

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2 4 3 5 5 4 3

0 2 0 4 3 0 5 0 5 0 0 0 4 0 3 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


5 3



5 0 3 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Pochard Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)Dock

No.

November December January February


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

24/02/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)21/02/14 (LT)

April MayMarchFebruary (Nocturnal)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

08/08/2014 (LT) 08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)08/08/2014 (HT)18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June July August September


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

October

Great Crested Grebe Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 1 223456789 4 2 12 9 11

10 2111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637 13839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 13 0 0 0 11 0 11 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


32

2 13 1 2

1

2

2

1

5 0 2 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


4 2 3 4 5 5 3 5

4

8 0 0 2 3 0 4 0 5 0 5 0 3 0 5 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


10 10SurveyorJohn CrowderLee GreenhoughSaul BeckettPaul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill


10 0 10 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Little Grebe Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


12345678 19

101112 1131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536 1 1 1373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0

November December January21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT)Dock

No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

1

1

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




1

0 0 1 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Cormorant Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 123 24 1 105 1 1 16 4 1 4 27 2 1 1 4 28 1 59 1 11 1 35 16

10 1111213 2 2 2141516 117 118 1 2 419 4 1 1 420 1 1 1 1 121 4 8 4 2 6 222 12324 7 82526 1 2 127 3 1 428 129 430 1 1 1 231 1 232 1 13334 23536 637 2 2 5 43839 140 1 141 142 143 1 144 1 1 145 1 1 2 1 14647 1 1 1 148 149 150 151 1 152 253 1 1 1 2 754 255 156 2 2 1 1 15758 259 16061 1626364656667 1 16869 170 171 1 3 172 4 4

TOTAL 15 6 30 1 11 2 13 1 41 0 28 0 75 4 70 2


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


5 1

1 31

3 7 1 11

2 1 11

3 1 1 11 11

3

2

121

1

12 1 2 21 1 3 11

1 1

11 1

1 2 12 1

111

1

1 1

1 1 1

4

11

1

8 0 7 0 20 1 20 8 5 0 14 4 6 2 3 2

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

12 1

1 2 13 81 1 9 1 6

2 1 1 18 17 3 4

1 2

21 1

1 1 1 11 6 1

2 17 11 1 1

1

1

1

1

1 13 3 3

1

1

1 1 4

11

1

1 11

1

11

12 4

1 1 1 1

3 7 4 1 14 1 32 3 22 0 41 0 29 0 21 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

12

12

1 11 1

Surveyor7 John Crowder

Lee Greenhough1 2 Saul Beckett

Paul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley Powell

1 Mike Walker1 Ashley Powell + Tim Ross

Ashley Powell + Paul Hill


1

11

1

3 1 1

1 1

2

3

13 2 22 2

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Shag Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 3313233343536 4373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Grey Heron Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789 1

1011121314151617181920212223 1242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859606162 163646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Coot Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 1 4 17 3 3 12 8234567 189 2

10111213 3 2 214151617181920212223242526 1272829 130 131 632 23334 3 18 135 6 2 2 6 6 236 26 12 3 437 63839 10 4 3404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 33 0 10 0 40 0 23 0 23 0 10 0 23 0 21 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2 3

1 1 1 1 12 2 1

0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 3 4 0 1 1 1 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


5 3 8 10 4 11 5 5

1 1 1 4 31

5 1 0 4 8 0 10 0 5 0 11 0 10 0 8 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


9 5

SurveyorJohn CrowderLee Greenhough

1 Saul BeckettPaul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill


13 162

25 0 21 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Moorhen Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536 1373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464648495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Oystercatcher Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789 4 1 2 1 20 3

10111213141516171819 96 210 1752021222324252627282930

November December January21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT)17/12/2013 (HT)Dock

No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


313233343536 3373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960 26162636465


66676869707172 1 3

TOTAL 97 0 4 0 1 0 7 0 211 0 20 0 3 0 178 0


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930

Dock


4 1

2

212 12 8

1 4 4

1

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




3132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859606162636465

12 1

14 2

1

2

2 1

1


66676869707172

TOTAL

2

2 0 0 0 28 0 6 0 3 0 11 12 14 0 1 3


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930

Dock


1 5 1 21 12 19 2 4

44 2

1

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


3132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859606162636465

2 1

2 2

1 1

2 2 2


66676869707172

TOTAL

2

6 5 7 2 66 2 2 2 1 0 2 0 0 2 5 0


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930

Dock


SurveyorJohn Crowder

1 1 Lee Greenhough1 2 Saul Beckett

Paul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill


October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)


3132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859606162636465

2

1


66676869707172

TOTAL 3 0 5 0

Turnstone Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

10111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758 35 255960 1616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 35 0 0 25 0 0 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

322 4

1 6 6

1

2 22

20

11

1

24 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 32 10 0 2 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


5 834 6

2

0 0 0 0 41 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Redshank Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789 2

101112 113141516171819202122 123242526 1 1 127282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Ringed Plover Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960 2616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 14/02/14 (HT)24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT)Dock

No.

November December January February21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)

April13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT)


March


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Curlew Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)Dock

No.21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT)



123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

1

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

March April13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)21/02/14 (LT) 24/02/14 (HT)

February (Nocturnal) May15/05/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

6

0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Black-tailed Godwit Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

10111213141516171819 12021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 14/02/14 (HT)24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT)Dock

No.



123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)

April13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT)


March


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


13

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Snipe Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960 1616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)Dock

No.21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT)



123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Lapwing Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.



123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


SurveyorJohn CrowderLee GreenhoughSaul BeckettPaul HillChris Swindells

64 Tim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill


64 0 0 0

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

October

Black-headed Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 9 4 10 100 923 1 1 5 904 1 61 32 30 60 15 1306 6 2 8 17 2 2 1 2 1408 2 39 17 2 5 20 30 1

10 1 1 18 11112 1 3 4 1 213 1 1 2 4 3 4 8141516 35 1 4 24 6 1 1017 11 1 418 1 2 3 1 119 8 1 1 120 3 221 48 24 11 55 1422 5 2 1 5 4 21 12324 4 5 22526 48 41 18 6027 142829 2 3 4 630 2 1 2 43132 2 13334 9 1 435 12 28 6 5 1 2536 9 3 31 537 17 438 48 1439 140 1 1 341 5 14243 16 2 1 344 8 6 145 8 3 1 24647 4 1 1 148 2 349 2 3 2 250 6 4 2 3 1 2151 1 7 652 42 3553 3 2 1 2 1354 20 1 255 13 156 1 6 13 4 157 3 12 2 358 13 11 3 5 10 5 159 13 1 3 8560 85 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 13761 7 162 7 163 5 1 164 165 2 1 1 1 3 6 666 1 1 1 167 1 1 2 2268 5 569 147071 1 1 1 1 1 7 172 10 1

TOTAL 394 36 95 13 120 12 234 3 308 2 267 12 59 22 591 246


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


5 15

2 1383

450 124 91 1

12

3 100 61 1

8 1

1 1 4 1 6

21

3

1

19 2

145

1

11

106 1

7 1 11

1 425 9

21 182 70 3 2

1802 1 8 1

1 1 10 11

2 2 5 1 3 1

17 1 1 24 4

1

54

784 66 635 90 42 7 46 4 2 2 0 0 15 4 5 6

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 1

61

150 254

25 11

2 22 2 5

52 1 3 13 48 6 2814 15 4 7

2 3 14

11 2 2 21

1 3 1

1 1 1

3 61 1

2 1 11

1 41

5 1 1 13

1

1 1

11

3

12

1 11 31

79

1

6 2 4 61

1 1

21 1 1 8

2 1 1 160

0 0 2 1 85 10 26 2 53 5 253 5 43 5 162 6

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

SurveyorJohn CrowderLee Greenhough

1 Saul BeckettPaul HillChris Swindells

4 6 Tim Ross12 John Wilson

1 Ashley Powell12 Mike Walker

Ashley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill

2High tide (HT)

2 Low tide (LT)No access to dock/dock developed

37 13

1

1 2

11 1

4 1 21

6 5

2

1 6

3 1

3 2

3 2 22

22

6 14

6 46

10

10

102

107 23 98 6

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Herring Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1 18 1623 8 14 4 4 10 20 15 926 1 21 27 1 12 1008 49 4 2 1 1 1 6 5 2

10 2 11112 113 1 4 1 19 16141516 1 1217 1 118 2 1 10 1 119 2 6 3 1 2 220 5 2 1 221 4 9 13 1 60 5222 1 1 1 22324 3 1 7 1 12526 6 12 1 1327 328 129 2 2 1 4 2 2530 1231 2 8 1532 1 2333435 2 1 1 436 12 10 2 1037 3 638 1 239 1 2 1 140 1 241 1 14243 2 1 5 144 4 4 1 145 4 12 1 3 2 1 2 1 2 14647 4 4 8 3 2 4 1 6 4 2 24849 2 6 1 2 1 250 3 2 6 151 1 3 1 152 6 2 2 353 3 1 4 31 3 3 154 2 6 155 4 3 2 156 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 157 8 1 3 3 2 458 2 22 7 1 2 4 8 2 259 2 260 3 1 3 1 7 5 1 661 2 1 2 162 1 1 1 9 263 3 3 2 2 1 3 26465 1 3 1 4 1 2 2066 1 1 367 1 3 168 369 1 370 10 271 30 3 6 1 2 1 1072 1 99 65 2

TOTAL 79 15 177 51 50 31 144 18 139 20 147 23 94 19 243 150


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2 1 4 1

1 4 129 2 15 10

3 4 21 20 21 2 12 4 1 1

1 143 3 2 19 17 2 12 2 1

2 2 1

7 1

2

3 2 1 2 625 2 1 16 3

1 2 21 3 4 1 5

2 7 11 1 21 4 3 2 3 2 2 4

13 2 6 3 6 4 17 2

2 3 21 22 3 1 7 4 1 4

15 5 8 5 5 21 3 6 1 1

42 1 3 1 11 1 4

3 2 1 1 93 15 2

11 6 4 3 97 17 12 12 59 7 6 1 1

24 6 11 1 1 1 1

1 2 2 1 3 112 3 1 2 1 1

1

1 1 1 16 3 11 2 4 1 1 1 2

3 2 1 1 1 2 2 11 2 1 1

1 2 2 1 1 1 11 4 2

1 2 1 1 21

2 10 1 2 1 3 1 12 2 2 1

2 8 21 19 27 32 4 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 18 1 1

1 1 11 1 1 47 1 2 6 4 3 1 4

3 2 415 5 8 4 1 5 4

2 3 1 21

2 1 1 1 12 5 1 3 2 1

6 2 2 9 1 12

40 20 7 2 4 2 620 30 4 4 29 3 32

0 0 80 61 163 21 93 35 94 47 304 92 119 54 110 89

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 1 50

1 14 2 4

1 5 3 284 1 1 2 5 8 1 2

1 2 5 1 1 7 31 32 1 1 1

1 1 4 2 5 6 2 21 1 1 1 1 8 2

11 1

1 2 1 1

4 3 6 1

1 463 2 2 1

1 1 15 2 3 4 166 2 1

1 32 2 1 3 5 11 22 1

1 13 21 13 15 9 40 131

12 1 2 1

3 32 221 1 4 19 4

1 1 3

11 1 3

23 3 2 2 3 19 14 51 6 2 4 9 16 2

1 1 1 6 6 75 3 10

4 1 1 1 21 1 21 1

2 8 4 33 2 1 1

1 4 3 1 1 2 2 2 2

50 3 6 3 23 6 2 1 12 45 3 20

21 16 8 2 2 12 7 1

5 3 7 2 1 10 11 2 62 1 3 2 5 5

25 1 3 5 151 1 22 1

112 2 2 2 1 1 1 4

22 2 1 1 3 8 1 20 2 2 1

1 2 16 4 16 14 1 2 1 30 8 6

3 22

1 2 2 1 8 153 1 3 4 1 4

1 1 1 2 1 13 1 2 1 46 14

1 1 41 4 4

1 1 2 9 1 6 3 1 21 12 2 3 6 8 1 1 1 10 14

73 78 112 68 148 29 157 99 144 11 124 25 273 0 185 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


21

211 116 4272 15 Surveyor

John CrowderLee Greenhough

6 5 Saul BeckettPaul HillChris Swindells

1 Tim RossJohn WilsonAshley Powell

14 Mike Walker3 Ashley Powell + Tim Ross

4 Ashley Powell + Paul Hill

High tide (HT)1 3 1 Low tide (LT)

No access to dock/dock developed15 20

2 11 1 1

10 11 2 2

41 22

11 1 11 1

8 41 1

23 14

114 5 16 2

1

7 37

11 1

19 18

47

1

87 609

252 17 210 9

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Common Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

10111213141516 11718192021 1 41222324 2 225262728293031 132333435 13637 33839 8 340 441 342 143 2 1 94445 2 14647 1 2 14849 250 251 252 453 41 154 355 12 156 2 5 1 18 2 157 258 1 15960 2 76162 1 263 16465666768697071 1 572 2

TOTAL 64 13 15 2 4 0 5 2 26 0 47 19 2 6 3 4


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


4

2

1

2

1

2

4

1

1

1 3

1

1

1

5 0 2 0 4 4 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

42 Surveyor

John CrowderLee Greenhough

5 Saul BeckettPaul HillChris Swindells

1 Tim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill


2

2

4 2

1 1

16 2 6 1

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Lesser Black-backed Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1234567 2089 1

101112131415161718192021 12223 124 12526 2 227282930 131 132 13334 235 1 236 1373839 240 24142434445 2 3 1 2 24647 1 2484950 25152 1535455 156 85758 1 8 15960 1 1 1 16162636465 1 3 466 1 167 268697071 2 272

TOTAL 1 2 8 3 5 10 0 0 13 2 4 3 12 2 4 27


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


16

10 61

11 1

21

25 1 1 7

1

41 1 2

2 1 1 7

5 2

11 1 2 4

1 25

162 2 2

11

5 3 2 15 2 1

9 11

1 2 2 2

12 1 1

1 1

1 1

1

3 12 2

3 22 1 1

11 1

2 2 16 1

8 6 2 11 9

2

92 10

1 0 2 0 35 1 16 2 27 6 35 11 33 13 42 37

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


70

1 21 2 2

1 215 9

1 11

1 11 2 1 16 3 1

22

1 2 91 2

1 193 18 21 2

2 4 15 8 39 35 13 6

11 1 3

4 115

1 1

6 14 4 15 34 18 1

4 8 23 2 54 16 11 1 1 4

1 1 21 4 1

2

6 2 13 4 11 4 2 1 2

38 8 2 90 14 50 1

1 13 1 8 1

18 1 9 2 101 6 1 1

92

16 3 6 1 3 33

3 2 1 1 21

1 5 28 1 7 4 2

2 226

1 21 2 7

71

1 3 21 11 4 2 4

83 28 54 19 62 21 82 158 86 3 192 5 169 0 74 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

1

SurveyorJohn CrowderLee GreenhoughSaul BeckettPaul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim Ross

2 Ashley Powell + Paul Hill


1 2

1 28

2 112

1 41

9 11 10 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Great Black-backed Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789 1

101112131415161718192021 1222324 12526 127282930313233343536 1373839404142434445 1 14647 1484950 1515253545556 15758 15960 36162636465666768697071 972

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 3 0 12 0 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 2

1

1

1 1

1

1 2

0 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 1

1

18

1

22

0 0 0 0 4 0 18 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Mediterranean Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

10111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364656667 16869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT) 14/02/14 (HT)24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT)Dock

No.



123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)

April13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT) 22/04/2014 (LT) 22/04/2014 (HT)


March


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Little Gull Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)Dock

No.21/11/2013 (HT) 26/11/2013 (LT) 12/12/2013 (LT) 17/12/2013 (HT) 17/01/2014 (HT)



123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


2

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Guillemot Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960 16162636465666768697071 172

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.

February10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)




123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock


1 2

0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)


123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock




0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

Common Tern Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


123456789 1 2

10 1111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243 244 145 3 1 2 1 2 3 246 1 247 2 2 14849 5 250 1 2 551 1 1 15 15 11 4 1 17 352 353 1 1 2 4 154 155 156 2 1 25758 4 159 160 2 16162636465 2 5 2 166 16768697071 1 7 2 272 6 7 1 8 9 1 1

TOTAL 3 18 3 18 3 5 2 13 23 38 11 22 1 23 8 5

July11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

August08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)Dock

No.

May15/05/2014 (HT) 15/05/2014 (LT)

June18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

Common Tern Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks

123456789

101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172

TOTAL

Dock

No. On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over On Dock Fly Over



0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

October20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

September08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

Kingfisher Monthly Count Across the Liverpool/Merseyside Docks


1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


No.



1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

TOTAL

Dock


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0




1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

TOTAL

Dock


1SurveyorJohn Crowder

1 Lee GreenhoughSaul BeckettPaul HillChris SwindellsTim RossJohn WilsonAshley PowellMike WalkerAshley Powell + Tim RossAshley Powell + Paul Hill


0 0 0 2

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

October

Vantage Point Survey VP 6-13

Date Tide Reg No. Species Start Time No. of Birds Flight Direction 0-10m 10-50m 50+m

21/11/2013 HT 1 CA 14:05 1 North Yes 0 0 Flew up out of water and did not land

21/11/2013 HT 2 CA 14:11 1 East Yes 0 0 Flew up out of water and did not land

21/11/2013 HT 3 CA 14:25 1 West Yes 0 0 Flew directly over water from offsite

21/11/2013 HT 4 HG 14:31 30 Circling 0 Yes 0 Circling NOT landing, Landed on roof of building

26/11/2013 LT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO BIRDS ENTERED/LEFT DOCK

12/12/2013 LT 1 CA 14:34 1 South Yes 0 0

12/12/2013 LT 2 CA 14:35 2 East 0 Yes 0

12/12/2013 LT 3 GG 14:55 2 South Yes 0 0

12/12/2013 LT 4 CA 15:05 1 East 0 Yes 0

12/12/2013 LT 5 CA 15:06 4 East 0 Yes 0

17/12/2013 HT 1 CA 10:33 1 North Yes 0 0 Lifted off water, flew north away from dock

17/12/2013 HT 2 CA 11:10 1 South 0 Yes 0 Flew over dock

17/01/2014 HT 1 CA 13:01 1 South Yes 0 0 Lifted off water, flew south

17/01/2014 HT 2 CA 13:19 1 South Yes 0 0 Flew low over water did not land or lift off water

17/01/2014 HT 3 CA 13:20 1 West Yes 0 0

17/01/2014 HT 4 CA 13:27 1 South Yes 0 0 flew in and landed on dock wall

17/01/2014 HT 4 CA 13:29 1 South Yes 0 0 flew in and landed on dock wall

17/01/2014 HT 5 CA 13:35 1 Circling Yes 0 0 flew over side, circled and landed on dock side

24/01/2014 LT 1 CA 09:45 1 South Yes 0 0 Flew over water didn’t land

24/01/2014 LT 2 CA 09:55 1 East Yes 0 0 Lifted off water and landed on dock wall

24/01/2014 LT 2 CA 09:59 1 East Yes 0 0 Lifted off water and landed on dock wall

24/01/2014 LT 3 CA 10:10 1 East Yes 0 0 Flew in and landed on water

24/01/2014 LT 4 CA 10:14 1 South 0 Yes 0 Lifted off water flew southwards

24/01/2014 LT 5 CA 10:17 2 South Yes 0 0 Lifted off water, landed on dock wall

10/02/2014 LT 1 MA 13:46 4 South East Yes Yes 0 Landed on water

10/02/2014 LT 2 CA 13:52 1 South Yes 0 0

10/02/2014 LT 3 CA 14:02 1 South East Yes 0 0

10/02/2014 LT 4 CA 14:05 1 West Yes 0 0

10/02/2014 LT 5 CA 14:12 1 South 0 Yes 0

10/02/2014 LT 6 OC 14:15 1 South East Yes 0 0 Landed on water


10/02/2014 LT 8 CA 14:41 1 East Yes 0 0


10/02/2014 LT 10 CA 14:43 1 East Yes Yes 0

14/02/2014 HT 1 CA 11:12 1 East Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 2 CA 11:15 1 East Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 3 CA 11:17 1 South West Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 4 CA 11:22 1 West Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 5 CA 11:25 1 East Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 6 CA 11:40 1 East Yes Yes 0 Gained height over road

14/02/2014 HT 7 RP 11:43 2 East Yes 0 0 Landed on dock

14/02/2014 HT 8 CA 11:45 1 East Yes Yes 0

14/02/2014 HT 9 CA 11:47 2 East Yes 0 0 Landed on dock

14/02/2014 HT 10 CA 11:50 1 East Yes Yes 0

14/02/2014 HT 11 CA 11:52 1 West Yes 0 0 Landed on water

14/02/2014 HT 12 CA 12:00 1 West Yes Yes 0

14/02/2014 HT 12 CA 12:01 1 East Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 13 CA 12:02 1 West Yes 0 0 Landed on bank

14/02/2014 HT 13 CA 12:04 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed on bank

14/02/2014 HT 14 CA 12:05 1 West Yes Yes 0 Landed on bank

14/02/2014 HT 15 CA 12:07 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed on bank

13/03/2014 LT 1 OC 15:04 4 South 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 LT 1 CA 15:11 1 West Yes 0 0 flew off dock wall, landed in water

13/03/2014 LT 2 CA 15:18 1 South Yes 0 0 flew off dock wall southwards

13/03/2014 LT 3 CA 15:22 1 South Yes 0 0 flew off dock wall southwards

13/03/2014 LT 3 CA 15:23 1 West Yes 0 0 flew off dock wall westwards

13/03/2014 LT 4 CA 15:32 1 South Yes 0 0 flew off water

13/03/2014 LT 5 CA 16:07 1 East Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

13/03/2014 HT 1 CA 08:33 1 West Yes 0 0 bird flew off key side northwards

13/03/2014 HT 2 CA 08:43 1 South 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 3 CA 08:52 1 North Yes 0 0 circling north landed on key side

13/03/2014 HT 2 CA 08:54 2 South 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 4 CA 08:57 1 North 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 5 CA 09:02 1 North Yes 0 0 landed on key side

13/03/2014 HT 5 CA 09:03 1 North Yes 0 0 landed on key side

13/03/2014 HT 6 CA 09:10 1 East Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 4 CA 09:17 1 North Yes 0 0

Height Zone Vantage Point 6-13

Notes




Notes

22/04/2014 LT 1 CA 11:15 1 West Yes 0 0 landed on dock

22/04/2014 LT 2 SU 11:29 2 West Yes 0 0 took off from dock and landed again

22/04/2014 LT 3 L 11:39 1 Circling Yes 0 0 took off from ground, circled around and landed again

22/04/2014 LT 4 SU 11:44 3 West Yes 0 0 1 bird separated off

22/04/2014 LT 5 SU 11:52 1 South Yes 0 0 landed on dock with group of 2

22/04/2014 HT 1 L 15:20 1 Circling Yes 0 0 Display Flight

22/04/2014 HT 2 CA 15:23 1 Circling Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 3 SU 15:31 2 Circling Yes 0 0 flew with another pair then seperated

22/04/2014 HT 4 SU 15:31 2 Circling Yes 0 0 flew with another pair then seperated

22/04/2014 HT 5 L 15:45 1 Circling Yes 0 0 display flight

22/04/2014 HT 6 CG 15:46 2 East Yes 0 0 landed on dock

22/04/2014 HT 7 CG 15:51 2 South Yes Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 8 SU 15:57 2 South Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

22/04/2014 HT 5 L 16:11 1 Circling Yes 0 0

15/05/2014 HT 1 MA 09:15 4 North Yes 0 0 Birds flew over water, did not arise off surface

15/05/2014 HT 2 CG 09:42 2 South Yes 0 0 flew over water, did not land

15/05/2014 HT 3 CA 09:56 1 North Yes 0 0 flew over water, did not land or arise off surface water

15/05/2014 HT 4 CG 10:12 2 South Yes 0 0 flew over water, did not land or arise off surface water

15/05/2014 HT 5 CN 10:12 2 Circling North Yes 0 0 Did not arise or land on water

15/05/2014 LT 1 CN 17:20 2 Circling West Yes 0 0 Circling then landed on the water.

15/05/2014 LT 2 K 17:35 1 North Yes 0 0 Bird calling as it flew

15/05/2014 LT 3 CN 17:37 2 Circling 0 Yes 0 birds calling constantly across docks

15/05/2014 LT 4 CG 17:54 2 East Yes 0 0 birds flew over docks

15/05/2014 LT 5 L. 18:03 1 Circling Yes 0 0 circling then landed on dock edge

18/06/2014 LT 1 SU 10:27 2 North Yes 0 0 Took off from dock and landed on bank

18/06/2014 LT 2 CN 10:31 1 Circling Yes 0 0 Feeding on docks

18/06/2014 LT 3 SU 10:32 2 South Yes 0 0 landed on bank

18/06/2014 LT 4 L 10:33 1 Circling Yes 0 0 took off and landed - display flight

18/06/2014 LT 5 SU 10:42 2 South Yes 0 0 Landed on water

18/06/2014 LT 6 L 10:47 1 West Yes 0 0

18/06/2014 HT 1 OC 14:01 1 North Yes 0 0 Took off from shipwreck

18/06/2014 HT 2 CN 14:06 1 Circling Yes 0 0 flew in and feeding over inlet

18/06/2014 HT 3 CN 14:09 1 East Yes Yes 0 flew over dock fast. Slowed to fish over inlet

18/06/2014 HT 4 CN 14:16 1 West Yes 0 0 flying very low

18/06/2014 HT 5 L 14:46 1 North 0 Yes 0 landed

18/06/2014 HT 6 OC 14:57 1 North East Yes 0 0 briefly landed, took off and landed again

11/07/2014 HT 1 CG 09:31 2 North 0 Yes 0

11/07/2014 HT 2 L 10:04 1 South - North Yes 0 0 took off and landed

11/07/2014 HT 3 CA 10:07 1 West Yes 0 0 took off, flew west

11/07/2014 LT 1 GG 16:24 1 East Yes 0 0 took off from dock 9

11/07/2014 LT 2 CA 16:35 1 East Yes 0 0 landed on side dock 7

11/07/2014 LT 3 CA 17:00 2 North 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 HT 1 CA 09:05 2 Circling Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

08/08/2014 HT 2 CA 09:16 1 Circling Yes 0 0 landed on mast of shipwreck

08/08/2014 HT 3 CN 09:19 2 East Yes 0 0 one bird carrying food

08/08/2014 HT 4 CA 09:21 1 West Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

08/08/2014 HT 5 CA 09:29 1 Circling 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 HT 6 CA 09:29 1 West 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 HT 7 CA 09:30 1 East Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

08/08/2014 HT 8 CA 09:34 1 West Yes 0 0 landed on water

08/08/2014 HT 9 CA 09:37 1 West Yes 0 0

08/08/2014 HT 10 CA 09:50 1 West Yes 0 0

08/08/2014 LT 1 CA 15:00 3 South Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

08/08/2014 LT 2 CA 15:54 1 Circling 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 LT 3 CA 16:03 1 East 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 LT 4 CN 16:26 1 West 0 Yes 0 circled over and had aggressive interaction with kestral

08/08/2014 LT 5 CA 16:32 1 East 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 LT 6 CA 16:35 1 West Yes 0 0 landed on shipwreck mast

08/09/2014 HT 1 CA 11:38 1 North Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 HT 2 CA 11:50 2 West Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 HT 3 CA 12:29 1 South East Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 LT 1 MS 18:07 1 West 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 2 CA 18:20 1 West 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 3 CA 18:21 1 North 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 4 CA 18:22 1 North Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 LT 5 CA 18:32 3 North Yes Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 6 CA 18:37 1 West 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 7 MA 18:46 6 East 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 8 CA 18:48 1 West 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 9 CO 18:50 7 West 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 10 GJ 18:50 1 West 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 11 CG 18:53 9 West Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 LT 12 CG 18:56 5 South 0 Yes 0




Notes


20/10/2014 HT 2 CA 10:07 1 West Yes 0 0 Landed on dock wall


20/10/2014 HT 4 CA 10:12 1 East 0 Yes 0

20/10/2014 HT 5 CA 10:14 1 North Yes 0 0 Landed on dock wall


20/10/2014 LT 1 CA 15:37 2 West Yes 0 0

20/10/2014 LT 2 CA 16:01 1 West Yes 0 0 Landed on dock

20/10/2014 LT 3 CA 16:10 1 South West Yes 0 0 Joined roost of 7CA

Surveyor

John Crowder

Lee Greenhough

Saul Beckett

Paul Hill

Chris Swindells

Tim Ross

John Wilson

Ashley Powell

Mike Walker

Ashley Powell + Tim Ross

Ashley Powell + Paul Hill

Vantage Point Survey - VP 16-17


21/11/2013 HT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO BIRDS ENTERED/LEFT DOCK






10/02/2014 LT 1 CA 15:30 1 South Yes Yes 0 Ship left dock bird

14/02/2014 HT 1 CA 09:08 1 North Yes 0 0 Majority of time, circled and and landed

14/02/2014 HT 2 L 09:42 58 West Yes Yes 0

14/02/2014 HT 3 L 09:52 58 Circling 0 Yes 0

14/02/2014 HT 4 RK 09:57 12 South East 0 0 Yes

14/02/2014 HT 5 L 10:02 1 South 0 Yes 0


13/03/2014 HT 1 MA 10:13 2 North Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 2 MA 10:54 2 South Yes 0 0 flew in and landed on water

22/04/2014 HT 1 H 17:27 1 South Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 2 MA 17:38 1 North Yes Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 3 MA 17:41 1 South Yes 0 0 flew with other MA before landing at 17

22/04/2014 HT 4 MA 17:41 1 South Yes Yes 0 flew mainly at 0-10m, landed at 16

22/04/2014 HT 5 MA 17:44 1 South Yes 0 0 Landed

22/04/2014 HT 6 MA 17:48 3 South Yes Yes 0 flushed by ship coming into dock

22/04/2014 LT 1 SU 09:11 1 Circled SE Yes Yes 0

22/04/2014 LT 2 SU 09:12 1 Circled SE Yes 0 0 different bird to 1

22/04/2014 LT 3 SU 09:11 2 Circled E Yes 0 0 landed on field

22/04/2014 LT 4 OC 09:24 2 Circled Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 LT 5 OC 09:24 2 South Yes 0 0 different bird to 4

22/04/2014 LT 6 SU 09:32 2 North Yes Yes 0 landed on dock

15/05/2014 HT 1 SU 12:09 2 West Yes 0 0 flew in and landed on water

15/05/2014 HT 2 SU 12:12 2 East 0 Yes 0 both birds took off water and flew

15/05/2014 HT 3 OC 12:23 1 South Yes 0 0 bird flew in and landed on water

15/05/2014 HT 4 OC 12:24 3 West 0 Yes 0 3 birds flew off west wards

15/05/2014 LT 1 OC 19:33 1 North Yes 0 0 flew in and landed on wall of dock

15/05/2014 LT 2 OC 19:34 1 East Yes 0 0 flew off dock wall east

18/06/2014 LT 1 OC 07:51 6 South East Yes Yes 0

18/06/2014 LT 2 OC 07:52 1 East Yes 0 0 took off from dock wall

18/06/2014 LT 3 OC 08:12 1 West Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

18/06/2014 LT 4 OC 08:19 1 East Yes 0 0 took off from dock wall

18/06/2014 LT 5 H 08:32 1 West/East 0 Yes 0

18/06/2014 LT 6 OC 08:39 1 North Yes 0 0

11/07/2014 HT 1 CA 11:10 1 South 0 Yes 0 down canal

11/07/2014 LT 1 MA 17:55 2 East 0 Yes 0 Over

08/08/2014 HT 1 CA 07:11 1 North East 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 HT 2 MA 07:24 3 West 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 HT 3 CA 07:36 1 Circling Yes 0 0

08/08/2014 HT 4 H 07:37 1 East Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

08/08/2014 LT 1 L 13:51 1 W/C Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

08/09/2014 LT 1 KF 15:25 1 West Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 LT 2 OC 16:02 3 North 0 Yes 0

08/09/2014 LT 3 BZ 16:06 1 South 0 Yes 0

20/10/2014 HT 1 L 07:45 64 Circling Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

20/10/2014 HT 2 CU 07:54 1 South Yes 0 0 Joined 44CU feeding on grassland

20/10/2014 HT 3 MA 08:04 7 West 0 Yes 0

20/10/2014 HT 4 L 08:04 64 Circling Yes 0 0 landed on dock wall

20/10/2014 LT 1 L 13:42 90 South East Yes 0 0

Vantage Point 16-17 Height Zone

Notes



21/11/2013 HT 1 OC 13:07 150 North East Yes 0 0 Flushed by passing boat from jetty

21/11/2013 HT 2 OC 13:20 110 West Yes 0 0 Some flushed back to jetty by workman

21/11/2013 HT 3 OC 13:39 40 West Yes 0 0

21/11/2013 HT 4 OC 13:55 96 East Yes 0 0 Another boat leaves docks

21/11/2013 HT 5 OC 13:55 40 West Yes 0 0 Another boat leaves docks

26/11/2013 LT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO BIRDS ENTERED/LEFT DOCKS

12/12/2013 LT 1 CA 14:17 3 West Yes 0 0 From dock to Jetty

17/12/2013 HT 1 OC 11:15 60 East Yes Yes 0 Circled over dock

17/12/2013 HT 2 TT 11:15 15 East Yes 0 0 Back to roost

17/12/2013 HT 3 RK 11:15 31 East Yes 0 0

17/01/2014 HT 1 CA 11:40 1 South Yes 0 0

17/01/2014 HT 2 CA 11:50 1 South Yes 0 0

10/02/2014 LT 1 OC 14:05 2 North Yes 0 0 Flew around dock 19 and back

10/02/2014 LT 2 CA 14:10 1 North Yes 0 0 Flew over waterfront and landed

10/02/2014 LT 3 CA 14:18 1 North Yes 0 0 Flew over waterfront and landed

14/02/2014 HT 1 CA 10:00 1 North Yes 0 0 off water

14/02/2014 HT 2 OC 10:07 1 North Yes 0 0 landed on dock 19



14/02/2014 HT 2 CA 10:15 1 North Yes 0 0 landed on dock 19

14/02/2014 HT 3 CA 10:17 1 North Yes 0 0 landed on dock 19

14/02/2014 HT 4 CA 10:27 1 North Yes 0 0 off water

14/02/2014 HT 5 CA 10:32 1 East Yes 0 0 dock 19 to dock 18



14/02/2014 HT 6 OC 10:42 10 South Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 7 CA 10:48 1 South Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 8 CA 10:55 1 West Yes 0 0 dock 19 to dock 20

13/03/2014 HT 1 CG 08:15 4 North 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 2 OC 08:25 1 South Yes 0 0 took off from quay side

13/03/2014 HT 3 CA 08:45 1 West Yes 0 0 took off from quay side

13/03/2014 LT 1 RK 15:45 1 East 0 Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 1 CA 15:10 1 North East Yes 0 away from site

22/04/2014 HT 2 OC 15:12 4 North Yes 0 0 landed


22/04/2014 HT 4 TT 15:22 12 North Yes 0 0 landed


22/04/2014 HT 6 CA 15:47 1 South West Yes Yes 0 landed

15/05/2014 HT 1 OC 10:15 5 N/A Yes 0 0 Roosting for duration

15/05/2014 HT 2 SU 10:15 1 N/A Yes 0 0 As Above

15/05/2014 LT 1 CA 17:10 1 South 0 Yes 0

15/05/2014 LT 2 CA 17:40 2 South West Yes 0 0

18/06/2014 LT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED

18/06/2014 HT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED

11/07/2014 HT 1 OC 08:40 6 East 0 Yes 0 flew out of roost on shore

11/07/2014 HT 2 H 09:10 1 East Yes 0 0 lost to view

08/08/2014 HT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED

08/08/2014 LT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED

08/09/2014 HT 1 CA 09:17 2 West 0 Yes 0 2 immature out to water

20/10/2014 HT 1 MA 08:12 1 South Yes 0 0

20/10/2014 HT 2 CA 08:21 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed on water dock 19

20/10/2014 HT 3 CA 08:33 2 South Yes 0 0 Took off from dock 19

20/10/2014 HT 4 CA 08:41 1 Circling 0 Yes 0

20/10/2014 HT 5 CA 09:09 1 Circling Yes 0 0 Landed on dock 20

20/10/2014 LT 1 CA 14:01 1 South Yes 0 0 Took off from dock 20

20/10/2014 LT 2 CA 14:12 1 South Yes 0 0 Took off from dock 19

20/10/2014 LT 3 CA 14:13 1 North East Yes Yes 0 Took off from dock 18

20/10/2014 LT 4 CA 14:14 1 South Yes Yes 0 Took off from dock 19

20/10/2014 LT 5 CA 14:33 1 South Yes Yes 0 Took off from dock 19

20/10/2014 LT 6 CA 14:42 1 North West Yes 0 0 Took off from dock 19

20/10/2014 LT 7 CA 14:43 1 North West Yes 0 0 Landed on water dock 19

20/10/2014 LT 8 CA 14:59 1 North Yes 0 0 Landed on water dock 19


Notes



21/11/2013 HT 1 LU 11:06 1 North 0 Yes 0 Flying

21/11/2013 HT 2 LU 11:20 1 South 0 Yes 0 Flying


12/12/2013 LT 1 RK 12:00 1 - 0 0 0 Feeding for 1 hour

17/12/2013 HT 1 RK 09:55 1 East Yes 0 0 Land then fed

17/01/2014 HT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO BIRDS ENTERED/LEFT DOCKS



13/03/2014 HT 1 CA 09:59 1 North Yes 0 0 took off from pontoon

13/03/2014 HT 2 MA 10:02 7 North 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 3 MA 10:31 1 West Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 4 CA 10:32 1 North Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 5 CA 10:32 1 South Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 6 MA 10:34 1 South Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 7 MA 10:50 1 North Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 8 CA 10:53 1 South Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 LT 1 CA 17:21 1 South Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 LT 2 MA 17:33 1 North Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 LT 3 MA 17:38 4 North 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 LT 4 MA 17:40 2 South Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 LT 5 MA 17:45 1 South Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 LT 1 TT 11:53 6 North East 0 Yes 0 highover towards rivers

22/04/2014 LT 2 CA 12:01 1 North East Yes Yes 0 landed

22/04/2014 LT 3 CA 12:06 1 North East 0 Yes 0 straight through, not above bird

15/05/2014 HT 1 CA 12:18 1 North Yes 0 0 Landed

15/05/2014 HT 2 CA 12:18 1 N/A Yes 0 0 Present for remainder in dock

15/05/2014 LT 1 CA 19:05 1 North Yes 0 0 Lost to view

18/06/2014 LT 1 MA 09:03 2 West 0 Yes 0

18/06/2014 LT 2 H 09:12 1 West Yes 0 0 flew from pearched area

11/07/2014 HT 1 CA 10:35 1 North 0 Yes 0 flew into dock

11/07/2014 HT 2 CA 10:48 1 North Yes 0 0 flew further up

11/07/2014 HT 3 CA 11:10 1 North Yes Yes 0 flew into dock

08/08/2014 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED

08/09/2014 LT 1 CA 17:40 1 North Yes 0 0 through bridge lost to view

08/09/2014 LT 2 CA 17:55 1 North Yes 0 0 following similar flight to above bird

20/10/2014 HT 1 CA 10:11 1 Circling Yes 0 0 Landed on dock 22

20/10/2014 HT 2 CA 10:19 1 North Yes 0 0 Took off from dock 22

20/10/2014 HT 3 CA 10:27 1 South 0 Yes 0

20/10/2014 HT 4 CA 11:03 1 South 0 Yes 0 Landed on dock 21

20/10/2014 LT 1 CA 15:59 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed on dock 24

20/10/2014 LT 2 CA 16:12 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed on dock 24

20/10/2014 LT 3 CA 16:35 1 North Yes Yes 0 Landed on dock 24


Notes




26/11/2013 LT 1 OC 11:48 3 West Yes 0 0

26/11/2013 LT 2 MA 11:52 4 West Yes 0 0 Flying then landed

26/11/2013 LT 3 MA 12:15 2 South 0 Yes 0

12/12/2013 LT 1 CA 12:48 1 South Yes 0 0

12/12/2013 LT 2 MA 13:02 3 South 0 Yes 0

12/12/2013 LT 3 CA 13:08 2 North Yes 0 0

12/12/2013 LT 4 RK 13:12 3 North 0 Yes 0

12/12/2013 LT 5 CA 13:18 1 North Yes 0 0


17/01/2014 HT 1 CA 10:55 1 South West 0 Yes 0 out towards sea

17/01/2014 HT 2 CA 11:05 2 South West 0 Yes 0 straight over

17/01/2014 HT 3 CA 11:16 1 North East Yes Yes 0 landed in dock

17/01/2014 HT 4 CA 11:33 1 South West Yes Yes 0 out towards sea

24/01/2014 LT 1 CA 10:25 1 South Yes 0 0 took off, flew south

24/01/2014 LT 2 CA 10:48 3 South Yes Yes 0 landed on 37

24/01/2014 LT 3 MA 11:00 2 North Yes 0 0 landed on 38

10/02/2014 LT 1 CA 13:08 1 Introclock Yes Yes 0 landed in dock

10/02/2014 LT 2 CA 13:42 1 Introclock Yes Yes Yes landed in dock

14/02/2014 HT 1 HG 10:10 1 West Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 2 BH 10:30 30 East Yes 0 0

14/02/2014 HT 3 CA 10:40 2 South 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 LT 1 CA 15:25 3 West 0 Yes 0 Over toward sea

13/03/2014 LT 2 CA 15:40 1 West Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 LT 3 CA 15:45 1 West 0 Yes 0 towards sea

13/03/2014 LT 4 RK 16:08 2 West Yes 0 0 towards sea

13/03/2014 HT 1 OC 09:25 1 West Yes 0 0 flew across towards sea

13/03/2014 HT 2 OC 09:29 2 West Yes 0 0 flew across towards sea

13/03/2014 HT 3 CA 09:35 1 West 0 Yes 0 west towards sea

22/04/2014 HT 6 CA 15:21 1 East Yes 0 0 fly, land, fish in dock



22/04/2014 LT 8 CA 10:01 1 East Yes 0 0 fly, land, feed

22/04/2014 LT 10 MA 10:12 1 East Yes 0 0 fly, land in dock

15/05/2014 LT 1 CA 17:34 1 North Yes 0 0 Came into 36 from 35

15/05/2014 LT 7 CA 18:07 1 North Yes 0 0 a 3rd bird took off from water

15/05/2014 LT 9 MA 18:15 2 East Yes 0 0 touched down in 38

15/05/2014 LT 10 MA 18:25 2 South Yes Yes 0 over 36 and 35

15/05/2014 HT 8 CG 11:25 2 North Yes 0 0 flew in from south

15/05/2014 HT 9 SU 11:37 3 South 0 0 Yes

18/06/2014 LT 5 SU 08:55 2 South Yes 0 0 2 in flight

18/06/2014 HT 3 CS 15:17 2 West Yes 0 0 landed out of sight dock 36

08/08/2014 HT 10 CA 07:40 2 South Yes 0 0 took off from dock 37

08/08/2014 HT 11 CG 07:45 4 North East Yes 0 0 alighted on 37 (4)

08/08/2014 HT 12 CG 07:45 2 North East Yes 0 0 2 dissappeared from VW

08/09/2014 HT 15 CG 09:40 7 South Yes 0 0 dropped onto dock 37

08/09/2014 HT 16 CG 09:43 2 West Yes 0 0 alighted side of dock 37

08/09/2014 LT 6 CG 17:14 2 South Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 LT 8 CA 17:52 1 South and North Yes 0 0 flew south, circled, then flew north then alighted

20/10/2014 HT 1 CA 09:26 1 North 0 Yes 0

20/10/2014 HT 2 CG 09:50 2 North Yes 0 0 Left dock 37

20/10/2014 LT 1 CA 15:46 1 North East Yes Yes 0 Took off from Dockside 36


Notes



21/11/2013 HT 2 CA 12:21 1 North Yes 0 0 Flying north through docks

12/12/2013 LT 1 CA 13:03 1 South Yes 0 0 Flying low over river

12/12/2013 LT 4 CA 13:46 1 East Yes 0 0 Saw it land on lamp post

17/12/2013 HT 1 CA 10:37 1 North 0 Yes 0

17/12/2013 HT 2 CA 10:50 1 South Yes 0 0

17/01/2014 HT 1 CG 11:13 1 North 0 Yes 0 Fly

17/01/2014 HT 2 CG 11:25 1 North 0 Yes 0 Fly

17/01/2014 HT 3 CA 11:48 1 South Yes 0 0 Fly

24/01/2014 LT 2 CA 10:17 2 South Yes 0 0 Flying low through dock

24/01/2014 LT 3 CA 10:21 1 West Yes 0 0 Flew out of dock and landed on lamp post

24/01/2014 LT 4 CA 10:29 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed in dock to feed

24/01/2014 LT 5 CA 10:41 1 East Yes 0 0 Landed in dock to feed

24/01/2014 LT 6 CG 10:44 2 East 0 Yes 0 Flew through area inland

10/02/2014 LT 1 CA 14:07 1 South Yes 0 0 Fly

10/02/2014 LT 2 CA 14:24 2 South 0 Yes 0 Fly

10/02/2014 LT 3 CA 14:51 2 South 0 Yes 0 Fly

14/02/2014 HT 1 CA 09:48 1 North Yes 0 0 Camped in dock 48

14/02/2014 HT 2 CA 10:05 1 North 0 Yes 0 Flying Over

14/02/2014 HT 3 SV 10:18 2 South 0 Yes 0 Flying Over

14/02/2014 HT 4 CG 10:21 2 North 0 Yes 0 Flying Over

13/03/2014 LT 1 CG 15:40 2 North Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 LT 2 CG 14:06 2 South Yes 0 0


13/03/2014 LT 4 CA 14:20 1 North Yes 0 0 Landed on docks

13/03/2014 LT 5 CG 14:26 11 South Yes Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 1 CA 09:26 1 South Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 2 SU 09:29 2 South Yes Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 3 CA 09:46 1 North Yes 0 0 took off from post on dock

13/03/2014 HT 4 CG 09:50 2 North Yes 0 0

13/03/2014 HT 5 CA 10:01 2 North 0 Yes 0

13/03/2014 HT 6 CG 10:05 2 North 0 Yes 0

22/04/2014 LT 1 SU 10:41 2 East Yes 0 0 Landed on 47 from estury

22/04/2014 LT 2 CG 11:06 2 North Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 1 CA 15:58 1 West Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 2 CA 16:21 1 South Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 3 MA 16:40 2 North Yes 0 0

15/05/2014 HT 1 CG 11:40 2 North 0 Yes 0

15/05/2014 HT 2 SU 12:03 2 South Yes 0 0

15/05/2014 LT 1 SU 17:58 1 North Yes 0 0

15/05/2014 LT 2 SU 16:10 2 North Yes 0 0

15/05/2014 LT 3 SU 16:18 1 West 0 Yes 0

15/05/2014 LT 4 SU 16:20 2 South 0 Yes 0

15/05/2014 LT 5 CG 16:45 1 North Yes 0 0 took off from 45

18/06/2014 LT 4 OC 10:11 1 North Yes 0 0 flying north near dock wall

18/06/2014 LT 5 OC 10:14 2 North Yes 0 0 flying north near dock wall

18/06/2014 HT 1 OC 14:04 2 North Yes 0 0 Flying down river


18/06/2014 HT 3 CA 14:17 1 South East Yes 0 0 flying across docks


11/07/2014 HT 1 CA 10:05 1 Circling Yes Yes 0

08/08/2014 HT 1 CG 08:51 4 South Yes 0 0 Calling, 2 birds like juv

08/08/2014 HT 1 CG 09:23 3 South Yes 0 0 Calling

08/08/2014 LT 1 CG 13:47 2 North 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 LT 2 OC 13:53 1 South Yes 0 0

08/08/2014 LT 3 CG 13:56 5 North Yes 0 0

08/08/2014 LT 3 CG 14:12 1 North Yes 0 0

08/08/2014 LT 4 CG 14:35 9 North Yes 0 0 landed on dock 45

08/09/2014 HT 1 CG 10:03 4 South 0 Yes 0 Flying through docks

08/09/2014 HT 2 CA 10:11 5 North Yes 0 0 Flying out to sea

08/09/2014 HT 3 CA 10:26 2 North 0 Yes 0 Flying out to sea

08/09/2014 HT 4 CG 10:49 3 North Yes 0 0 Flying through docks

08/09/2014 LT 1 CA 16:09 1 North 0 Yes 0 Flying through docks

08/09/2014 LT 2 CG 16:21 2 North Yes 0 0 Flying out to sea

08/09/2014 LT 3 CA 16:33 2 North 0 Yes 0 Flying through docks

20/10/2014 HT 3 CA 09:03 1 North Yes 0 0 Flew along dock wall

20/10/2014 HT 4 SU 09:21 1 West Yes 0 0 Flew across Mersey

20/10/2014 HT 5 CA 09:33 1 North Yes 0 0 Flew along dock wall

20/10/2014 HT 6 CA 09:42 1 South East Yes 0 0 Landed on dock

20/10/2014 HT 7 CA 09:43 1 South Yes 0 0 Flew near dock wall

20/10/2014 HT 8 CA 09:55 1 West 0 Yes 0 Flew out to sea

20/10/2014 LT 2 4 North Yes 0 0 Flying low down river


Notes



21/11/2013 HT 1 BH 12:35 30 VAR Yes 0 0

21/11/2013 HT 2 L 12:37 40 VAR Yes Yes 0 Outside study area

21/11/2013 HT 3 H 12:50 1 North West Yes Yes 0 Landed

21/11/2013 HT 5 LU 13:23 2 VAR Yes Yes 0


26/11/2013 LT 1 CA 10:45 1 North West Yes 0 0

26/11/2013 LT 2 MS 11:00 2 North West Yes Yes 0

26/11/2013 LT 3 CA 11:01 1 South East Yes 0 026/11/2013 LT 4 CA 11:10 1 South Yes 0 0

12/12/2013 LT 1 HG 13:05 10 South East 0 Yes 0

17/12/2013 HT 1 CA 10:22 2 North West Yes 0 0 Land on water

17/12/2013 HT 2 CA 10:37 1 East Yes 0 0

17/12/2013 HT 3 CA 10:38 1 South Yes 0 0

17/12/2013 HT 4 CA 10:40 1 North Yes 0 0 Land

17/12/2013 HT 5 CA 10:42 1 South Yes 0 0 Land

17/12/2013 HT 6 LU 10:44 1 North Yes 0 0

17/12/2013 HT 6 LU 10:49 1 North Yes 0 017/12/2013 HT 7 CA 10:52 2 South 0 Yes 0

17/01/2014 HT 1 CA 12:11 1 North Yes 0 0

17/01/2014 HT 2 CA 12:32 1 South Yes 0 0

17/01/2014 HT 3 CA 12:39 1 North Yes Yes 0

24/01/2014 LT 1 CA 10:43 1 South Yes 0 024/01/2014 LT 2 CA 11:04 1 South Yes 0 0

10/02/2014 LT 1 CA 14:02 1 North Yes 0 0 Landed on water to feed

10/02/2014 LT 2 CA 14:09 1 North East Yes 0 0 Landed on water to feed

10/02/2014 LT 4 CA 14:19 1 North East Yes 0 0 Landed on water to feed

10/02/2014 LT 5 CA 14:41 1 West Yes 0 0 Landed on water to feed

10/02/2014 LT 6 CA 14:42 2 West Yes 0 0 Landed on water to feed

14/02/2014 HT 2 CA 10:26 1 East Yes 0 0 Fly, land, feed

14/02/2014 HT 3 CA 10:29 1 South Yes 0 0 Fly, land, feed

14/02/2014 HT 4 CA 10:30 2 South Yes 0 0 Fly, land, feed14/02/2014 HT 5 CG 10:39 2 South Yes Yes 0 Pair flew through docks

13/03/2014 LT 1 CG 15:08 2 North Yes 0 013/03/2014 LT 1 CA 15:20 1 North 0 Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 1 MA 16:23 3 North Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 2 MA 16:24 1 South Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 3 SU 16:27 2 North Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 4 PE 16:36 1 Circled 0 Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 5 PE 16:36 1 Circled 0 Yes 0

22/04/2014 HT 6 MA 17:07 1 North Yes 0 0

22/04/2014 HT 7 SU 17:19 3 South Yes Yes 0

22/04/2014 LT 1 SU 11:29 1 South Yes 0 0 flew from dock to water

22/04/2014 LT 2 SU 11:56 2 South Yes 0 0 flew from dock to water22/04/2014 LT 3 SU 12:00 2 Circled Yes 0 0

15/05/2014 HT 1 CN 11:11 2 North 0 Yes 0 pair flew North over dock from river

15/05/2014 HT 2 SU 11:24 1 North 0 Yes 0 flew north through docks

15/05/2014 LT 1 CN 17:02 2 South 0 Yes 0 flying south along sea wall

15/05/2014 LT 2 SU 17:43 2 North 0 Yes 0 flying along dock wall of river15/05/2014 LT 3 CN 17:48 1 South Yes 0 0 flying south through docks

18/06/2014 LT 1 CA 08:22 2 South East 0 Yes 0

18/06/2014 LT 2 MS 08:50 2 North Yes 0 0 took off from dock 71

18/06/2014 LT 3 SU 08:54 2 North Yes 0 0

18/06/2014 HT 1 SU 13:50 2 North Yes 0 0 took off from dock 71

18/06/2014 HT 2 MA 14:14 1 South Yes 0 0 took off from dock 7118/06/2014 HT 3 CA 14:39 1 North 0 0 Yes single bird high up

11/07/2014 HT 1 CA 09:37 1 North 0 Yes 0 Flying north through docks

11/07/2014 HT 3 CN 09:40 3 Circled Yes 0 0 fishing in dock

11/07/2014 HT 4 CN 09:46 4 South Yes 0 0

11/07/2014 HT 5 CN 09:51 2 South Yes 0 0

11/07/2014 HT 6 CN 10:03 4 South Yes 0 0

11/07/2014 HT 7 CN 10:10 3 Circled Yes 0 0 fishing in dock

11/07/2014 LT 1 CA 15:03 1 North Yes 0 0 Flying through dock

11/07/2014 LT 5 OC 15:40 2 North Yes 0 0 pair called and flying along dock

11/07/2014 LT 6 CN 15:17 1 North Yes 0 0 Flying north through docks

11/07/2014 LT 7 CN 15:22 1 South Yes 0 0 Flying south and fishing in dock11/07/2014 LT 8 CN 15:51 1 North Yes 0 0 Flying north through docks

08/08/2014 HT 1 CG 08:38 4 South 0 Yes 0

08/08/2014 LT 1 CG 14:15 2 South 0 Yes 008/08/2014 LT 2 CA 14:50 1 South East Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 HT 1 H 08:50 1 North West Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 HT 2 CA 08:50 2 North West Yes 0 0

08/09/2014 HT 3 CG 08:50 1 North West 0 0 0 low over water

08/09/2014 HT 4 CA 08:50 1 West Yes 0 0 low over water

08/09/2014 HT 5 CG 08:50 2 North West Yes 0 0 low over water

08/09/2014 LT 1 CA 15:45 1 South Yes 0 008/09/2014 LT 2 MU 16:20 1 North Yes 0 0

20/10/2014 HT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED20/10/2014 LT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NO FLIGHT LINES RECORDED


Notes

VP Survey Secondary Species - Black-headed Gull

Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water

7 8

8 4 2 10

9 7 1 4 25 5 1

10

11

16 4 8 21 43 5 75 10 3 5

17 21 1 6 4

18 1 1 1 1 1 1 8

19 19 2 17 4

20 1 1 4 1

21 7 8 2

22 15 51 8 4 133 11 30 31 4 3 14 3

23

24 2 2 4 2

34 6

35 31 78 29 3 42 3 25 6 1

36 24 111 64 5 5 25 21 29

37 20 87 19 14 30 11 16 11 18

38 2 2

40

43 17

44 1 56 9 19 8 6 1 1

45 6 1 51 10 20 2 8 12

47 7 2 51 5 16 6 7 1

48 4

65 29 9 18 9 2 17 4 5

69 7 6 18

70 5 1 3 4

71 24 26 7 2 74 8 1 3 1

72 5 2 1 3

May

15/05/14 (HT) 15/05/14 (LT)

March

13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT)

Dock ID

January

17/01/14 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT)

February

10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)

April

22/04/14 (LT) 22/04/14 (HT)

VP Survey Secondary Species - Black-headed Gull

7

8

9

10

11

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

34

35

36

37

38

40

43

44

45

47

48

65

69

70

71

72

Dock ID Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water Flew over On water

7 2

2 6 3 3 10

4 7 2 2 19 4 2 14 28 15 9

7

1 2

3 1 12 5 16 7 5 17 51 17 20 3 33 18 12 115 34

1 7 39 23 1 3 20 17 2 3 7

1 1 9 9 1 1 19 10 3

1 19 3 2 7 3 1 3 3 1 1 3

1 1 3 1 1 3 3 2 8 2 4

1 1 4 2 4 1 2 3 5 34 2

1 5 1 9 9 3 9 2 18 7

3

3 45 15 15 13 13 9 1

1 1 10 8

8 6 17 2 7 2 16 3 9

2 2 3

5 1 2 2 8 1 2 2

3

4 6

2 14

2 1

1 1

4 10 2 19 12 4 22 39 4

15

2 1 6

3 36 7 17 16 3 13 4

4 4 3

October

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)

June

18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT)

July

11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT)

August

08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT)

September

08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

VP Survey Secondary Species - Herring Gull


7 4 2 9

8 1 12 42 20 56

9 71 1 73 9 7 18 35 32 22 40 2 47 85

10

11 5

16 51 6 35 3 7 18 54 19 36 1 30 23 1 7

17 4 5 30 21

18 50 1 9 5 1 14 1 12 1 2

19 74 10 57 19 13 22 46 172 9 21 192 6 24 23 16

20 10 10 4 7 7 6 11 3 8

21 5 3 3 58 5 6 50 5 2

22 14 1 1 15 8 3 58 12 18 19 45 12 39 2 30

23 1 5

24 43 7 20 6 15

34 1 1

35 4 43 16 2 2 4 14 10 2 22 6 24 3 3 14

36 13 45 17 4 7 17 72 87 19 47 32 87 296 19 20 47 12

37 46 51 14 60 150 33 29 8 17 5 2 1

38 6

40

43 28

44 10 61 9 6 1 8 18 16 18 21 4

45 29 1 59 24 1 21 31 40 31 35 1 18 36

47 10 44 5 31 8 11 11 19 6 3 15

48 3

65 43 48 3 30 13 17 5 8

67 4

69 12 3 18 9 13 2

70 13 4 2 9 15 1 12 4

71 37 48 8 74 54 4 16 5 24 101 5 12 35 13

72 5 30 3 11 5 25 3 2 15

May

15/05/14 (HT) 15/05/14 (LT)

Dock ID

17/01/14 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)

January February March

13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT)

April

22/04/14 (LT) 22/04/14 (HT)

VP Survey Secondary Species - Herring Gull

7

8

9

10

11

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

34

35

36

37

38

40

43

44

45

47

48

65

67

69

70

71

72


6 1 7 4 2 12 2

4 1 10 11 1 9 11 3 7 6 2 5

18 2 43 9 28 21 25 10 23 15 4 5 1 34 17 6

4

1 4 1 8 1 2

1 5 7 1 5 5 1 2 5

6 8 4 3 9 3 2 8

1 1 3 8 4 5 3 3 5 7 1

1 19 6 6 6 2 24 1 5 1 6 17 1 1 1

3 5 4 1 1 4

1 1 8 14 3 1 23 2

1 5 8 3 4 3 12 11 12 9 9 28 5

4 3

16 80 2 184 15 102 25 74 16 4 1 6

10 13 2 12 4 18 5 3 1 6 6 2 7 11

35 2 31 9 36 7 27 2 15 19 13 15 12 74 4 15 32 26 5

4 1 2 2 1 1 2 6 5 1 23 11 7

3 1 3 15 5 1 3 3 1 2 1

2

8 3 2 7

75 50 76 129

6 3 5 3 10 28 1 20 5 23 48

3 96 17 3 20 9 11 3

18 21 1 22 13 13 21 6 14 14

5

1 4 2

31 3 17 3 75 48 15 13 3 21

9 15 7 11 8

October

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)


18/06/2014 (LT) 18/06/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (HT) 11/07/2014 (LT) 08/08/2014 (HT) 08/08/2014 (LT) 08/09/2014 (HT) 08/09/2014 (LT)

VP Survey Secondary Species Lesser-black Backed Gull


7 1 1

8 2 9 1 3

9 3 6 17 7

10

11

16 1 9 1 2 2 2 1

17 2 2 3

18 1 1 4

19 1 8 6

20 4

21 1 1 13 2

22 1 2 52 5

23 2

24 43

34

35 4 1 1 1 25 3 6 3 9

36 2 2 2 2 3 11 10 7 28 42 9 7 42 9

37 2 26 3 3 27 2 6 4 5 1

38 1 1 2

43 2

44 1 5 1 2 1 3 2 2 5

45 2 5 4 1 3 1 5 6 2 13

47 1 3 1 3 5 6

48

65 3 2 1 22 4

69 25 1 1

70 3 1 2 1

71 4 1 25 6 3 4 4 2 1

72 1 1 3

May

15/05/14 (HT) 15/05/14 (LT)

Dock ID

17/01/14 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT)

April

22/04/14 (LT) 22/04/14 (HT)

VP Survey Secondary Species Lesser-black Backed Gull

7

8

9

10

11

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

34

35

36

37

38

43

44

45

47

48

65

69

70

71

72


1 1 1

3 1 3 2 2 6 4 3

6 8 1 3 16 8 5 5 1

1

1 2 1

2 13 2 2 2 3

4 1 1 25 4

1 1 1 5

1 1 1 9

1 1 1 4 1

1 2 1

1 1 1 1 1 2

24 16 122 4 19 1

12 11 10 15 7 10 1 3 2 6

32 2 39 6 44 16 53 9 35 35 32 56 2 53 19 8 2 1

11 1 6 6 8 11 5 61 10 53 18 42 2 3 1

8 2 1 7 2 2 3 3 1 4

3

28 67 17 35

2 10 1 17 18 9 9 33

59 26 4 15 1

1 13 12 1 1

1

1 5

3 17 3 2 1 4

2

October

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)



VP Survey Secondary Species - Common Gull


7

8

9

10

11

16 11 2 1 1

17 1

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

34

35 14 4 3 1 3

36 1 5 4 3 3

37 9 16

38 1

43 66

44 97 2 1 2 2 1

45 1 99 4 7 6 2 1 1 2 1

47 1 95 5 2 1

48

65 4 2 10

68 2

69 3 7

70 1

71 1 2 5 41 10

72 1 4

May

15/05/14 (HT) 15/05/14 (LT)

Dock ID

17/01/14 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT)

April

22/04/14 (LT) 22/04/14 (HT)

VP Survey Secondary Species - Common Gull

7

8

9

10

11

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

34

35

36

37

38

43

44

45

47

48

65

68

69

70

71

72


8 8

4

1

31 34

16 6

10 1

2

2

26 16 9

October

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)



VP Survey Secondary Species - Great Black-backed gull


7

8

9

10

11

16

17

18

19 3

20 1

21 1

22 2

23

24 2 3

34

35 2

36 2 2 2 10 1

37 1 4 2 1 19

38 2

43

44 1 1

45 1 1 1 1 2

47 1 1 1

48

65 2

68 1

69

70 1

71 3 1

72 4

May

15/05/14 (HT) 15/05/14 (LT)

Dock ID

17/01/14 (HT) 24/01/2014 (LT) 10/02/14 (LT) 14/02/14 (HT)


13/03/14 (HT) 13/03/14 (LT)

April

22/04/14 (LT) 22/04/14 (HT)

VP Survey Secondary Species - Great Black-backed gull

7

8

9

10

11

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

34

35

36

37

38

43

44

45

47

48

65

68

69

70

71

72


1 1

1 1

1 2 1 2

1

3

1 2

3 15

1 1

2

1

1 4 1 1

1 1

October

20/10/2014 (HT) 20/10/2014 (LT)




APPENDIX 4: Protected Site Citations

European Site Conservation Objectives for Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore

Special Protection Area Site Code: UK9020287

With regard to the SPA and the individual species and/or assemblage of species for which the site has been classified (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed below), and subject to natural change; Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring; The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely The population of each of the qualifying features, and, The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.

This document should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Supplementary Advice document, which provides more detailed advice and information to enable the application and achievement of the Objectives set out above.

Qualifying Features:

A157. Limosa lapponica; Bar-tailed godwit (non-breeding)

A177. Hydrocoloeus minutus; Little gull (non-breeding)

A143. Calidris canutus islandica; Knot (non-breeding)

A193. Sterna hirundo; Common tern (non-breeding)

A193. Sterna hirundo; Common tern (breeding)


This is a European Marine Site

This SPA is a part of the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore European Marine Site (EMS). These Conservation Objectives should be used in conjunction with the Regulation 35 Conservation Advice document for the EMS. For further details about this please visit the Natural England website at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/protectandmanage/mpa/europeansites.aspx or contact Natural England’s enquiry service at [email protected] or by phone on 0845 600 3078. Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation. These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where this is available) will also provide a framework to inform the management of the European Site under the provisions of Articles 4(1) and 4(2) of the Wild Birds Directive, and the prevention of deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of its qualifying features required under Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive. These Conservation Objectives are set for each bird feature for a Special Protection Area (SPA). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive. Publication date: 30 June 2014 (version 1).

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/protectandmanage/mpa/europeansites.aspx

mailto:[email protected]

http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA UK9020287 Compilation date: July 2013 Page 1 of 2

Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds Special Protection Area (SPA)

Name: Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore.

Unitary Authority/County: Sefton, Wirral.

Boundary of the SPA: The SPA boundary is coincident with the boundaries of North Wirral Foreshore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Mersey Narrows SSSI.

Site description: Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore is located on the northwest coast of England at the mouths of the Mersey and Dee estuaries. The site comprises intertidal habitats at Egremont foreshore, man-made lagoons at Seaforth and the extensive intertidal flats at North Wirral Foreshore. Egremont is most important as a feeding habitat for waders at low tide whilst Seaforth is primarily a high tide roost site, as well as a nesting site for terns. North Wirral Foreshore supports large numbers of feeding waders at low tide and also includes important high tide roost sites.

Size of SPA: 2,078.41 ha.

Qualifying species: The site qualifies under article 4.1 of the Directive (2009/147/EC) as it is used regularly by 1% or more of the Great Britain populations of the following species listed in Annex I in any season: Species

Count (period)

% of population

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

3,344 individuals – non-

breeding (2008/09)

6.6% GB

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

177 pairs - breeding

(2005 - 2009)

1.8% GB

In addition it is one of the most important locations in the UK for: Species

Count (period)

% of population

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus

minutus

213 individuals – non-breeding (2004/05 –

2008/09)

No national population estimate


1,475 individuals – non-breeding

(2004 – 2008)


The site qualifies under article 4.2 of the Directive (2009/147/EC) as it is used regularly by 1% or more of the biogeographical populations of the following regularly occurring migratory species (other than those listed in Annex I) in any season: Species

Count (period)

% of population

Knot Calidris canutus islandica

10,655 individuals - non-

breeding (2004/05 - 2008/09)

2.4% W Europe/Waddensea/Britain/Ireland

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA UK9020287 Compilation date: July 2013 Page 2 of 2

Assemblage qualification:

The site qualifies under article 4.2 of the Directive (2009/147/EC) as it is used regularly by over 20,000 waterbirds (waterbirds as defined by the Ramsar Convention) in any season:

In the non-breeding season, the area regularly supports 32,366 individual waterbirds (5 year peak mean 2004/05 - 2008/09), including: Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, Sanderling Calidris alba, Knot Calidris canutus, Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Redshank Tringa totanus. Bird counts from: Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) database, Cheshire and Wirral Bird Reports 2004-2009 and the JNCC Seabird Monitoring Programme. This citation relates to a site entered in the

Register of European Sites for England. Register reference number: UK9020287 Date of registration: 5 July 2013

Signed: On behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) – 2009-2014 version

Available for download from http://www.ramsar.org/doc/ris/key_ris_e.doc and

http://www.ramsar.org/pdf/ris/key_ris_e.pdf

Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 (1990), as amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the 8th Conference of the Contracting Parties

(2002) and Resolutions IX.1 Annex B, IX.6, IX.21 and IX. 22 of the 9th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2005).

Notes for compilers: 1. The RIS should be completed in accordance with the attached Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for

completing the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. Compilers are strongly advised to read this guidance before filling in the RIS.

2. Further information and guidance in support of Ramsar site designations are provided in the

Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 17, 4th edition).

3. Once completed, the RIS (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Ramsar

Secretariat. Compilers should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the RIS and, where possible, digital copies of all maps.

1. Name and address of the compiler of this form:

Joint Nature Conservation Committee Monkstone House City Road Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE1 1JY UK Telephone/Fax: +44 (0)1733 – 562 626 / +44 (0)1733 – 555 948 Email: [email protected] 2. Date this sheet was completed/updated:

Designated: 5 July 2013 3. Country:

UK (England) 4. Name of the Ramsar site: The precise name of the designated site in one of the three official languages (English, French or Spanish) of the Convention. Alternative names, including in local language(s), should be given in parentheses after the precise name.

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore 5. Designation of new Ramsar site or update of existing site: This RIS is for (tick one box only):

a) Designation of a new Ramsar site ; or

b) Updated information on an existing Ramsar site

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY.

DD MM YY

05

07

2013

2

2

0

2

Designation date Site Reference Number


Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), page 2

6. For RIS updates only, changes to the site since its designation or earlier update: a) Site boundary and area

The Ramsar site boundary and site area are unchanged: or If the site boundary has changed:

i) the boundary has been delineated more accurately ; or

ii) the boundary has been extended ; or

iii) the boundary has been restricted** and/or If the site area has changed:

i) the area has been measured more accurately ; or

ii) the area has been extended ; or

iii) the area has been reduced** ** Important note: If the boundary and/or area of the designated site is being restricted/reduced, the Contracting Party should have followed the procedures established by the Conference of the Parties in the Annex to COP9 Resolution IX.6 and provided a report in line with paragraph 28 of that Annex, prior to the submission of an updated RIS. b) Describe briefly any major changes to the ecological character of the Ramsar site, including in the application of the Criteria, since the previous RIS for the site: 7. Map of site: Refer to Annex III of the Explanatory Note and Guidelines, for detailed guidance on provision of suitable maps, including digital maps.

a) A map of the site, with clearly delineated boundaries, is included as:

i) a hard copy (required for inclusion of site in the Ramsar List): ;

ii) an electronic format (e.g. a JPEG or ArcView image) ;

iii) a GIS file providing geo-referenced site boundary vectors and attribute tables . b) Describe briefly the type of boundary delineation applied: e.g. the boundary is the same as an existing protected area (nature reserve, national park, etc.), or follows a catchment boundary, or follows a geopolitical boundary such as a local government jurisdiction, follows physical boundaries such as roads, follows the shoreline of a waterbody, etc.

The boundary follows the same boundary as Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA and encompasses the North Wirral Foreshore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Mersey Narrows SSSI. For further details please see the maps provided at designation. 8. Geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude, in degrees and minutes): Provide the coordinates of the approximate centre of the site and/or the limits of the site. If the site is composed of more than one separate area, provide coordinates for each of these areas.

Longitude: 53°24ʹ55.7ʺ N Latitude: 03°10ʹ53.7ʺ W


9. General location: Include in which part of the country and which large administrative region(s) the site lies and the location of the nearest large town.

Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore is located on the Irish Sea Coast of northwest England at the mouths of the Mersey and Dee estuaries. The site surrounds the top of the Wirral Peninsula, with North Wirral Foreshore running along the northern edge and Mersey Narrows to the east, spanning both sides of the Mersey. The Local Planning Authorities are Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council and Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council within the county of Merseyside. Nearest large towns are Wallasey on the north eastern tip of the peninsula, Birkenhead at the bottom of the Mersey Narrows and Liverpool on the north bank of the Mersey. 10. Elevation: (in metres: average and/or maximum & minimum)

Min: -17m Max: 15m Mean: 0 11. Area: (in hectares):

2,078.41 ha 12. General overview of the site: Provide a short paragraph giving a summary description of the principal ecological characteristics and importance of the wetland.

The site comprises intertidal habitats at Egremont foreshore on the south bank of the Mersey, man-made saline and freshwater lagoons at Seaforth on the north bank and the extensive intertidal flats at North Wirral Foreshore. Egremont is most important as a feeding habitat for waders at low tide whilst Seaforth is primarily a high tide roost site. The two areas are separated by approximately 2km and have a constant exchange of bird populations. North Wirral Foreshore supports large numbers of feeding waders at low tide and also includes important high tide roost sites, it is an area of intertidal sands and mudflats with embryonic saltmarsh.

13. Ramsar Criteria: Tick the box under each Criterion applied to the designation of the Ramsar site. See Annex II of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the Criteria and guidelines for their application (adopted by Resolution VII.11). All Criteria which apply should be ticked.

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 8 • 9


14. Justification for the application of each Criterion listed in 13 above: Provide justification for each Criterion in turn, clearly identifying to which Criterion the justification applies (see Annex II for guidance on acceptable forms of justification).

The site qualifies under Criterion 4 because it regularly supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions:

During 2004/05 - 2008/09 the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site supported important numbers of non-breeding little gulls and common terns.

The site qualifies under Criterion 5 because it regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds: During the winters 2004/05 - 2008/09, the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site supported an average peak of 32,402 individual waterbirds.

The site qualifies under Criterion 6 because it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in the populations of the following species or subspecies of waterbird in any season:

During the winters 2004/05 - 2008/09, the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore Ramsar site supported 2.4% of the islandica subspecies, W Europe/Waddensea/Britain/Ireland (non-breeding) population of knot and 2.8% of the lapponica subspecies W Europe/NW Africa (non-breeding) population of bar-tailed godwits. 15. Biogeography (required when Criteria 1 and/or 3 and /or certain applications of Criterion 2 are applied to the designation): Name the relevant biogeographic region that includes the Ramsar site, and identify the biogeographic regionalisation system that has been applied.

a) biogeographic region:

Atlantic b) biogeographic regionalisation scheme (include reference citation):

European Environmental Agency (2012) http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/biogeographical-regions-in-europe-1 16. Physical features of the site: Describe, as appropriate, the geology, geomorphology; origins - natural or artificial; hydrology; soil type; water quality; water depth, water permanence; fluctuations in water level; tidal variations; downstream area; general climate, etc.

Soil & geology clay, mud, sand, sandstone/mudstone Geomorphology and landscape Cliffs, coastal, estuary, manmade lagoon, intertidal

sediments (including sandflat/mudflat), lowland, subtidal sediments (including sandbank/mudbank), saltmarsh

Nutrient status eutrophic, mesotrophic pH no information Salinity brackish / mixosaline, saline / euhaline Soil no information Water permanence usually permanent

http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/biogeographical-regions-in-europe-1


Summary of main climatic features

Annual averages (Blackpool, 1971–2000) (www.metoffice.com/climate/uk/averages/19712000/site

s /blackpool.html) Max. daily temperature: 12.9° C Min. daily temperature: 6.4° C Days of air frost: 40.3 Rainfall: 871.3 mm Hrs. of sunshine: 1540.3

17. Physical features of the catchment area: Describe the surface area, general geology and geomorphological features, general soil types, and climate (including climate type).

The Mersey catchment covers an area of approximately 535 km² and includes the River Mersey and the River Bollin and their tributaries. Several canals and a large number of water bodies, including the Cheshire Meres, large reservoirs and ponds lie within the catchment. The area is heavily urbanised around Greater Manchester, contrasting with the more rural areas of Cheshire to the south and east. Water is abstracted throughout the catchments from both surface waters and groundwater for a number of uses including agricultural, industrial and public water supply. A number of public water supply reservoirs are present within the upper reaches of the catchments including Lamaload, Trentabank and Ridgegate reservoirs. The Mersey Estuary is located on the Irish Sea coast of north-west England. It is a large, sheltered estuary which comprises large areas of saltmarsh and extensive intertidal sand- and mud-flats, with limited areas of brackish marsh, rocky shoreline and boulder clay cliffs, within a rural and industrial environment. 18. Hydrological values: Describe the functions and values of the wetland in groundwater recharge, flood control, sediment trapping, shoreline stabilization, etc.

Shoreline stabilisation and dissipation of erosive forces Sediment trapping Water supply 19. Wetland Types a) presence: Circle or underline the applicable codes for the wetland types of the Ramsar “Classification System for Wetland Type” present in the Ramsar site. Descriptions of each wetland type code are provided in Annex I of the Explanatory Notes & Guidelines.

Marine/coastal: A • B • C • D • E • F • G • H • I • J • K • Zk(a) Inland: L • M • N • O • P • Q • R • Sp • Ss • Tp Ts • U • Va • Vt • W • Xf • Xp • Y • Zg • Zk(b) Human-made: 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • Zk(c)


b) dominance: List the wetland types identified in a) above in order of their dominance (by area) in the Ramsar site, starting with the wetland type with the largest area.

Code Name % Area G marine/coastal wetlands Inter-tidal mud, sand or salt

flats 94.0%

J marine/coastal wetlands Coastal brackish/saline lagoons

0.5%

K marine/coastal wetlands Coastal freshwater lagoons 0.5% H marine/coastal wetlands Intertidal marshes 5.0% 20. General ecological features: Provide further description, as appropriate, of the main habitats, vegetation types, plant and animal communities present in the Ramsar site, and the ecosystem services of the site and the benefits derived from them.

The site comprises intertidal habitats at Egremont foreshore, man-made lagoons at Seaforth and the extensive intertidal flats at North Wirral Foreshore. Egremont is most important as a feeding habitat for waders at low tide whilst Seaforth is primarily a high tide roost site. North Wirral Foreshore supports internationally important numbers of feeding waders at low tide and also includes important high tide roost sites. 21. Noteworthy flora: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 14, Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g., which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS.

22. Noteworthy fauna: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 14. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g., which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc., including count data. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS.

Birds:

Species occurring at levels of European importance (as identified at designation):

Over winter the area regularly supports: It is used regularly by 1% or more of the Great Britain populations of the following species listed in Annex I in any season: Annex I Species

Count (period)

% of population

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

3,344 individuals – non-

breeding (2008/09)

6.6% GB

In addition it is one of the most important locations in the UK for: Annex I Species

Count (period)

% of population

Little Gull Hydrocoloeus

213 individuals – non-breeding (2004/05 –



minutus 2008/09)


1,475 individuals – non-breeding

(2004 – 2008)


It is used regularly by 1% or more of the biogeographical populations of the following regularly occurring migratory species (other than those listed in Annex I) in any season: Species

Count (period)

% of population

Knot Calidris canutus islandica

10,655 individuals - non-

breeding (2004/05 - 2008/09)

2.4% W Europe/Waddensea/Britain/Ireland

Waterbird species present in nationally important numbers or where numbers exceed

2,000 individuals during the non-breeding season

Species name Count (period) % GB population

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

972 individuals (2004/05 - 2008/09)

4.2%

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

2,718 individuals (2004/05 - 2008/09)

>2000 individuals

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

593 individuals (2004/05 - 2008/09)

1.1%

Sanderling Calidris alba

510 individuals (2004/05 - 2008/09)

2.4%

Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina

7,645 individuals (2004/05 - 2008/09)

1.4%

Redshank Tringa totanus

1,209 individuals (2004/05 - 2008/09)

1.0%

23. Social and cultural values:

a) Describe if the site has any general social and/or cultural values e.g., fisheries production, forestry, religious importance, archaeological sites, social relations with the wetland, etc. Distinguish between historical/archaeological/religious significance and current socio-economic values:

Aesthetic Fisheries production Conservation education Environmental education/ interpretation Non-consumptive recreation Scientific research Sport fishing


Tourism Transportation/navigation Port

b) Is the site considered of international importance for holding, in addition to relevant ecological values, examples of significant cultural values, whether material or non-material, linked to its origin, conservation and/or ecological functioning?

No.

If Yes, tick the box and describe this importance under one or more of the following categories: i) sites which provide a model of wetland wise use, demonstrating the application of traditional

knowledge and methods of management and use that maintain the ecological character of the wetland:

ii) sites which have exceptional cultural traditions or records of former civilizations that have

influenced the ecological character of the wetland: iii) sites where the ecological character of the wetland depends on the interaction with local

communities or indigenous peoples: iv) sites where relevant non-material values such as sacred sites are present and their existence is

strongly linked with the maintenance of the ecological character of the wetland: 24. Land tenure/ownership: a) within the Ramsar site: b) in the surrounding area:

Ownership category a) On-site b) Off-site Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

+ +

Local authority, municipality etc.

+ +

Private + + Other + + 25. Current land (including water) use: a) within the Ramsar site: b) in the surroundings/catchment:

Activity a) on site b) off site

Nature conservation + + Tourism + + Recreation + + Current scientific research + + Fishing: recreational/sport + + Grazing Flood control


Transport route + Urban development + Domestic water supply Agriculture + Non-urbanised settlements + Cockling + +

26. Factors (past, present or potential) adversely affecting the site’s ecological character, including changes in land (including water) use and development projects: a) within the Ramsar site: b) in the surrounding area:

Adverse

Factor

category

Description of problem a) on

site

b) off

site

Major impact

Unspecific development urban use

Egremont Foreshore is vulnerable to both social and economic pressures to return the foreshore back to sandy beaches. Egremont also is vulnerable to physical pressures through sedimentation of the foreshore by the coastal processes reducing the available low tide feeding habitat

+ + Sand sedimentation at Egremont foreshore is increasing reducing the low tide feeding area (hard rocky substrates, boulder clay). Consequently the build of beaches will increase recreation pressure both summer and winter overtime. The artificial replenishment of sand is likely to enhance this pressure.

Recreation/ tourism disturbance

Threats from increasing recreational activities particularly on North Wirral Foreshore. The intensity and location of recreational activities is affecting the way birds use the foreshore and move between sites along the North West Coast. Natural England work with Wirral Borough Council to manage group recreational activities through voluntary agreements, licensing and permitting arrangements.

+ + Recreation and levels of activity on North Wirral Foreshore are thought to be contributing to declines bird numbers and their usage of the site.

Vegetation succession

Issues of sedimentation and vegetation succession at Hoylake Beach will be addressed through

+ Sedimentation and associated vegetation succession could


management plans and community engagement, supported by powers within Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended and the Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2010.

result in changes to species of birds using the site.

27. Conservation measures taken: a) List national and/or international category and legal status of protected areas, including boundary relationships with the Ramsar site: In particular, if the site is partly or wholly a World Heritage Site and/or a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, please give the names of

the site under these designations.

The land is also protected under domestic legislation as SSSI and under EU legislation as SPA and part of the Dee Estuary SAC, which in turn comprises a component of the Dee Estuary European Marine Site.

b) If appropriate, list the IUCN (1994) protected areas category/ies which apply to the site (tick the box or boxes as appropriate):

Ia ; Ib ; II ; III ; IV ; V ; VI

c) Does an officially approved management plan exist; and is it being implemented?:

There is a Site Management Agreement for Hoylake Beach in place until 2015. The need for the Management Agreement will be reviewed before it expires

d) Describe any other current management practices: 28. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: e.g. management plan in preparation; official proposal as a legally protected area, etc.

The management of Ramsar sites in the UK is determined by either a formal management plan or through other management planning processes, and is overseen by the relevant statutory conservation agency. Details of the precise management practises are given in these documents. 29. Current scientific research and facilities: e.g., details of current research projects, including biodiversity monitoring; existence of a field research station, etc.

Fauna

Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl &Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Environment

The Environment Agency has ongoing research/monitoring of water quality, management required under the Water Framework Directive.

Research/monitoring is undertaken by departments within the University of Liverpool.


The Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan (Liverpool Bay Coastal Group, 1999a; 1999b; 1999c) expands knowledge of natural resources and physical processes within and affecting the estuary. In future, this will be enhanced by development of the Mersey Estuary Shoreline Management Plan which has not yet been prepared. Shoreline Management Plan 2 – North west England and North Wales Coastal

Group. On going Ongoing SSSI unit monitoring Local Wildlife Trust monitoring at Seaforth

30. Current communications, education and public awareness (CEPA) activities related to or benefiting the site: e.g. visitors’ centre, observation hides and nature trails, information booklets, facilities for school visits, etc.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has a Visitor Centre at Seaforth Nature Reserve. The RNLI host open days at Hoylake Life Boat Station. Leosowe Lighthouse is managed as an education resource by Friends of Leosowe

Lighthouse. Wirral Council perform an important public awareness service with a full programme

of events, interpretation and education at the site. 31. Current recreation and tourism: State if the wetland is used for recreation/tourism; indicate type(s) and their frequency/intensity.

Recreational Activities include: bird watching, walking, dog walking, fishing, sailing, canoeing, cycling, sand yachting, kite surfing, all carried out at intensive levels. 32. Jurisdiction: Include territorial, e.g. state/region, and functional/sectoral, e.g. Dept of Agriculture/Dept. of Environment, etc.

International Protected Areas Team Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, International Protected Areas Team, Zone 1/16, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN

33. Management authority: Provide the name and address of the local office(s) of the agency(ies) or organisation(s) directly responsible for managing the wetland. Wherever possible provide also the title and/or name of the person or persons in this office with responsibility for the wetland.

Site Designations Manager, Natural England, Suite D, Unex House, Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG 34. Bibliographical references: Scientific/technical references only. If biogeographic regionalisation scheme applied (see 15 above), list full reference citation for the scheme.

Baker, H., Stroud, D.A., Aebischer, N.J., Cranswick, P.A., Gregory, R.D., McSorley,

C.A., Noble, D.G. & Rehfisch, M.M. 2006. Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom. British Birds 99: 25-44 Calbrade, N., Holt, C., Austin, G., Mellan, H., Hearn, R., Stroud, D., Wotton, S. &

Musgrove, A. 2010. Waterbirds in the UK 2008/09: The Wetland Bird Survey. BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Slimbridge. Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report. 2004. Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society. Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report. 2005. Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society.


Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report. 2006. Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society. Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report. 2007. Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society. Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report. 2008. Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society. Cheshire and Wirral Bird Report. 2009. Cheshire & Wirral Ornithological Society. Delany, S. & Scott, D. 2006. Waterfowl Population Estimates - Fourth edition. Wetlands International Publication. Wageningen, The Netherlands. Stroud, D.A., Chambers, D., Cook, S., Buxton, N., Fraser, B., Clement, P., Lewis,

P., McLean, I., Baker, H. & Whitehead, S. 2001. The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. Hanik, J. 2010. Hoylake Beach Site Management Agreement Wirral Borough Council.

Please return to: Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Telephone: +41 22 999 0170 • Fax: +41 22 999 0169 • e-mail: [email protected]

European Site Conservation Objectives for Mersey Estuary Special Protection Area

Site Code: UK9005131




A048 Tadorna tadorna; Common shelduck (Non-breeding)

A052 Anas crecca; Eurasian teal (Non-breeding)

A054 Anas acuta; Northern pintail (Non-breeding)

A140 Pluvialis apricaria; European golden plover (Non-breeding)

A149 Calidris alpina alpina; Dunlin (Non-breeding)

A156 Limosa limosa islandica; Black-tailed godwit (Non-breeding)

A162 Tringa totanus; Common redshank (Non-breeding)



This SPA is a part of the Mersey Estuary European Marine Site (EMS). These Conservation Objectives should be used in conjunction with the Regulation 35 Conservation Advice document for the EMS. For further details about this please visit the Natural England website at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/protectandmanage/mpa/europeansites.aspx or contact Natural England’s enquiry service at [email protected] or by phone on 0845 600 3078. Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation. These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where available) will also provide a framework to inform the management of the European Site under the provisions of Articles 4(1) and 4(2) of the Wild Birds Directive and the prevention of deterioration or significant disturbance of its qualifying features under Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive. These Conservation Objectives are set for each bird feature for a Special Protection Area (SPA). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive. Publication date: 30 June 2014 – version 4. This document updates and replaces the earlier version dated 31 March 2014. Previous references to the 2001 UK SPA Review have been removed.




Mersey Estuary SPA UK9005131

Compilation date: May 2004 Version: 1.1

Classification citation Page 1 of 2

EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds

Special Protection Area (SPA)

Name: Mersey Estuary

Unitary Authority/County: Cheshire; Halton; Liverpool; and Wirral.

Site description: The Mersey Estuary is on the Irish Sea coast of north-west England. The SPA

encompasses all or parts of Mersey Estuary SSSI and New Ferry SSSI. It is a large, sheltered

estuary which comprises large areas of saltmarsh and extensive intertidal sand and mudflats, with

limited areas of brackish marsh, rocky shoreline and boulder clay cliffs, within a rural and

industrial environment. The intertidal flats and saltmarshes provide feeding and roosting sites for

large and internationally important populations of waterfowl. During the winter, the site is of

major importance for duck and waders. The site is also important during spring and autumn

migration periods, particularly for wader populations moving along the west coast of Britain.

Size of SPA: The SPA covers an area of 5,023.35 ha.

Qualifying species:

The site qualifies under article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it is used regularly by

1% or more of the Great Britain populations of the following species listed in Annex I in any

season:

Annex 1 species Count and season Period % of GB population

Golden plover

Pluvialis apricaria

3,040 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

1.2%

The site qualifies under article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it is used regularly by 1% or

more of the biogeographical populations of the following regularly occurring migratory species

(other than those listed in Annex I) in any season:

Migratory species Count and season Period % of

subspecies/population

Redshank

Tringa totanus

4,513 individuals -

passage

5 year peak mean

1993 - 1997

3.5% brittanica

Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

6,476 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

2.2% Northwestern

Europe (breeding)

Teal Anas crecca 11,723 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

2.9% Northwestern

Europe (non-breeding)

Pintail Anas acuta 1,169 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

1.9% Northwestern


Dunlin

Calidris alpina alpina

48,789 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

3.7% alpina, Western


Black-tailed godwit

Limosa limosa islandica

976 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

2.8% islandica

Redshank

Tringa totanus

4,993 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

3.8% brittanica

Bird counts from: Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) database.

Mersey Estuary SPA UK9005131

Compilation date: May 2004 Version: 1.1



The site qualifies under article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it is used regularly by over

20,000 waterbirds (waterbirds as defined by the Ramsar Convention) in any season:

In the non-breeding season, the area regularly supports 104,599 individual waterbirds (5 year

peak mean 1993/94 - 1997/98), including great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus, shelduck

Tadorna tadorna, wigeon Anas penelope, teal Anas crecca, pintail Anas acuta, ringed plover

Charadrius hiaticula, golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, grey plover Pluvialis squatarola,

lapwing Vanellus vanellus, dunlin Calidris alpina alpina, black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa

islandica, curlew Numenius arquata and redshank Tringa totanus.

Non-qualifying species of interest: Bewick’s swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii, whooper

swan Cygnus cygnus, merlin Falco columbarius, peregrine Falco peregrinus, ruff Philomachus

pugnax, bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica and short-eared owl Asio flammeus (all Annex I

species) occur in non-breeding numbers of less than European importance (less than 1% of the

GB population).

Status of SPA:

1) The Mersey Estuary was classified as a Special Protection Area on 20 December 1995.

2) An extension to the Mersey Estuary SPA, to include New Ferry SSSI, was classified on 23

June 2004.

Ramsar Information Sheet: UK11041 Page 1 of 10 Mersey Estuary

Produced by JNCC: Version 3.0, 13/06/2008

Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)

Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 (1990), as amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the 8th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2002) and Resolutions IX.1 Annex B, IX.6, IX.21 and IX. 22 of the 9th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2005).

Notes for compilers:

1. The RIS should be completed in accordance with the attached Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for completing the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. Compilers are strongly advised to read this guidance before filling in the RIS.

2. Further information and guidance in support of Ramsar site designations are provided in the Strategic Framework for

the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 7, 2nd edition, as amended by COP9 Resolution IX.1 Annex B). A 3rd edition of the Handbook, incorporating these amendments, is in preparation and will be available in 2006.

3. Once completed, the RIS (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Ramsar Secretariat. Compilers

should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the RIS and, where possible, digital copies of all maps. 1. Name and address of the compiler of this form:

Joint Nature Conservation Committee Monkstone House City Road Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE1 1JY UK Telephone/Fax: +44 (0)1733 – 562 626 / +44 (0)1733 – 555 948 Email: [email protected]

2. Date this sheet was completed/updated: Designated: 20 December 1995

3. Country: UK (England)

4. Name of the Ramsar site: Mersey Estuary

5. Designation of new Ramsar site or update of existing site: This RIS is for: Updated information on an existing Ramsar site

6. For RIS updates only, changes to the site since its designation or earlier update:

a) Site boundary and area:

** Important note: If the boundary and/or area of the designated site is being restricted/reduced, the Contracting Party should have followed the procedures established by the Conference of the Parties in the Annex to COP9 Resolution IX.6 and provided a report in line with paragraph 28 of that Annex, prior to the submission of an updated RIS. b) Describe briefly any major changes to the ecological character of the Ramsar site, including in the application of the Criteria, since the previous RIS for the site:

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY. DD MM YY





7. Map of site included: Refer to Annex III of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines, for detailed guidance on provision of suitable maps, including digital maps.

a) A map of the site, with clearly delineated boundaries, is included as:

i) hard copy (required for inclusion of site in the Ramsar List): yes -or- no ; ii) an electronic format (e.g. a JPEG or ArcView image) Yes iii) a GIS file providing geo-referenced site boundary vectors and attribute tables yes -or- no ;

b) Describe briefly the type of boundary delineation applied: e.g. the boundary is the same as an existing protected area (nature reserve, national park etc.), or follows a catchment boundary, or follows a geopolitical boundary such as a local government jurisdiction, follows physical boundaries such as roads, follows the shoreline of a waterbody, etc.

The site boundary is the same as, or falls within, an existing protected area.

For precise boundary details, please refer to paper map provided at designation 8. Geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude): 053 18 51 N 002 49 25 W 9. General location: Include in which part of the country and which large administrative region(s), and the location of the nearest large town. Nearest town/city: Liverpool Mersey Estuary is located in north-west England between the counties of Cheshire and Merseyside. Administrative region: Cheshire; Halton; Merseyside; Liverpool; Wirral 10. Elevation (average and/or max. & min.) (metres): 11. Area (hectares): 5023.35

Min. -3 Max. 32 Mean 1

12. General overview of the site: Provide a short paragraph giving a summary description of the principal ecological characteristics and importance of the wetland. The Mersey is a large, sheltered estuary which comprises large areas of saltmarsh and extensive intertidal sand and mudflats, with limited areas of brackish marsh, rocky shoreline and boulder clay cliffs, within a rural and industrial environment. The intertidal flats and saltmarshes provide feeding and roosting sites for large and internationally important populations of waterfowl. During the winter, the site is of major importance for duck and waders. The site is also important during spring and autumn migration periods, particularly for wader populations moving along the west coast of Britain. 13. Ramsar Criteria: Circle or underline each Criterion applied to the designation of the Ramsar site. See Annex II of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the Criteria and guidelines for their application (adopted by Resolution VII.11).

5, 6 14. Justification for the application of each Criterion listed in 13 above: Provide justification for each Criterion in turn, clearly identifying to which Criterion the justification applies (see Annex II for guidance on acceptable forms of justification).

Ramsar criterion 5 Assemblages of international importance:




Species with peak counts in winter: 89576 waterfowl (5 year peak mean 1998/99-2002/2003) Ramsar criterion 6 – species/populations occurring at levels of international importance.

Qualifying Species/populations (as identified at designation): Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Common shelduck , Tadorna tadorna, NW Europe

12676 individuals, representing an average of 4.2% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Black-tailed godwit , Limosa limosa islandica, Iceland/W Europe


Common redshank , Tringa totanus totanus, 6651 individuals, representing an average of 2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Species with peak counts in winter: Eurasian teal , Anas crecca, NW Europe 10613 individuals, representing an average of

2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Northern pintail , Anas acuta, NW Europe 565 individuals, representing an average of 2% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Dunlin , Calidris alpina alpina, W Siberia/W Europe


Contemporary data and information on waterbird trends at this site and their regional (sub-national) and national contexts can be found in the Wetland Bird Survey report, which is updated annually. See www.bto.org/survey/webs/webs-alerts-index.htm. Details of bird species occuring at levels of National importance are given in Section 22 15. Biogeography (required when Criteria 1 and/or 3 and /or certain applications of Criterion 2 are

applied to the designation): Name the relevant biogeographic region that includes the Ramsar site, and identify the biogeographic regionalisation system that has been applied.

a) biogeographic region: Atlantic

b) biogeographic regionalisation scheme (include reference citation): Council Directive 92/43/EEC

16. Physical features of the site: Describe, as appropriate, the geology, geomorphology; origins - natural or artificial; hydrology; soil type; water quality; water depth, water permanence; fluctuations in water level; tidal variations; downstream area; general climate, etc. Soil & geology clay, mud, sand, sandstone/mudstone Geomorphology and landscape cliffs, coastal, estuary, intertidal sediments (including

sandflat/mudflat), lowland, subtidal sediments (including sandbank/mudbank)




Nutrient status eutrophic, mesotrophic pH no information Salinity brackish / mixosaline, saline / euhaline Soil no information Water permanence usually permanent Summary of main climatic features Annual averages (Blackpool, 1971–2000)

(www.metoffice.com/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/blackpool.html)

Max. daily temperature: 12.9° C Min. daily temperature: 6.4° C Days of air frost: 40.3 Rainfall: 871.3 mm Hrs. of sunshine: 1540.3

General description of the Physical Features:

The Mersey Estuary is located on the Irish Sea coast of north-west England. It is a large, sheltered estuary which comprises large areas of saltmarsh and extensive intertidal sand- and mud-flats, with limited areas of brackish marsh, rocky shoreline and boulder clay cliffs, within a rural and industrial environment.

17. Physical features of the catchment area: Describe the surface area, general geology and geomorphological features, general soil types, general land use, and climate (including climate type).

The Mersey catchment covers an area of approximately 535 km2 and includes the River Mersey and the River Bollin and their tributaries. Several canals and a large number of water bodies, including the Cheshire Meres, large reservoirs and ponds lie within the catchment. The area is heavily urbanised around Greater Manchester, contrasting with the more rural areas of Cheshire to the south and east. Water is abstracted throughout the catchments from both surface waters and groundwater for a number of uses including agricultural, industrial and public water supply. A number of public water supply reservoirs are present within the upper reaches of the catchments including Lamaload, Trentabank and Ridgegate reservoirs. The Mersey Estuary is located on the Irish Sea coast of north-west England. It is a large, sheltered estuary which comprises large areas of saltmarsh and extensive intertidal sand- and mud-flats, with limited areas of brackish marsh, rocky shoreline and boulder clay cliffs, within a rural and industrial environment.

18. Hydrological values: Describe the functions and values of the wetland in groundwater recharge, flood control, sediment trapping, shoreline stabilization, etc.

Shoreline stabilisation and dissipation of erosive forces, Sediment trapping, Water supply 19. Wetland types:

Marine/coastal wetland

Code Name % Area G Tidal flats 89 H Salt marshes 11




20. General ecological features: Provide further description, as appropriate, of the main habitats, vegetation types, plant and animal communities present in the Ramsar site, and the ecosystem services of the site and the benefits derived from them. Within this site the main habitat types are: Mudflats, Sandflats, Saltmarsh, Soft cliffs and Brackish marsh.

The main plant communities consists of: Spartina anglica saltmarsh (SM6), Puccinellia maritima saltmarsh (SM13), Transitional low-marsh vegetation with Puccinellia maritima, Salicornia species and Suaeda maritima (SM10), Honkenya peploides–Cakile maritima strandline community (SD2), Typha latifolia swamp (S12), Phragmites australis–Urtica dioica tall-herb fen (S26).

The estuary consists of large areas of intertidal sand and mudflats and saltmarsh. These provide feeding and roosting sites for large populations of waterfowl. Grazing of the saltmarsh by sheep and cattle adds diversity. Some parts of the northern shoreline are formed of boulder clay cliffs below which there are, in some parts, transitional areas with Phragmites australis.

Ecosystem services

21. Noteworthy flora: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 12. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g. which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS. None reported 22. Noteworthy fauna: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 12. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g. which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc., including count data. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS. Birds Species currently occurring at levels of national importance: Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Ringed plover , Charadrius hiaticula, Europe/Northwest Africa

429 individuals, representing an average of 1.3% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Eurasian curlew , Numenius arquata arquata, N. a. arquata Europe

(breeding)


Spotted redshank , Tringa erythropus, Europe/W Africa


Common greenshank , Tringa nebularia, Europe/W Africa

6 individuals, representing an average of 1% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Species with peak counts in winter: Eurasian wigeon , Anas penelope, NW Europe 8268 individuals, representing an average of 2%

of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Species Information None reported




23. Social and cultural values: Describe if the site has any general social and/or cultural values e.g. fisheries production, forestry, religious importance, archaeological sites, social relations with the wetland, etc. Distinguish between historical/archaeological/religious significance and current socio-economic values.

Aesthetic Environmental education/ interpretation Livestock grazing Non-consumptive recreation Scientific research Sport hunting Tourism Transportation/navigation

b) Is the site considered of international importance for holding, in addition to relevant ecological values, examples of significant cultural values, whether material or non-material, linked to its origin, conservation and/or ecological functioning? No If Yes, describe this importance under one or more of the following categories: i) sites which provide a model of wetland wise use, demonstrating the application of traditional



influenced the ecological character of the wetland:

iii) sites where the ecological character of the wetland depends on the interaction with local communities or indigenous peoples:

iv) sites where relevant non-material values such as sacred sites are present and their existence is

strongly linked with the maintenance of the ecological character of the wetland:

24. Land tenure/ownership:

Ownership category On-site Off-site Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

+ +

Local authority, municipality etc. + + National/Crown Estate + + Private + + 25. Current land (including water) use:

Activity On-site Off-site Nature conservation + + Tourism + + Current scientific research + + Fishing: (unspecified) + Fishing: commercial + Fishing: recreational/sport + Fishing: subsistence + Bait collection + Grazing (unspecified) + + Hunting: recreational/sport + +




Industrial water supply + + Industry + + Sewage treatment/disposal + + Harbour/port + + Mineral exploration (excl. hydrocarbons)

+ +

Oil/gas exploration + Oil/gas production + Transport route + + Urban development + 26. Factors (past, present or potential) adversely affecting the site’s ecological character,

including changes in land (including water) use and development projects:

Explanation of reporting category: 1. Those factors that are still operating, but it is unclear if they are under control, as there is a lag in showing the

management or regulatory regime to be successful. 2. Those factors that are not currently being managed, or where the regulatory regime appears to have been ineffective so

far.

NA = Not Applicable because no factors have been reported.

Adverse Factor Category

Rep

ortin

g C

ateg

ory Description of the problem (Newly reported Factors

only)

On-

Site

Off

-Site

Maj

or Im

pact

?

No factors reported NA

For category 2 factors only. What measures have been taken / are planned / regulatory processes invoked, to mitigate the effect of these factors? Is the site subject to adverse ecological change? NO

27. Conservation measures taken: List national category and legal status of protected areas, including boundary relationships with the Ramsar site; management practices; whether an officially approved management plan exists and whether it is being implemented. Conservation measure On-site Off-site Site/ Area of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI/ASSI)

+ +

Special Protection Area (SPA) + Management agreement + + Site management statement/plan implemented + Other + + b) Describe any other current management practices:




The management of Ramsar sites in the UK is determined by either a formal management plan or through other management planning processes, and is overseen by the relevant statutory conservation agency. Details of the precise management practises are given in these documents. 28. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: e.g. management plan in preparation; official proposal as a legally protected area, etc. No information available 29. Current scientific research and facilities: e.g. details of current research projects, including biodiversity monitoring; existence of a field research station, etc.

Fauna Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Environment The Environment Agency has ongoing research/monitoring of water quality, management required under the Water Framework Directive. Research/monitoring is undertaken by departments within the University of Liverpool. The Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan (Liverpool Bay Coastal Group, 1999a; 1999b; 1999c) expands knowledge of natural resources and physical processes within and affecting the estuary. In future, this will be enhanced by development of the Mersey Estuary Shoreline Management Plan which has not yet been prepared. 30. Current communications, education and public awareness (CEPA) activities related to or

benefiting the site: e.g. visitor centre, observation hides and nature trails, information booklets, facilities for school visits, etc. Both public sector and non-governmental organisations are involved in interpretation and education at the site. 31. Current recreation and tourism: State if the wetland is used for recreation/tourism; indicate type(s) and their frequency/intensity.

Activities As the waters become cleaner, more people are likely to be attracted to water-based recreational activities including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and angling. There is a network of footpaths in the upper estuary, with the potential to extend public access. There is also the potential for greater integration of the footpath network, and improved accessibility design. Facilities provided Partial footpath network. New access points, routes and country parks have been opened recently. Seasonality All year with main concentrations during the summer from a catchment of 2 million people. 32. Jurisdiction: Include territorial, e.g. state/region, and functional/sectoral, e.g. Dept. of Agriculture/Dept. of Environment, etc. Head, Natura 2000 and Ramsar Team, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,

European Wildlife Division, Zone 1/07, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6EB

33. Management authority: Provide the name and address of the local office(s) of the agency(ies) or organisation(s) directly responsible for managing the wetland. Wherever possible provide also the title and/or name of the person or persons in this office with responsibility for the wetland. Site Designations Manager, English Nature, Sites and Surveillance Team, Northminster House,

Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1UA, UK




34. Bibliographical references: Scientific/technical references only. If biogeographic regionalisation scheme applied (see 15 above), list full reference citation for the scheme.

Site-relevant references

Anon. (1995) Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report. Volume 2: Action plans. HMSO, London Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom.

Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)

Buck, AL (ed.) (1993) An inventory of UK estuaries. Volume 3. North-west Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

Burd, F (1989) The saltmarsh survey of Great Britain. An inventory of British saltmarshes. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough (Research & Survey in Nature Conservation, No. 17)

Buxton, NE (1978) Stanlow and Ince Banks – the wildlife importance of the Banks. Cheshire County Council Planning Department, Chester (Mersey Marshes Local Plan Technical Report No. 3).

Carter, I (1993) Departmental Brief: Mersey Estuary proposed Special Protection Area and Ramsar site (513A). English Nature, Peterborough

Cheshire County Council (1989) The ecology of the Mersey estuary. Cheshire County Council, Environmental Planning, Chester

Clark, NA et al. (1990) Waterfowl migration and distribution in north west estuaries. (Contractor: British Trust for Ornithology) Department of Energy, London (BTO Research Report, No. 54)

Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)

Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge

Curtis, MS, Norman, D & Wallace, I (1990) The Mersey estuary – naturally ours. Liverpool Museum, Liverpool English Nature (2001) Mersey Estuary European Marine Site. English Nature's advice given under Regulation 33(2) of the

Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994, as amended. English Nature, Peterborough. www.english-nature.org.uk/about/teams/team_photo/Mersey%20Estuary%20Reg%2033%20-%20Final%20Version%20Low%20Res%2015May03%20LTF.pdf

George, N (1999) Liverpool Bay coastal natural area. A nature conservation profile. English Nature, Peterborough Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979.

University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10) Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999a) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to

Formby Point. Data Collation Report. Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999b) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to

Formby Point. Plan Document. Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999c) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to

Formby Point. Context Report. Mersey Basin Campaign (1996) Mersey strategy: Mersey estuary management plan summary. Mersey Basin Campaign,

Estuary Projects Group, Manchester Mersey Estuary Project Group (1995) Mersey estuary management plan – a strategic policy framework. Liverpool

University Press, Liverpool Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In:

Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)

Musgrove, AJ, Langston, RHW, Baker, H & Ward, RM (eds.) (2003) Estuarine waterbirds at low tide. The WeBS Low Tide Counts 1992–93 to 1998–99. WSG/BTO/WWT/RSPB/JNCC, Thetford (International Wader Studies, No. 16)

Musgrove, AJ, Pollitt, MS, Hall, C, Hearn, RD, Holloway, SJ, Marshall, PE, Robinson, JA & Cranswick, PA (2001) The Wetland Bird Survey 1999–2000: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge. www.wwt.org.uk/publications/default.asp?PubID=14

Pugh-Thomas, M (ed.) (1980) The ecology of the Mersey estuary. University of Salford, Manchester, for North West Water Authority




Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)

Rehfisch, MM et al. (1994) Waterfowl distribution and diet on the Mersey estuary and adjacent areas. (Contractor: British Trust for Ornithology) Mersey Barrage Company, Liverpool (BTO Research Report, No. 77)

Rice, KA & Putwain, PD (1987) The Dee and Mersey estuaries. Environmental background. (Contractor: University of Liverpool, Environmental Advisory Unit.) Shell UK Ltd.

Rodwell, JS (ed.) (1995) British plant communities. Volume 4. Aquatic communities, swamps and tall-herb fens. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm

Stammers, MK (1994) The archaeology of the Mersey estuary: past work and future potential. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 23, 27-33

Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm

Taylor, PM & Parker, JG (eds.) (1993) The coast of north Wales & north west England. An environmental appraisal. Hamilton Oil Company Ltd., London

Tucker, GM & Heath, MF (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge (BirdLife Conservation Series, No. 3)

Weighell, AJ, Donnelly, AP & Calder, K (eds.) (2000) Directory of the Celtic coasts and seas. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

Please return to: Ramsar Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Telephone: +41 22 999 0170 • Fax: +41 22 999 0169 • email: [email protected]

European Site Conservation Objectives for Ribble and Alt Estuaries Special Protection Area





A037 Cygnus columbianus bewickii; Bewick’s swan (Non-breeding)

A038 Cygnus cygnus; Whooper swan (Non-breeding)

A040 Anser brachyrhynchus; Pink-footed goose (Non-breeding)


A050 Anas penelope; Eurasian wigeon (Non-breeding)



A130 Haematopus ostralegus; Eurasian oystercatcher (Non-breeding)

A137 Charadrius hiaticula; Ringed plover (Non-breeding)

A140 Pluvialis apricaria; European golden plover (Non-breeding)

A141 Pluvialis squatarola; Grey plover (Non-breeding)

A143 Calidris canutus; Red knot (Non-breeding)

Contd/

A144 Calidris alba; Sanderling (Non-breeding)


A151 Philomachus pugnax; Ruff (Breeding)


A157 Limosa lapponica; Bar-tailed godwit (Non-breeding)


A183 Larus fuscus; Lesser black-backed gull (Breeding)

A193 Sterna hirundo; Common tern (Breeding)


Seabird assemblage


This SPA is a part of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries European Marine Site (EMS). These Conservation Objectives should be used in conjunction with the Regulation 35 Conservation Advice document for the EMS. For further details about this please visit the Natural England website at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/protectandmanage/mpa/europeansites.aspx or contact Natural England’s enquiry service at [email protected] or by phone on 0845 600 3078. Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation. These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where available) will also provide a framework to inform the management of the European Site under the provisions of Articles 4(1) and 4(2) of the Wild Birds Directive and the prevention of deterioration or significant disturbance of its qualifying features under Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive. These Conservation Objectives are set for each bird feature for a Special Protection Area (SPA). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive. Publication date: 30 June 2014 – version 3. This document updates and replaces an earlier version dated 31 March 2014. Previous references to the 2001 UK SPA Review have been removed.




Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA UK9005103

Compilation date: November 2002 Version: 0.7


EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds:

Citation for Special Protection Area (SPA)

Name: Ribble & Alt Estuaries

Unitary Authority/County: Lancashire; Sefton.

Site description: The Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA lies on the coast of Lancashire and Sefton in

northwest England. The SPA encompasses all or parts of Ribble Estuary SSSI and Sefton Coast

SSSI. It comprises two estuaries, of which the Ribble is by far the larger, together with an

extensive area of sandy foreshore along the Sefton Coast, and forms part of the chain of west

coast SPAs that fringe the Irish Sea. Indeed, there is considerable interchange in the movements

of birds between this site and Morecambe Bay, Mersey Estuary, Dee Estuary and Martin Mere.

A large proportion of the SPA is within the Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve. The site

consists of extensive areas of sand and mudflats and, particularly in the Ribble, large areas of

saltmarsh. There are also areas of coastal grazing marsh. The intertidal flats are rich in

invertebrates on which waders and some wildfowl feed. The highest densities of feeding birds

are on the muddier substrates of the Ribble, though sandy shores throughout are also used.

Saltmarshes and coastal grazing marshes support high densities of wildfowl and these, together

with intertidal sand and mudflats throughout, are used as high tide roosts. The site supports

internationally important populations of waterbirds in winter, including swans, geese, ducks and

waders. It is also of major importance during migration periods, especially for wader populations

moving along the west coast of Britain. The larger expanses of saltmarsh and areas of coastal

grazing marsh support breeding birds, including large concentrations of gulls and terns. These

seabirds feed both offshore and inland, outside the SPA. Several species of waterfowl (notably

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus) utilise feeding areas on agricultural land outside the

SPA boundary.

Size of SPA: The SPA covers an area of 12,412.31 ha.

Qualifying species:


more of the Great Britain populations of the following species listed in Annex I in any season:

Annex 1 species Count and season Period % GB population

Ruff Philomachus pugnax 1 nest - breeding Late 1980s count 9.1%

Common Tern Sterna hirundo 182 pairs - breeding Count as at 1996 1.5%

Bewick’s Swan

Cygnus columbianus bewickii

276 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

3.9%

Whooper Swan Cygnus

cygnus

182 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

3.3%

Golden Plover

Pluvialis apricaria

3,598 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

1.4%

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica


wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

37.9%





more of the biogeographical populations of the following regularly occurring migratory species

(other than those listed in Annex I) in any season:

Migratory species Count and season Period % of population

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus graellsii

1,800 pairs -

breeding

Count as at 1993 1.5% Western Europe/

Med/W Africa

Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

1,657 individuals -

passage

5 year peak mean

1993 - 1997

3.3% Europe/

Northern Africa (win)

Sanderling Calidris alba 6,535 individuals -

passage

5 year peak mean

1993 - 1997

6.5% E Atlantic/W&S Africa

(win)

Redshank Tringa totanus 3,247 individuals -

passage

5 year peak mean

1993 - 1997

2.2% Eastern Atlantic

(wintering)

Pink-footed Goose

Anser brachyrhynchus


wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

5.2% E Greenland/

Iceland/UK

Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

4,925 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

1.6% Northwestern Europe

Wigeon Anas penelope 85,259 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

6.8% W Siberia & NW/NE

Europe

Teal Anas crecca 7,157 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98


Pintail Anas acuta 2,731 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98


Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus


wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

2.1% Europe & N/W Africa

(win)

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

9,355 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98


(wintering)

Knot

Calidris canutus islandica


wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

19.7% NE Can/Grl/

Iceland/NW Eur

Sanderling Calidris alba 2,882 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

2.9% E Atlantic/W&S Africa

(win)

Dunlin

Calidris alpina alpina


wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

2.8% N Siberia/Europe/

W Africa

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa islandica

1,273 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98

1.8% Iceland (breeding)

Redshank Tringa totanus 2,505 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1993/94 - 1997/98


(wintering)






20,000 waterbirds (waterbirds as defined by the Ramsar Convention) in any season:

In the non-breeding season, the area regularly supports 323,861 individual waterbirds (5 year

peak mean 1993/94 - 1997/98), including Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Bewick’s Swan

Cygnus columbianus bewickii, Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Pink-footed Goose Anser

brachyrhynchus, Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Wigeon Anas penelope, Teal Anas crecca, Pintail

Anas acuta, Scaup Aythya marila, Common Scoter Melanitta nigra, Oystercatcher Haematopus

ostralegus, Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Knot Calidris canutus islandica, Sanderling

Calidris alba, Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa islandica, Bar-

tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, Curlew Numenius arquata and

Redshank Tringa totanus.


20,000 seabirds in any season:

In the breeding season, the area regularly supports 29,236 individual seabirds (count period

ongoing), including Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus, Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

graellsii and Common Tern Sterna hirundo.

Non-qualifying species of interest:

The following Annex 1 species occur in non-breeding numbers of less than European importance

(less than 1% of the Great Britain population): Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, Merlin Falco

columbarius, Peregrine Falco peregrinus and Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus.

Status of SPA:

1) The Ribble Estuary SPA was classified on 31 August 1982.

2) The Alt Estuary SPA was classified on 28 November 1985.

3) The Ribble & Alt Estuaries SPA was classified on 16 February 1995, subsuming the Alt

Estuary SPA and the Ribble Estuary SPA.

4) An extension to the Ribble & Alt Estuaries SPA, at the southern end of the Sefton Coast

SSSI, was classified on 28 November 2002.

Ramsar Information Sheet: Page 1 of 10


Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)

1. Name and address of the compiler of this form:


2. Date this sheet was completed/updated: Designated: 16 February 1995 / Updated: May 2005

3. Country: UK (England)

4. Name of the Ramsar site:

Ribble and Alt Estuaries 5. Map of site included:

a) hard copy (required for inclusion of site in the Ramsar List): yes �� -or- no �

b) digital (electronic) format (optional): Yes 6. Geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude):

53º 42’ 41’’ N 02º 58’ 44’’ W

7. General location: Nearest town/city: Preston

The site occupies a stretch of coastline between Liverpool and Preston on the north-west coast of England. It lies between the Mersey estuary and Morecambe Bay.

Administrative region: Lancashire; Merseyside; Sefton 8. Elevation (average and/or max. & min.) (metres): 9. Area (hectares): 13,464

Min. 0 Max. 25 Mean No information available

10. Overview: A large area including two estuaries which form part of the chain of west coast sites which fringe the Irish Sea. The site is formed by extensive sand and mudflats backed, in the north, by the saltmarsh of the Ribble Estuary and, to the south, the sand dunes of the Sefton Coast. The tidal flats and saltmarsh support internationally important populations of waterfowl in winter and the sand dunes support vegetation communities and amphibian populations of international importance. 11. Ramsar Criteria:

2, 5, 6

Secretariat Comment: The RIS provides information requiring the application of Criterion 4. This need to be included in the next update.

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY.

DD MM YY



Ramsar Information Sheet: UK11057 Page 2 of 10 Ribble and Alt Estuaries


12. Justification for the application of each Criterion listed in 11. above: Ramsar criterion 2

This site supports up to 40% of the Great Britain population of natterjack toads Bufo calamita. As plant species: Petalophyllum ralfsii (Conservation status: European Red List: Vulnerable; EC Habitats Directive: Annex II)

Ramsar criterion 5 Assemblages of international importance: Species with peak counts in winter: 222,038 waterfowl (5 year peak mean 1998/99-2002/2003) Ramsar criterion 6 Species/populations occurring at levels of international importance. Qualifying Species/populations (as identified at designation): Species regularly supported during the breeding season: Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Black-tailed godwit , Limosa limosa islandica, Iceland/W Europe

3323 individuals, representing an average of 7% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Common redshank , Tringa totanus totanus, 4465 individuals, representing an average of 1.7% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Dunlin , Calidris alpina alpina, W Siberia/W Europe

38,196 individuals, representing an average of 2.8% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3 - spring peak)

Grey plover , Pluvialis squatarola, E Atlantic/W Africa -wintering

11,021 individuals, representing an average of 4.4% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3 - spring peak)

Red knot , Calidris canutus islandica, W & Southern Africa

(wintering)

42,692 individuals, representing an average of 9.4% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Ringed plover , Charadrius hiaticula, Europe/Northwest Africa

3761 individuals, representing an average of 5.1% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3 - spring peak)

Sanderling , Calidris alba, Eastern Atlantic 7401 individuals, representing an average of 6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3 - spring peak)

Species with peak counts in winter: Bar-tailed godwit , Limosa lapponica lapponica, W Palearctic


Eurasian oystercatcher , Haematopus ostralegus ostralegus, Europe & NW Africa -wintering


Eurasian teal , Anas crecca, NW Europe 5107 individuals, representing an average of 1% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)




Eurasian wigeon , Anas penelope, NW Europe 69,841 individuals, representing an average of 4.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Northern pintail , Anas acuta, NW Europe 1,497 individuals, representing an average of 2.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Pink-footed goose , Anser brachyrhynchus, Greenland, Iceland/UK


Tundra swan , Cygnus columbianus bewickii, NW Europe


Whooper swan , Cygnus cygnus, Iceland/UK/Ireland

211 individuals, representing an average of 1% of the population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

More contemporary data and information on waterbird trends at this site and their regional (sub-national) and national contexts can be found in the Wetland Bird Survey Alerts report, which is updated annually. See http://www.bto.org/survey/webs/webs-alerts-index.htm. 13. Biogeography:



14. Physical features of the site:

Soil & geology basic, neutral, sand, alluvium, sedimentary Geomorphology and landscape lowland, coastal, intertidal sediments (including

sandflat/mudflat), open coast (including bay), estuary Nutrient status mesotrophic pH alkaline, circumneutral Salinity brackish / mixosaline, saline / euhaline Soil mainly mineral Water permanence usually permanent Summary of main climatic features Annual averages (Blackpool, 1971–2000)

(www.metoffice.com/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/blackpool.html) Max. daily temperature: 12.9° C Min. daily temperature: 6.4° C Days of air frost: 40.3 Rainfall: 871.3 mm Hrs. of sunshine: 1540.3

General description of the Physical Features:

No information available

15. Physical features of the catchment area: No information available

16. Hydrological values:

Shoreline stabilisation and dissipation of erosive forces, Sediment trapping




17. Wetland types Marine/coastal wetland

Code Name % Area E Sand / shingle shores (including dune systems) 8 G Tidal flats 75 H Salt marshes 16 Ts Freshwater marshes / pools: seasonal / intermittent 1 18. General ecological features: The Ribble and Alt Estuaries contain extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats. These are backed by, on the Ribble, one of the most extensive areas of grazed saltmarsh in Britain and, along the Sefton Coast, the largest calcareous dune complex in north-western England.

The intertidal flats support internationally important populations of waterfowl which feed on a rich invertebrate fauna and Enteromorpha beds.

The saltmarsh supports a range of vegetation communities typical of north-west England maintained by stable grazing regimes. However, the estuary is accreting in response to large-scale land-claim, with Spartina anglica dominant in the pioneer stages with Festuca rubra and Puccinellia maritima dominating the grazed sward. Natural transitions are prevented by coastal defence structures. Small areas of saltmarsh also occur in discrete locations along the Sefton Coast.

The sand dunes display a full range of plant communities and habitat types from embryo to grey dunes with transitions to dune grassland and heath. Numerous species-rich slacks can be found throughout the dune transition but generally the extent of vegetation cover and species diversity increases with distance from the sea. Elytrigia juncea and Elymus arenarius dominate the embryo dunes (NVC SD5&7), being replaced by Ammophila arenaria in the mobile yellow dunes (SD6); large areas of bare sand are still present. Two distinct types of vegetation dominate the extensive grey dunes, the first a Festuca rubra/Rubus caesius dune pasture and a Salix repens/R. caesius/dwarf shrub (SD9 variants). These dunes also support two large coniferous plantations which support a distinctive flora. Elsewhere, and in the absence of management, smaller areas of secondary deciduous scrub/woodland remain including Hippophae rhamnoides and various Populus spp. Dune slacks are regularly found throughout the dune complex. Normally dominated by creeping willow, they also support a diverse flora including the nationally rare liverwort, Petalophyllum ralfsii and dune helleborine Epipactis dunensis (SD15&16). Dune grassland and heath occupy fragmented locations on the extreme eastern edge of the system with Calluna vulgaris and Carex arenaria both strong characteristics.

The dune system is a candidate Special Area of Conservation for the following Annex I habitats: dunes with creeping willow; shifting dunes; humid dune slacks; shifting dunes with marram; petalwort Petalophyllum ralfsii; great crested newt Triturus cristatus; coastal dune heathland; and dune grassland ('grey dunes'). The last two are priority habitat types under the EC Habitats Directive. 19. Noteworthy flora:

International importance Lower plants Petalophyllum ralfsii (Conservation status: European Red List: Vulnerable; EC Habitats Directive: Annex II)

20. Noteworthy fauna: Birds Species currently occurring at levels of national importance: Species regularly supported during the breeding season: Black-headed gull , Larus ridibundus, N & C Europe

14888 apparently occupied nests, representing an average of 11.6% of the GB population (Seabird 2000 Census)




Common tern , Sterna hirundo hirundo, N & E Europe

182 pairs, representing an average of 1.7% of the GB population (1996)

Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Common greenshank , Tringa nebularia, Europe/W Africa


Eurasian curlew , Numenius arquata arquata, N. a. arquata Europe

(breeding)


Ruff , Philomachus pugnax, Europe/W Africa 60 individuals, representing an average of 8.5% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Species with peak counts in winter: Black

(common) scoter , Melanitta nigra nigra,


Black-headed gull , Larus ridibundus, N & C Europe


European golden plover, Pluvialis apricaria apricaria, Iceland & Faroes/E Atlantic


Great cormorant , Phalacrocorax carbo carbo, NW Europe


Northern shoveler , Anas clypeata, NW & C Europe


Red-throated diver , Gavia stellata, NW Europe 56 individuals, representing an average of 1.1% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1998/9-2002/3)

Spotted redshank , Tringa erythropus, Europe/W Africa


Species Information Species occurring at levels of national importance: Natterjack toad Bufo calamita (c. 40% GB population)

21. Social and cultural values: Aesthetic Archaeological/historical site Conservation education Current scientific research Fisheries production Livestock grazing Non-consumptive recreation Sport fishing Sport hunting Tourism Transportation/navigation


Ownership category On-site Off-site




Non-governmental organisation + + Local authority, municipality etc. + + National/Crown estate + + Private + + Public/communal + + 23. Current land (including water) use:

Activity On-site Off-site Nature conservation + + Tourism + + Recreation + + Research + Fishing: commercial + + Fishing: recreational/sport + + Gathering of shellfish + Bait collection + Permanent arable agriculture + Grazing (unspecified) + Hunting: recreational/sport + Industry + Sewage treatment/disposal + + Harbour/port + Flood control + + Irrigation (inc agricultural water supply)

+

Mineral exploration + Oil/gas exploration + Oil/gas production + Transport route + + Urban development + Military activities + 24. Factors adversely affecting the site’s ecological character, including changes in land

(including water) use and development projects:

Explanation of reporting category:

1. Those factors that are still operating, but it is unclear if they are under control, as there is a lag in showing the management or regulatory regime to be successful.

2. Those factors that are not currently being managed, or where the regulatory regime appears to have been ineffective so far.



Rep

ort

ing

Cat

ego

ry

Description of the problem (Newly reported Factors only)

On

-Site

Off-

Site

Maj

or

Imp

act?




Erosion 2 Coastal erosion is a factor at Formby Point with an estimated loss of 4 metres per year. It is a concern because pine woodland on the sand dunes is causing coastal squeeze and therefore preventing sand dune habitats from rolling back; as such dune slack habitats for natterjack toads are declining/being lost.

+ +

For category 2 factors only. What measures have been taken / are planned / regulatory processes invoked, to mitigate the effect of these factors? Erosion - At Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve English Nature have made efforts to restore dune habitat; an Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out with a view to submitting a tree-felling application in February 2005. Is the site subject to adverse ecological change? NO

25. Conservation measures taken: Conservation measure On-site Off-site SSSI / ASSI + + NNR + SPA + Land owned by a NGO for nature conservation

+

Management agreement + SAC + Management plan in preparation + 26. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: No information available 27. Current scientific research and facilities:

Contemporary.

Fauna. Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored annually as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Annual natterjack toad monitoring programme: Leisure Services, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton and English Nature Ainsdale NNR.

Completed.

Flora. National sand dune survey. Sefton coast NCC Report (Edmondson et al. 1989) Bryophyte surveys (various) of Sefton Coast (M Newton). Ribble and Alt NVC saltmarsh survey 2002 (The Environment Partnership 2003)

Fauna. Invertebrate surveys (numerous)




Documents held by various authorities on the coast including English Nature & Metropolitan Borough of Sefton. For a full account of reports, papers etc, reference should be made to: The sand dunes of the Sefton Coast (Atkinson & Houston 1993). 28. Current conservation education: The Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, English Nature, National Trust and RSPB all lead guided walks onto suitable areas of the coast at all times of the year. The entire site is reasonably well provided with fixed interpretation panels at many of the main public access points around the site. The RSPB is developing educational/visitor facilities at its Reserve. Southport Pier is developing into a major wildlife interpretation centre. English Nature, RSPB and Sefton Council are working on the project. 29. Current recreation and tourism:

Activities, Facilities provided and Seasonality. Infrastructure developments There are caravan parks adjacent to the site at Formby and moorings in the Alt. No major expansion anticipated. Land-based recreation There is intensive recreational use of the northern beaches (Southport & Ainsdale) where traditional activities are concentrated. These include beach car parking, and, during the summer months several large-scale events. Elsewhere, recreation is more informal and less intensive - but all beach activities on the Sefton Coast are managed by the Beach Management Plan. The golf courses are heavily used; Royal Birkdale hosted the British Open Golf Championship in 1998. Water-based recreation Mainly a summer activity based on the beach at Southport. Becoming more common but has, in the past, included pleasure trips on hovercraft. Airborne recreation Some disturbance in winter months by micro-lights, particularly to pink-footed goose populations. Wildfowling Occurs on extensive areas of the Ribble including the NNR. Usually controlled by agreement. 30. Jurisdiction:

Head, Natura 2000 and Ramsar Team, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, European Wildlife Division, Zone 1/07, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6EB

31. Management authority: Site Designations Manager, English Nature, Sites and Surveillance Team, Northminster House,

Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1UA, UK 32. Bibliographical references:

Site-relevant references

Atkinson, D & Houston, J (eds.) (1993) The sand dunes of the Sefton coast. Proceedings of the Sefton Coast Research Seminar, Liverpool, 31st May 1991. National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool

Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)

Batten, LA, Bibby, CJ, Clement, P, Elliot, GD & Porter, RF (1990) Red Data Birds in Britain. Action for rare, threatened and important species. Poyser, London, for Nature Conservancy Council and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds






Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)

Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge

Davies, LM (1991) Littoral survey of the coast from Crosby to Fleetwood. Nature Conservancy Council. CSD Report, No. 1217. (Marine Nature Conservation Review Report, No. MNCR/SR/017)

Edmondson, SE, Gateley, PS & Nissenbaum, DA (1989). National sand dune vegetation survey. Sefton Coast, Merseyside. Nature Conservancy Council. CSD Report, No. 917

George, N (1999) Liverpool Bay coastal natural area. A nature conservation profile. English Nature, Peterborough

Gray, LC (1980) Environmental bibliography of north-west England (vice-counties 59, 60, 69 and 70) 1850–1979. University of Lancaster Library, Lancaster (Library Occasional Paper, No. 10)

Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25)

May, VJ & Hansom, JD (eds.) (2003) Coastal geomorphology of Great Britain. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 28)

McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection

Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)



Radley, GP (1994) Sand dune vegetation survey of Great Britain: a national inventory. Part 1: England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

Ribble Estuary Strategy Steering Group (1997) Ribble estuary strategy. Lancashire County Planning Department, Lancaster

Rose, PM & Scott, DA (1997) Waterfowl population estimates. 2nd edn. Wetlands International, Wageningen (Wetlands International Publication, No. 44) www.wetlands.org/IWC/wpe2/WPE2-toc.htm

Simpson, D (2002) The fall and rise of Ainsdales's natterjacks. British Wildlife, 13(3), 161-170

Smith, PH (1999) The sands of time. An introduction to the sand dunes of the Sefton coast. National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool

Smith, PH (2000) Classic wildlife sites – The Sefton Coast sand-dunes, Merseyside. British Wildlife, 12(1), 28-36

Stewart, NF (2004) Important stonewort areas. An assessment of the best areas for stoneworts in the United Kingdom. Plantlife International, Salisbury

Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.) (2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm





The Environment Partnership (2003) Ribble and Alt Estuaries NVC Survey 2002. The Environment Partnership, Warrington, for English Nature



European Site Conservation Objectives for The Dee Estuary Special Protection Area


With regard to the SPA and the individual species and/or assemblage of species for which the site has been classified (the ‘Qualifying Features’ listed below), and subject to natural change; Ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained or restored as appropriate, and ensure that the site contributes to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive, by maintaining or restoring;

The extent and distribution of the habitats of the qualifying features The structure and function of the habitats of the qualifying features The supporting processes on which the habitats of the qualifying features rely The population of each of the qualifying features, and, The distribution of the qualifying features within the site.






A130 Haematopus ostralegus; Eurasian oystercatcher (Non-breeding)

A141 Pluvialis squatarola; Grey plover (Non-breeding)

A143 Calidris canutus; Red knot (Non-breeding)



A157 Limosa lapponica; Bar-tailed godwit (Non-breeding)

A160 Numenius arquata; Eurasian curlew (Non-breeding)


A191 Sterna sandvicensis; Sandwich tern (Non-breeding)

A193 Sterna hirundo; Common tern (Breeding)

A195 Sterna albifrons; Little tern (Breeding)


This is a cross border site

This site crosses the border between England and Wales Some features may only occur in one Country.


This SPA is a part of the Dee Estuary European Marine Site (EMS). These Conservation Objectives should be used in conjunction with the Regulation 35 Conservation Advice document for the EMS. For further details about this please visit the Natural England website at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/marine/protectandmanage/mpa/europeansites.aspx or contact Natural England’s enquiry service at [email protected] or by phone on 0845 600 3078.

Explanatory Notes: European Site Conservation Objectives These Conservation Objectives are those referred to in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 (the “Habitats Regulations”) and Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive. They must be considered when a competent authority is required to make a ‘Habitats Regulations Assessment’ including an Appropriate Assessment, under the relevant parts of this legislation. These Conservation Objectives and the accompanying Supplementary Advice (where this is available) will also provide a framework to inform the management of the European Site under the provisions of Articles 4(1) and 4(2) of the Wild Birds Directive, and the prevention of deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of its qualifying features required under Article 6(2) of the Habitats Directive. These Conservation Objectives are set for each bird feature for a Special Protection Area (SPA). Where the objectives are met, the site will be considered to exhibit a high degree of integrity and to be contributing to achieving the aims of the Wild Birds Directive. Publication date: 30 June 2014 (Version 2). This document updates and replaces an earlier version dated 29 May 2012 to reflect Natural England’s Strategic Standard on European Site Conservation Objectives 2014. Previous references to additional features identified in the 2001 UK SPA Review have also been removed.




1

EC Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds:

Citation for Special Protection Area (SPA)

Name: The Dee Estuary

Unitary Authority/County: Cheshire West and Chester, Denbighshire, Flintshire,

Wirral.

Boundary of the SPA: The Dee Estuary SPA encompasses the Dee Estuary/Aber

Afon Dyfrdwy Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); the dunes and intertidal

foreshore at Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI; the freshwater marsh at Inner

Marsh Farm SSSI; and the lagoons and reedbeds at Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds.

The boundary of the SPA is shown on the map enclosed.

Site description: The Dee Estuary lies on the border between England and Wales on

the north-west coast of Britain. It is a large, funnel-shaped, sheltered estuary, which

supports extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats and saltmarsh. Where

agricultural reclamation has not occurred, the saltmarshes grade into transitional

brackish and swamp vegetation on the upper shore. The site also includes the three

sandstone islands of Hilbre, with their important cliff vegetation and maritime

heathland and grassland. The two shorelines of the estuary show a marked contrast

between the industrialised usage of the coastal belt in Wales and residential and

recreational usage in England. The site is of major importance for waterbirds; during

the winter the intertidal flats, saltmarshes and fringing habitats including coastal

grazing marsh/fields, provide feeding and roosting sites for internationally important

numbers of ducks and waders; in summer the site supports nationally important

breeding colonies of two species of tern. The site is also important during migration

periods, particularly for wader populations moving along the west coast of Britain and

for Sandwich terns post-breeding.

Size of SPA: 14,291.56 ha.

European ornithological interest of SPA:

Qualifying species: The site qualifies under Article 4.1 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it is used

regularly by 1% or more of the Great Britain populations of the following species

listed in Annex I in any season:

Annex I species

Count and Season

Period

% of GB

population Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

1,150 individuals -

wintering

5 year peak mean

1994/95 - 1998/99

2.2%

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

392 pairs - breeding

5 year mean 1995 –

1999

3.2%

Little Tern

Sterna albifrons

69 pairs – breeding

5 year mean 1995 -

1999

2.9%

Sandwich Tern

Sterna

sandvicensis

957 individuals-

autumn passage

5 year mean 1995 -

1999

2.3%

2

The site qualifies under Article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it is used

regularly by 1% or more of the biogeographical populations of the following regularly

occurring migratory species (other than those listed in Annex I) in any season:

Migratory species

Count and

Season

Period

% of population

Redshank

Tringa totanus

8,795 individuals

- passage

5 year mean

1994/95 –

1998/99


(wintering)

Shelduck

Tadorna tadorna

7,725 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

2.6% Northwestern

Europe

Teal

Anas crecca

5,251 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

1.3% Northwestern

Europe

Pintail

Anas acuta

5,407 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

9.0% Northwestern

Europe

Oystercatcher

Haematopus

ostralegus

22,677 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

2.5% Europe & N/W

Africa (wintering)

Grey Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

1,643 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99


(wintering)

Knot Calidris

canutus islandica

12,394 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

3.5% NE Can/Grl/

Iceland/NW Eur

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

27,769 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

2.0% N Siberia/Europe/

W Africa

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

islandica

1,747 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

2.5% Iceland (breeding)

Curlew

Numenius arquata

3,899 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99

1.1% Europe (breeding)

Redshank

Tringa totanus

5,293 individuals

- wintering

5 year mean

1994/95 -

1998/99


(wintering)

3

Assemblage qualification The site qualifies under article 4.2 of the Directive (79/409/EEC) as it is used

regularly by over 20,000 waterbirds (waterbirds as defined by the Ramsar

Convention) in any season:

In the non-breeding season, the area regularly supports 120,726 individual waterbirds

(5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99), including: Great Crested Grebe Podiceps

cristatus, Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Wigeon Anas

penelope, Teal Anas crecca, Pintail Anas acuta, Oystercatcher Haematopus

ostralegus, Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Knot

Calidris canutus, Sanderling Calidris alba, Dunlin Calidris alpina, Black-tailed

Godwit Limosa limosa islandica, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Curlew

Numenius arquata and Redshank Tringa totanus.

Non-qualifying species of interest: Leach’s Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa, Little

Egret Egretta garzetta, Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii, Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnus, Smew Mergellus albellus, Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus, Merlin Falco

columbarius, Peregrine Falco peregrinus, Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Ruff

Philomachus pugnax, Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, Short-eared Owl Asio

flammeus and Kingfisher Alcedo atthis (all Annex 1 species) occur in non-breeding

numbers of less than European importance (less than 1% of the GB population).

Status of SPA: The Dee Estuary was first classified as a Special Protection Area on 17 July 1985.

The boundaries and site features were revised on 10 December 2009.

Ramsar Information Sheet: UK11082 Page 1 of 20 The Dee Estuary


Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) 2009-2012 version

Available for download from http://www.ramsar.org/ris/key_ris_index.htm. Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 (1990), as amended by Resolution VIII.13 of the 8th Conference of the Contracting Parties

(2002) and Resolutions IX.1 Annex B, IX.6, IX.21 and IX. 22 of the 9th Conference of the Contracting Parties (2005).

Notes for compilers: 1. The RIS should be completed in accordance with the attached Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for completing the

Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. Compilers are strongly advised to read this guidance before filling in the RIS.

2. Further information and guidance in support of Ramsar site designations are provided in the Strategic Framework for

the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 7, 2nd edition, as amended by COP9 Resolution IX.1 Annex B). A 3rd edition of the Handbook, incorporating these amendments, is in preparation and will be available in 2006.

3. Once completed, the RIS (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Ramsar Secretariat. Compilers

should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the RIS and, where possible, digital copies of all maps. 1. Name and address of the compiler of this form:


2. Date this sheet was completed/updated: Designated: 17 July 1985, / Updated: 10/12/2012

3. Country: UK (England/Wales)

4. Name of the Ramsar site: The Dee Estuary

5. Designation of new Ramsar site or update of existing site: This RIS is for: Updated information on an existing Ramsar site

6. For RIS updates only, changes to the site since its designation or earlier update:

a) Site boundary and area:

The Ramsar site boundary and site area are unchanged: or If the site boundary has changed: i) the boundary has been delineated more accurately ; or ii) the boundary has been extended ; or

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY. DD MM YY





iii) the boundary has been restricted** and/or If the site area has changed: i) the area has been measured more accurately ; or ii) the area has been extended ; or iii) the area has been reduced**

** Important note: If the boundary and/or area of the designated site is being restricted/reduced, the Contracting Party should have followed the procedures established by the Conference of the Parties in the Annex to COP9 Resolution IX.6 and provided a report in line with paragraph 28 of that Annex, prior to the submission of an updated RIS.

(1) Additions i. Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (England/Wales) additional area of SSSI within the Ramsar = 631.1ha. The Ramsar site has been extended to include virtually all the land which was included in the revised SSSI, when this was renotified in 1998. This includes additional areas of intertidal habitat as well as areas of coastal grassland, mainly in Wales. The coastal grassland is important as it contributes towards maintaining the International populations of certain key individual waterfowl species (and the overall total waterfowl assemblage). They are particularly important for curlew, oystercatcher, redshank and black-tailed godwit.

ii. Inner Marsh Farm SSSI (22.44ha) (England/Wales) This SSSI is managed as a nature reserve by RSPB. It is important for species such as black-tailed godwit (at all periods of the year including a non-breeding summering flock) and overwintering pintail and teal. It is also important in supporting populations of other birds for which the estuary is classified and also contributes to the overall wintering waterfowl assemblage iii. Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds SSSI (11.9ha) (Wales) This SSSI supports a large and increasing population of breeding common terns, the largest in Wales and its Phragmites reedbeds. These reedbeds are also important for locally uncommon breeding species such as reed warblers. Wildfowl from the nearby estuary use the site in winter and the site contributes therefore to the overall wintering waterfowl assemblage of the Dee Estuary

iv. Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI (518.8ha) (Wales) This SSSI supports a range of sand dune habitats and associated flora and fauna including many rare and uncommon plant and animal species as well as shingle, swamp and saltmarsh habitats. This contiguous piece of sand dune habitat, wide sandy foreshore and its associated habitats adds to the wetland interest already found within the existing site. Both natterjack toad and sand lizard have been reintroduced to this dune system in recent years and are both now well established. The site also supports the only breeding population of little tern in Wales and the shingle feature used by the breeding terns also provides a high tide overwintering roost location for the Dee Estuary waterfowl populations. The roost is predominantly of waders especially the smaller species such as sanderling. Cormorant also use this roost and also roost in large numbers at the low water mark. Terns including Sandwich and common, also aggregate on the foreshore during late summer passage. v. Red Rocks SSSI (11.38ha) (England)




Red Rocks SSSI supports sand dune, swamp particularly reedbed and saltmarsh vegetation. Where sand is accreting to seaward within the adjacent Dee Estuary SSSI, the sandhill rustic moth occurs. Natterjack toad has been reintroduced to this dune system in recent years and now successfully breeds within the site

(2) Deletions 14 small deletions from the original site boundary have been made in Wales. All these areas were removed from the SSSI boundary in 1998. These are regarded as falling within Resolution viii.21 ‘Defining Ramsar site boundaries more accurately in Ramsar Information Sheets.’ They are all minor changes and fall within category 9 (a) ‘the site boundary has been incorrectly drawn and there has been a genuine error or category 9(c) ‘technology allows for a higher resolution and more accurate definition of the site boundary than was available at the time of listing’.

The changes do not substantially affect the fundamental objectives for which the site was listed and are a result of inaccuracies in the original mapping of the Dee Estuary SSSI boundary in 1983, which was used as the basis of the 1985 classification of the Ramsar Site. i) Total area of deletions from whole site is 9.6ha. For additional information please see the A3 map provided which shows the possible extensions and possible deletions. ii) Three deletions are referred to on Page 13 of the Montreux Record under ‘C. recommendations with wider implications’ are: (a) Mostyn - these are referred to in the RIS 6.1and on Montreux report; (b) Point of Ayr –these are referred to in the RIS 6.1and on Montreux report; (c) West Kirby Marine Lake (WKML) – this is not listed in Section 6 of RIS because the area is retained within the site. WKML boating park was extended in the 1980’s before the Habitats Directive came into force and therefore also before the requirement to consider areas of compensation. Although the marine lake extension is retained within the site boundary and the water continues to overlay the area, there has been a loss of some intertidal habitat where the concrete base and retaining wall were extended. This is not referred to in Section 6 of the RIS as the area is not deleted from within the site boundary and is shown on the map within the Ramsar site.

(b) Area The area of the Ramsar site is now 14303.02 ha. This is a net increase in area of 1217.17 ha from the 1985 classification. Most of the extended areas occur in Wales

** Important note: If the boundary and/or area of the designated site is being restricted/reduced, the Contracting Party should have followed the procedures established by the Conference of the Parties in the Annex to COP9 Resolution IX.6 and provided a report in line with paragraph 28 of that Annex, prior to the submission of an updated RIS. b) Describe briefly any major changes to the ecological character of the Ramsar site, including in the application of the Criteria, since the previous RIS for the site:

i. Addition of Criterion 2, for Epidalea calamita, Natterjack Toad.

Following the decline and loss of the species in the early 1990’s at Red Rock SSSI, the species was successfully reintroduced utilising spawn strings from the nearby Sefton coast and the site now




supports a breeding population of the species. In addition, the species has also been successfully reintroduced to the Talacre Warren and Gronant Dunes SSSI in Wales. ii. Bird Data The bird data has been reassessed based on the 5 year period from 1994/5 up to 1998/9 specifically for areas within The Dee Estuary Ramsar Site, as the Dee Estuary WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) count areas include other areas currently outside the Ramsar Site boundary, mainly in England. It also now excludes species such as turnstone which never occurred in internationally important numbers within the boundary of the original Dee Estuary Ramsar Site. Its main resort was along the North Wirral coast and into the mouth of the Mersey estuary. iii. Ecological Changes Implementation of various Ramsar Mission Recommendations - see last updated report on Montreux Record.

7. Map of site included: Refer to Annex III of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines, for detailed guidance on provision of suitable maps, including digital maps. a) A map of the site, with clearly delineated boundaries, is included as:

i) hard copy (required for inclusion of site in the Ramsar List): yes -or- no ; ii) an electronic format (e.g. a JPEG or ArcView image) Yes iii) a GIS file providing geo-referenced site boundary vectors and attribute tables yes -or- no ;

b) Describe briefly the type of boundary delineation applied: e.g. the boundary is the same as an existing protected area (nature reserve, national park etc.), or follows a catchment boundary, or follows a geopolitical boundary such as a local government jurisdiction, follows physical boundaries such as roads, follows the shoreline of a waterbody, etc.

The site boundary includes five existing protected areas, all of which are designated as SSSI.

For precise boundary details, please refer to paper map provided at designation 8. Geographical coordinates (latitude/longitude): 53° 18’ 08’’ N 03° 12’56’’ W 9. General location: Include in which part of the country and which large administrative region(s), and the location of the nearest large town. Nearest town/city: Birkenhead The Dee Estuary lies between the Wirral peninsula, in England and the Flintshire estuarine coastline of north-east Wales. The site also includes the open coast westwards in Wales from the Point of Ayr in Flintshire to Prestatyn in Denbighshire Administrative region: Cheshire West and Chester; Sir y Fflint/ Flintshire; Sir

Ddinbich/Denbighshire; Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council 10. Elevation (average and/or max. & min.) (metres): 11. Area (hectares): 14302.02

Min. -17 Max. 15 Mean 0

12. General overview of the site: Provide a short paragraph giving a summary description of the principal ecological characteristics and importance of the wetland. The Dee is a large funnel-shaped sheltered estuary and is one of the top ten estuaries in the UK for wintering and passage waterfowl populations. The estuary supports internationally important numbers




of waterfowl and waders. The estuary is an accreting system and the extent of saltmarsh continues to expand as the estuary seeks to achieve a new equilibrium situation following large-scale historical land-claim at the head of the estuary which commenced in the 1730s. Nevertheless, the estuary still supports extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats as well as saltmarsh. Where land-claim has not occurred, the saltmarshes grade into transitional brackish and freshwater swamp vegetation, on the upper shore. The site includes the three sandstone islands of Hilbre with their important cliff vegetation and maritime heathland/grassland, the sand dune system between the Point of Ayr and Prestatyn in Wales and Red Rocks in England, various Welsh coastal fields historically reclaimed from the estuary but used by the Dee Estuary wintering waterfowl populations, freshwater lagoons and reedbeds at Shotton supporting the largest common tern breeding colony in Wales and freshwater lagoons at Inner Marsh Farm used by waterfowl throughout the year but particularly in winter. The two shorelines of the estuary show a marked contrast between the industrialised usage of the coastal belt in Wales and residential and recreational usage in England. 13. Ramsar Criteria: Circle or underline each Criterion applied to the designation of the Ramsar site. See Annex II of the Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for the Criteria and guidelines for their application (adopted by Resolution VII.11).

1, 2, 5, 6 14. Justification for the application of each Criterion listed in 13 above: Provide justification for each Criterion in turn, clearly identifying to which Criterion the justification applies (see Annex II for guidance on acceptable forms of justification).

Ramsar criterion 1 Extensive intertidal mud and sand flats (20 km by 9 km) with large expanses of saltmarsh towards the head of the estuary. Habitats Directive Annex I features present on the pSAC include: H1130 Estuaries H1140 Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide H1210 Annual vegetation of drift lines H1230 Vegetated sea cliffs of the Atlantic and Baltic coasts H1310 Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand H1330 Atlantic salt meadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) H2110 Embryonic shifting dunes H2120 Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (“white dunes”) H2130 Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation (“grey dunes”) H2190 Humid dune slacks Criterion 2, it supports breeding colonies of the vulnerable Natterjack Toad, Epidalea calamita

See also JNCC UK Priority species information: http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/_speciespages/173.pdf

Ramsar criterion 5 Assemblages of international importance: Species with peak counts in winter: Non-breeding season regularly supports 120,726 individual waterbirds (5 year peak mean 1994/5 – 1998/9). Ramsar criterion 6 – species/populations occurring at levels of international importance.




Qualifying Species/populations (as identified at designation): Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Redshank , Tringa totanus, 8,795 individuals, representing an average of

3.5% of the Eastern Atlantic population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Species with peak counts in winter: Teal , Anas crecca, NW Europe 5,251 individuals, representing an average of

1.05% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Shelduck , Tadorna tadorna, NW Europe 7,725 individuals, representing an average of 2.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus, Europe & W Africa

22,677 individuals, representing an average of 2.2% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Curlew , Numenius arquata Europe/NW Africa 3,899 individuals, representing an average of 1.1% of the Europe population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Pintail , Anas acuta, NW Europe 5,407 individuals, representing an average of 9.0% of the population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Grey plover , Pluvialis squatarola, E Atlantic 1,643 individuals, representing an average of 1.1% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Knot , Calidris canutus islandica, W Europe/ Canada

12,394 individuals, representing an average of 2.75% of the W Europe population(5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Dunlin , Calidris alpina alpina Europe (breeding)


Black-tailed godwit , Limosa limosa islandica, Iceland (breeding)


Bar-tailed godwit , Limosa lapponica , W European (wintering)

1,150 individuals, representing an average of 1.2% of the Europe population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Redshank, Tringa totanus, Eastern Atlantic 5,293 individuals representing an average of 2.1% Eastern Atlantic population (5 year peak mean 1994/95 - 1998/99)

Contemporary data and information on waterbird trends at this site and their regional (sub-national) and national contexts can be found in the Wetland Bird Survey report, which is updated annually. See www.bto.org/survey/webs/webs-alerts-index.htm. Details of bird species occurring at levels of National importance are given in Section 22 15. Biogeography (required when Criteria 1 and/or 3 and /or certain applications of Criterion 2 are

applied to the designation): Name the relevant biogeographic region that includes the Ramsar site, and identify the biogeographic regionalisation system that has been applied.






16. Physical features of the site: Describe, as appropriate, the geology, geomorphology; origins - natural or artificial; hydrology; soil type; water quality; water depth, water permanence; fluctuations in water level; tidal variations; downstream area; general climate, etc. Soil & geology alluvium, clay, mud, neutral, sand, sandstone, sedimentary,

shingle Geomorphology and landscape cliffs, coastal, estuary, intertidal rock, intertidal sediments

(including sandflat/mudflat), island, lagoon, lowland, shingle bar, subtidal sediments (including sandbank/mudbank)

Nutrient status mesotrophic pH circumneutral Salinity brackish / mixosaline, saline / euhaline Soil mainly mineral, mainly organic Water permanence usually permanent Summary of main climatic features Annual averages (Blackpool, 1971–2000)

(www.metoffice.com/climate/uk/averages/19712000/sites/blackpool.html)

Max. daily temperature: 12.9° C Min. daily temperature: 6.4° C Days of air frost: 40.3 Rainfall: 871.3 mm Hrs. of sunshine: 1540.3

17. Physical features of the catchment area: Describe the surface area, general geology and geomorphological features, general soil types, general land use, and climate (including climate type).

The River Dee is 110 km long, rising in Snowdonia, Wales, and has a total catchment area above Chester Weir of approximately 1800 km². Major reservoirs in the catchment include Bala Lake/Llyn Tegid; Llyn Brenig; Llyn Celyn; Llyn Alwen. The River Dee has a number of tributaries including the Afon Tryweryn, Afon Alwen, Afon Ceiriog and Afon Alyn. From Bala Lake, the path of the river trends generally east-south-east until it turns sharply northwards before meandering to Chester. One of the major tributaries of the Dee, the Afon Alyn, crosses carboniferous limestone with numerous sink-holes, and during the summer months long stretches of the river bed run dry. Below Chester, the river flows along a canalised artificial channel for 8 km before entering the estuary. A significant part of this lost flow re-emerges on the west bank of the Dee estuary from an artificial tunnel originally constructed to drain metal mines on Halkyn Mountain.

18. Hydrological values: Describe the functions and values of the wetland in groundwater recharge, flood control, sediment trapping, shoreline stabilization, etc.

Shoreline stabilisation and dissipation of erosive forces, Sediment trapping, Other, Water supply 19. Wetland types:

Marine/coastal wetland

Code Name % Area G Tidal flats 63.9 H Salt marshes 17.9 F Estuarine waters 12.8 D Rocky shores 0.2 E Sand / shingle shores (including dune systems) 0.6 J Coastal brackish / saline lagoons 0.0




Total Habitat Cover 95.4

Inland Wetlands Code Name % Area

O Permanent freshwater lakes 0.2 Tp Permanent freshwater marshes/pools 0.5 W Shrub-dominated wetlands 0.2 Total Habitat Cover 0.9

Human-made Wetlands

Code Name % Area 4 Seasonally flooded agricultural land 3.5 7 Excavations 0.2 Total Habitat Cover 3.7

b) dominance: List the wetland types identified in a) above in order of their dominance (by area) in the Ramsar site, starting with the wetland type with the largest area. G, H, F, 4, E, Tp, D/O/W/7 20. General ecological features: Provide further description, as appropriate, of the main habitats, vegetation types, plant and animal communities present in the Ramsar site, and the ecosystem services of the site and the benefits derived from them. The Dee estuary contains extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats with large areas of saltmarsh at its head and along part of its north-eastern shore. The saltmarsh vegetation exhibits a complete succession from early pioneer vegetation colonising intertidal flats through lower, middle and upper saltmarsh types to brackish and freshwater transitions at the top of the shore. Although land-claim has led to a loss of many of these natural transitions, there are still a number of areas, particularly on the English shoreline, where transition to swamp vegetation still occurs. These are dominated usually by common reed Phragmites australis and sea club-rush Bolboschoenus maritimus. Uncommon saltmarsh species include saltmarsh flat-sedge, Blysmus rufus, a species close to its southern limit in North Wales together with the nationally scarce species, slender hare’s-ear, Bupleurum tenuissimum, at its northern British limit of occurrence at the head of the estuary in Wales.

The extensive intertidal mudflats and sandflats of the Dee Estuary form the fifth-largest area within an estuary in the UK and contain many invertebrates, including worms, bivalves (e.g. cockles Cerastoderma sp.) and amphipods. Much of the upper part of the estuary consists of muddy fine sand dominated by Hediste diversicolor and Macoma balthica. The sediment flats in the outer estuary also have fine muddy sands but here they are dominated by Cerastoderma edule and Arenicola marina. Where water movement is greater the sediments tend to be coarser and sandier, with Nephtys sp. and Bathyporeia sp. It also supports some nationally scarce biotopes including honeycomb worm reefs, Sabellaria alveolata around Hilbre Island and piddock beds (Barnea candida) on Holocene clay banks within the estuary. These invertebrates provide an abundant food source for fish and are of particular importance for waterbirds, with over 120,000 birds overwintering on the estuary.

The saltmarshes themselves support a variety of vegetation communities characteristic of estuaries in northern and western Britain. Part of the estuary is dominated by the non-native common cordgrass Spartina anglica although its extent is much less than formerly. Its current extent reflects the fact that the estuary continues to accrete following historical land-claim. Species such as glasswort Salicornia sp. and annual seablite Suaeda maritima are also present in large amounts. Much of the saltmarsh remains ungrazed and this has allowed extensive stands of species intolerant of grazing, such as sea purslane Atriplex portulacoides, to develop.




The subtidal zone of the Dee is believed to provide an important breeding, sheltering and nursery area for coastal fish species. The Dee Estuary also supports a number of migratory fish species including river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis; sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; Atlantic salmon, Salmo salmar; sea trout, S. trutta; twaite shad, Alosa fallax; smelt, Osmerus eperlanus and eels, Anguilla anguilla.

The three sandstone islands which comprise the Hilbre complex, represent the only natural hard rock coast within the estuary. The coastal cliffs and maritime heathland and grassland on the plateau areas above the cliffs represent the only regional examples of these vegetative types. The sheltered eastern cliffs of Hilbre support common scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis and sea campion Silene uniflora. The nationally scarce rock sea-lavender Limonium britannicum occurs, together with the regionally scarce sea spleenwort fern Asplenium marinum.

The sand dune system between the Point of Ayr and Prestatyn supports a range of dune habitats and typical flora and faunal species. This system is the largest remaining areas of a once extensive dune system to be found along the north east coast of Wales. A number of nationally rare species occur including Portland spurge Euphorbia portlandica; dune fescue, Vulpia membranacea; white horehound, Marrubium vulgare and seaside centaury, Centaurium littorale. Within the dune slacks the rare liverwort, petalwort, Petalophyllum ralfsii occurs. Many nationally scarce invertebrates including a number of Red Data Book species such as the sandhill rustic moth, Luperina nickerlii gueneei, the sand wasp, Podalonia affinis, and the mining bee, Colletes cunicularis also occur. The natterjack toad, Epidalea calamita and sand lizard, Lacerta agilis have been successfully reintroduced to this system, where they historically occurred. Natterjack toads have also been successfully reintroduced to the smaller dune system at Red Rocks, where they became locally extinct in the early 1990’s. The Dee Estuary forms part of the complex of estuaries, which provide habitats for migratory waterbirds along the shores of Liverpool Bay, which in turn form part of the chain of such sites along the western coast of the UK. The relatively mild winter weather conditions found here compared to continental Europe can be of additional importance to the survival of wintering waterbirds during periods of severe weather. The Dee Estuary ranks amongst the top ten British estuaries for the size of its wintering waterbird population (Musgrove et. al., 2001). Outside of this period, the Dee Estuary is also of particular importance as a staging area for migratory waterbirds/seabirds on autumn and spring passages. It lies on the East Atlantic Flyway route. The Dee Estuary also supports populations of the breeding seabirds, little tern, Sterna albifrons and common tern, Sterna hirundo and is used by a number of different tern species on passage. Sandwich tern, Sterna sandvicensis occurs in important numbers at this time 21. Noteworthy flora: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 12. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g. which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS.

Nationally important species occurring on the site.

Higher Plants. Rock Sea - lavender / Limonium britannicum subspecies celticum (endemic) Portland Spurge / Euphorbia portlandica One-glume Fescue / Vulpia membranacea Seaside Centaury / Centaurium littorale Variegated Horsetail / Equisetum variegatum Slender Hare’s Ear / Bupleurum tenuissimum White or Common Horehound / Marrubium vulgare b. Lower Plants




Petalwort / Petalophyllum ralfsii Other species (invasive and/or non-native species) Common cord-grass / Spartina anglica Common sea-buckthorn / Hippophae rhamnoides Rugosa rose, Japanese rose, or Ramanas rose / Rosa rugosa Traveller’s Joy / Clematis vitalba 22. Noteworthy fauna: Provide additional information on particular species and why they are noteworthy (expanding as necessary on information provided in 12. Justification for the application of the Criteria) indicating, e.g. which species/communities are unique, rare, endangered or biogeographically important, etc., including count data. Do not include here taxonomic lists of species present – these may be supplied as supplementary information to the RIS. Birds Species currently occurring at levels of national importance:

Species with peak counts in summer:

Little tern, Sterna albifrons E Atlantic

69 pairs breeding, 2.9% of the GB population

(5 year peak mean 1995-1999)

Common tern, Sterna hirundo N/E Europe

392 pairs breeding, 3.2% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1995-1999)

Sandwich tern, Sterna sandvicensis W Europe/W Africa

957 individuals on passage, representing an average of 2.3% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1995-1999)

Redshank, Tringa totanus about 200 pairs breeding. Regionally important population not reaching 1% national threshold but included on JNCC advice

Species with peak counts in spring/autumn: Ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula 272 individuals, representing an average of 0.9 %


Species with peak counts in winter: Wigeon, Anas penelope, NW Europe 4526 individuals, representing an average of 1.6%


Sanderling, Calidris alba, E Atlantic 502 individuals, representing an average of 2.2% of the GB population (5 year peak mean 1994/5-1998/9)

Cormorant , Phalacrocorax carbo carbo, NW Europe


Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus, NW Europe


Species Information Birds

Birds Directive Annex 1 species which occur in less than 1% of the GB population include-




Leach’s petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa; Little egret Egretta garzetta; Bewick’s swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii; Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus; Smew Mergellus albellus; Hen harrier Circus cyaneus; Merlin Falco columbarius; Peregrine Falco peregrinus; Golden plover Pluvialis apricaria; Ruff Philomachus pugnax; Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola; Short-eared owl Asio flammeus and Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Other faunal information 1. Invertebrates including- (a) terrestrial- the following Red Data Book species occur- sandhill rustic moth Luperina nickerlii gueneei; sand wasp, Podalonia affinis and the mining bee, Colletes cunicularis (b) marine- thumbnail crab, Thia scutellata; honeycomb worm, Sabellaria alveolata; white piddocks, Barnea candida 2. Fish including River lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis; Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus (Habitats Directive Annex I species) 3. Mammals including Grey seal Halichoerus grypus (Habitats Directive Annex II, Annex IV species (S1364))

4. Reptiles including sand lizard Lacerta agilis (Habitats Directive Annex IV species)

Other species (invasive and/or non-native species) Mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

23. Social and cultural values: Describe if the site has any general social and/or cultural values e.g. fisheries production, forestry, religious importance, archaeological sites, social relations with the wetland, etc. Distinguish between historical/archaeological/religious significance and current socio-economic values.

Aesthetic Aquatic vegetation (e.g. reeds, willows, seaweed) Environmental education/ interpretation Fisheries production Livestock grazing Non-consumptive recreation Scientific research Sport fishing Sport hunting Tourism Transportation/navigation

b) Is the site considered of international importance for holding, in addition to relevant ecological values, examples of significant cultural values, whether material or non-material, linked to its origin, conservation and/or ecological functioning? No If Yes, describe this importance under one or more of the following categories: i) sites which provide a model of wetland wise use, demonstrating the application of traditional



influenced the ecological character of the wetland:




iii) sites where the ecological character of the wetland depends on the interaction with local

communities or indigenous peoples:

iv) sites where relevant non-material values such as sacred sites are present and their existence is strongly linked with the maintenance of the ecological character of the wetland:


Ownership category On-site Off-site Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

+ +

Local authority, municipality etc. + + National/Crown Estate (EAW) + + Private + +

25. Current land (including water) use:

Activity On-site Off-site Nature conservation + + Tourism + + Recreation + + Current scientific research + + Fishing: commercial + + Fishing: recreational/sport + + Gathering of shellfish + + Bait collection + + Arable agriculture (unspecified) + + Grazing (unspecified) + + Permanent pastoral agriculture + + Hay meadows + Hunting: recreational/sport + + Industrial water supply + + Industry + + Sewage treatment/disposal + + Harbour/port + + Flood control + + Mineral exploration (excl. hydrocarbons)

+

Oil/gas production + Transport route + Urban development + Non-urbanised settlements + Military activities + +




26. Factors (past, present or potential) adversely affecting the site’s ecological character, including changes in land (including water) use and development projects:

Explanation of reporting category: 1. Those factors that are still operating, but it is unclear if they are under control, as there is a lag in showing the

management or regulatory regime to be successful. 2. Those factors that are not currently being managed, or where the regulatory regime appears to have been ineffective so

far.



Rep

ortin

g C

ateg

ory Description of the problem (Newly reported Factors only)

On-

Site

Off

-Site

Maj

or Im

pact

?

Introduction/invasion of exotic animal species

2 The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis is an invasive non native species that was found in the Dee Estuary by the Environment Agency in 2006. The crab burrows into river and estuary banks and can cause severe erosion. It has been found upstream in the fluvial sections of the River Dee above Chester Weir too.

+ + +

Introduction/invasion of non-native plant species

1 A programme of control including alien/alien woody species is currently underway within the Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI. This will require ongoing work for a number of years yet

+ + +

Overfishing 2 Review of existing fisheries byelaws excluding cockle fishery

+ + +

Pollution – industrial waste

1 Contaminated land sites around the estuary + + +

General disturbance from human activities

1 Dune systems are susceptible to destabilisation if not subject to active management to control recreational pressures from visitors and their activities

+ + +

Transport infrastructure development

2 1. Port of Mostyn 2. Coastal path (foot/cycle)

+ + +

Sand dune erosion and accretion along the North Wales open coast

2 Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren + + +




For category 2 factors only. What measures have been taken / are planned / regulatory processes invoked, to mitigate the effect of these factors? Introduction/invasion of exotic animal species. As yet no plan has been put in place. Data collation is underway through casual sightings but ideally a full scale investigation needs to occur to ascertain how widespread the species is. Over fishing Now that the Dee Cockle Regulating Order is in place, the cockle fishery should be managed in a more sustainable manner. However there is a need to review the other sea fisheries byelaws on the Dee Estuary. The Sea Fisheries Committee on the Dee Estuary was the Environment Agency Wales, who have discussed their proposed byelaw revisions with various fishing and conservation groups and had proposed to formally consult on them. This is particularly important for various fish species as there is no minimum landing size stipulated in the byelaws which could be exploited both to the detriment of the fish stocks themselves and those animals feeding on them. Additionally spawning areas need to be excluded from all fishing effort particularly in the canalised sections of the River Dee, upstream of the estuary. However the passage of the Marine Bill through the UK Parliament has stalled this process for the moment. Transport Infrastructure Development 1. Port of Mostyn

a. Inshore Channel Dredging within the Dee Estuary

In March 2010 consent was given for maintenance of the navigable channel to the dock for three years to a depth of –4m below Chart Datum (CD) with disposal of dredgings within the estuary at Mostyn Deep to an agreed disposal pattern. This is subject to an agreed monitoring package with an annual review of the findings prepared by the Port and is subject to independent scrutiny by consultants employed by the regulators involved. This depth of dredging was agreed would not cause significant adverse impact on the estuary The application for the dredge to –4m CD, was subject to detailed Environmental Impact Assessment .

b. Offshore Channel dredging

The Port have indicated previously that they might wish to further deepen the offshore channel along the North Wales coast at some time in the future.

c. Harbour Revision Orders (HRO)

The Port of Mostyn have proposed a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) which would extend their statutory harbour area over a larger area of the estuary than currently and it would include the main shipping channel to the port from offshore at Rhyl too. This will, if approved, give them permitted development powers in respect of their core business over this area. The EAW who are currently responsible for navigation matters on the Dee Estuary have also submitted a HRO covering the whole area of the Dee Estuary over which they are currently responsible. The HROs overlap in part particularly in relation to the Inshore Channel to the Port/Mostyn Deep disposal area. The two HROs were subject to scrutiny at the same public inquiry in November 2005. The result is still awaited. d. New developments a. Port of Mostyn, Mostyn, Holywell- Application for a construction license for the modification of an




existing berth (No 1). Food and Environmental Protection Act 1985 Part 2 CCW were consulted on 23rd December 2009, on this application and initially objected to it in our letter of 2 February 2010. The proposal involved the infilling of inter and subtidal land between the existing Mostyn breakwater and the mooring dolphins used currently by Ro-Ro vessels engaged in transshipping the A380 wings from Mostyn to Toulouse. The Port of Mostyn argued that they would need additional quay space to accommodate the number of vessels which would be engaged in construction work in connection with the Gwynt y Mor windfarm. The proposal would involve the loss of 0.43 hectares of inter-tidal and 0.54 hectares of sub-tidal land, a total of 0.97ha. Much of the intertidal land comprised areas of slag waste from historic disposal from Mostyn ironworks and only a comparatively small area was actually inter-tidal mud and sandflats (0.12ha). It would also involve removing 50,000 cubic metres of sand from the estuary to infill the area of intertidal land required for the development. This sand would be derived from areas already consented for existing dredging of the navigation channel. Apart from the direct loss of habitat, there was concern raised about possible disturbance to birds particularly redshank roosting on the breakwater in the vicinity of the development as well the small loss of intertidal habitat. Whilst the Port offered some mitigation to address possible impacts on bird populations in the vicinity of the development including screening, CCW requested additional mitigation measures including the provision of an additional, or much improved area suitable for bird roosting. Subsequently CCW wrote on 27 May 2010 to Welsh Government with our advice on the mitigation proposals set out in the letter of 19 May 2010 from ABPMer, which supplements and in part replaces the mitigations described in the earlier options report. We concluded that CCW would remove its objection once it had seen a draft consent that confirms that various conditions necessary to safeguard the Ramsar site, had been included. Approval for the development was subsequently given, although it has not yet been implemented. Subsequently an area suitable for bird roosting was constructed on land owned by the Port away from the development site. This is correct at time of writing, June 2012. b. Port of Mostyn. Marine Licence Consultation Proposed Pontoon for Wind Farm Service Vessels. Applicants RWEnPower but within Port of Mostyn’s Statutory Harbour Area On 22 February 2012, CCW responded to a consultation for marine licensing from Welsh Government under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 for a pontoon at the Port of Mostyn to service maintenance vessels engaged in wind-farm work. The application was made by RWEnPower. It included an Environmental Statement (ES) as it was deemed to fall under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 (As amended) under Annex II (10) (e) – ‘Construction of roads, harbours and port installations, including fishing harbours (projects not included in Annex 1)’. The application would result in the construction of a floating pontoon with walkways to land and would involve the installation of several piles to maintain the structure in situ. The piles would be situated mainly in subtidal areas, although some would be on intertidal land. The overall landtake within the site was small and the impact on coastal process was minimal. The structure would be removed at cessation of its use. The main concern relating to this development was to a nearby high tide bird roost principally of redshank, a specific feature of the site and whether the development would cause their displacement or disturbance. CCW have not objected to the proposal provided that various recommendations are implemented. A decision on this is still pending. This is correct at time of writing, June 2012.

2. Coastal path

In Wales there has been a proposal for a Dee coastal footpath along the whole length of the Welsh shoreline from




Chester to Gronant prior to recent government announcements about a coastal footpath for Wales and coastal access in England. This was the subject of considerable debate between various interested parties in the 1990’s and a number of potential problem areas were identified. These mainly related to locations of roosting bird populations at high tide along the Welsh Dee coast, although some sections of that path did cross habitats of interest too. This route was not progressed at the time as monies were not forthcoming. The route is now being progressed again following Government announcements and funding. Sections of route are being implemented in a piecemeal fashion. This piecemeal approach makes consideration of the overall impact of any route on the Ramsar site difficult.

In addition to the coastal path there is a further proposal for a coastal cyclepath following the whole of the Welsh coastline as above. As with the coastal footpath this is being developed in a piecemeal fashion.

The implications of coastal access in England are currently unclear.

Sand dune erosion and accretion along the North Wales open coast The Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren sand dune system shows signs of both accretion and erosion. Erosion caused by terminal scour impacts of adjacent hard defences at the extreme western end of this system at Prestatyn has been rectified by beach nourishment with rock armour and shingle placed on the beach. Parts of the system to the west of the Prestatyn Gutter outfall onto the beach have been actively accreting such that new shingle bars forming to seaward of the dunes have developed new dune habitat, as sand has accreted on them. Further east however around Point of Ayr Lighthouse the dunes have regressed landward. A beach nourishment trial scheme with sand has slowed this regression in recent years and further nourishment schemes should be considered if suitable material is available. If this system is to remain and not retreat it is essential that longshore drift along the coast from west to east is not interfered with by coastal defences to the west, by aggregate sand extraction or by offshore developments including channel dredging and windfarms. The second Shoreline Management Plan for cell 11a from the Great Orme to Southport currently being written needs to fully ensure that coastal processes are allowed to continue thereby maintaining the beaches and dunes. The dunes also need to be managed to ensure that they are not further threatened by recreational usage

Is the site subject to adverse ecological change? YES

27. Conservation measures taken: List national category and legal status of protected areas, including boundary relationships with the Ramsar site; management practices; whether an officially approved management plan exists and whether it is being implemented. Conservation measure On-site Off-site Site/ Area of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI/ASSI)

+ +

Ramsar site + + Special Protection Area (SPA) + + Special Area of Conservation (SAC) + Local Nature Reserve (LNR) + Land owned by a non-governmental organisation for nature conservation

+ +

Other + + Management plan in preparation + +

b) Describe any other current management practices:




The management of the site is determined by a formal management plan and through other management planning processes, overseen by the statutory conservation agencies, Natural England (NE) and Countryside Council for Wales. There are various management plans covering parts of the Dee Estuary Ramsar site which are reviewed periodically, approximately at five yearly intervals. In addition the site encompasses local nature reserves/nature reserves and there are management agreements with various parties. The major land owners include RSPB, MOD, Wirral Unitary Authority and the Environment Agency Wales, who manage the areas in their ownership sympathetically. The Regulation 33 Management Plan is available on CCW & NE’s websites (see below). Although the plan requires updating from Regulation 33, to Regulation 35 under the 2010 Habitats Regulations, the management plan measures remain relevant. The plan encompasses the Ramsar, SPA and SAC sites which overlap in this area, and in terms of the Ramsar features includes all those supported below Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT). Draft objectives are in place for those site features supported above HAT (e.g. Natterjack Toad) and these should be formalised in 2012. The combination of measures ensures the majority of the site is managed sympathetically. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ http://www.ccw.gov.uk/ 28. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: e.g. management plan in preparation; official proposal as a legally protected area, etc. See point 26 29. Current scientific research and facilities: e.g. details of current research projects, including biodiversity monitoring; existence of a field research station, etc.

Fauna. Numbers of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are monitored at high tide monthly throughout the year and the results are reported as part of the national Wetland Birds Survey (WeBS) organised by the British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Low-tide counts of migratory and wintering wildfowl and waders are also undertaken periodically. Bird ringing: On site on Hilbre Island; common terns are ringed within the Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds SSSI at Shotton Steelworks; the little terns are ringed at Gronant Dunes Survey work carried out by a group of regulators including CCW, Environment Agency Wales (EAW) and the Port of Mostyn on the impacts of dredging around the port and environs are ongoing. They include regular bathymetric surveys of the sandbanks around the dredged area, infaunal transect surveys and a survey of a nationally important marine community (Piddocks (boring bivalves) in Clay) on the outer Salisbury bank. The EAW are carrying out intertidal surveys to fulfil the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. As part of their Cockle Regulation Order, EAW undertake cockle stock assessments on at least an annual basis to determine whether the beds should be opened to the fishermen who have permits under the Cockle Regulation Order. The stock assessment takes account of the recommendations made following previous work on 'Modelling Oystercatchers and their Food on the Dee Estuary' A biotope mapping survey of the Dee Estuary has been carried out by CCW (2002) on the Welsh side and NE (2005) on the English side.




Regular surveys of a number important species occur including natterjack toad; sand lizard; sandhill rustic moth; mining bees; Other animals The populations of natterjack toad and sand lizard are monitored annually by the local rangers, the local amphibian and reptile group and other volunteers. Flora. Regular surveys of scarce species occur including petalwort 30. Current communications, education and public awareness (CEPA) activities related to or benefiting the site: e.g. visitor centre, observation hides and nature trails, information booklets, facilities for school visits, etc. Both public sector and non-governmental organisations are involved in interpretation and education. An educational CD-ROM has been prepared for use of primary schools around the Dee estuary both in England and Wales (approximately 200 schools). This has been a joint/partnership initiative led by the Dee Estuary Strategy (Estuarine Initiative). A booklet titled 'The Dee Estuary' provides a general introduction to the site's ecological processes. This booklet was distributed to all primary and secondary schools around the estuary both in England and Wales. 31. Current recreation and tourism: State if the wetland is used for recreation/tourism; indicate type(s) and their frequency/intensity. The Dee Estuary is used extensively for both tourism and recreation, e.g. windsurfing, kitesurfing*, sand-yachting*, sailing. (* restricted to outside the overwintering bird season) General public access Coastal cycle route on Welsh side likely to be linked up to Wirral side in future. Jet-skiing Water-skiing Wildfowling (restricted to parts of the estuary) 32. Jurisdiction: Include territorial, e.g. state/region, and functional/sectoral, e.g. Dept. of Agriculture/Dept. of Environment, etc. International Protected Areas Team, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Zone 1/16,

Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN Head of Marine Branch, Department for Environment and Sustainability, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathay’s Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ 33. Management authority: Provide the name and address of the local office(s) of the agency(ies) or organisation(s) directly responsible for managing the wetland. Wherever possible provide also the title and/or name of the person or persons in this office with responsibility for the wetland. Site Designations Manager, Natural England, 1 East Parade, Sheffield, S1 2ET, UK / Site Safeguard

Officer, International Designations, Countryside Council for Wales, Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW




34. Bibliographical references: Scientific/technical references only. If biogeographic regionalisation scheme applied (see 15 above), list full reference citation for the scheme.

Site-relevant references Bamber, R. N., Evans, N. J., Sanderson, W. & Whittall, A. 2001. Survey of potential coastal saline lagoons and pools in Wales, December 1998. Bangor: Countryside Council for Wales Contract Science Report No. 377; 70 pp. Bamber, R. N., Evans, N. J., Sanderson, W. & Whittall, A. 2001. Coastal saline lagoons and pools in Wales: review and proposals. Bangor: Countryside Council for Wales Contract Science Report No. 464; 69 pp. Barne, JH, Robson, CF, Kaznowska, SS, Doody, JP & Davidson, NC (eds.) (1996) Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom.

Region 13. Northern Irish Sea: Colwyn Bay to Stranraer, including the Isle of Man. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coastal Directories Series.)



Buxton, NE (1978) The Dee estuary water storage scheme feasiblity study. Vol. 4. A bibliography of ecological work on the Dee estuary. Central Water Planning Unit, Reading

Countryside Council for Wales (1993) Welsh estuaries review. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor Countryside Council for Wales (2004) CCW Phase I Intertidal Survey dataset (unpublished) Countryside Council for Wales and Natural England (2010). The Dee Estuary European Marine Site Covey, R (1998) Marine Nature Conservation Review Sector 11. Liverpool Bay and the Solway Firth: area summaries. Joint

Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (Coasts and seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series) Craggs, JD (ed.) (1982) Hilbre, the Cheshire island: its history and natural history. Liverpool University Press, Liverpool Cranswick, PA, Waters, RJ, Musgrove, AJ & Pollitt, MS (1997) The Wetland Bird Survey 1995–96: wildfowl and wader

counts. British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds & Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Slimbridge

Dargie, T (2001) NVC survey of saltmarsh and other habitats in the Dee and Clwyd estuaries 2000. CCW Contract Science Report, No. 450

Dee Estuary Conservation Group (1976) The Dee estuary: a surviving wilderness. Dee Estuary Conservation Group Dee Estuary Conservation Group (1996) The Dee estuary. Dee Estuary Conservation Group George, N (1999) Liverpool Bay coastal natural area. A nature conservation profile. English Nature, Peterborough Gouldstone, A (1994) Survey of coastal fields adjacent to the Welsh shore of the Dee estuary winter 1993/4. Royal Society

for the Protection of Birds Henderson Ecological Consultants (1998) Winter and autumn passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Flintshire: annual

report 1996/97. Henderson Ecological Consultants, H-100-BR-186 Henderson Ecological Consultants (1999) Winter and autumn passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Flintshire: annual

report 1997/98. Henderson Ecological Consultants, H-100-BR-189 Henderson Ecological Consultants, (2000) Winter and autumn passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Flintshire: annual

report 1998/99. Henderson Ecological Consultants, H-100-BR-203 Huddart, D & Glasser, NF (2002) Quaternary of northern England. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough

(Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 25) Jemmett, A (1996) The Dee Estuary Strategy final report: January 1996: a management strategy to safeguard the future of

the Dee estuary. Metropolitan Borough of Wirral, Birkenhead Jones, PS, Stevens, DP, Blackstock, TH, Burrows, CR & Howe, EA (eds.) (2003) Priority habitats of Wales: a technical

guide. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999a) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to

Formby Point. Data Collation Report. Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999b) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to

Formby Point. Plan Document. Liverpool Bay Coastal Group (1999c) Liverpool Bay Shoreline Management Plan Sub-Cell 11a: Great Ormes Head to

Formby Point. Context Report. McFarland, V, Barnacal, B & Craggs, J (1983) Hilbre, the island in a wilderness. Birds, wildlife and history. Deeside

Publications, Heswall McLeod, CR, Yeo, M, Brown, AE, Burn, AJ, Hopkins, JJ & Way, SF (eds.) (2004) The Habitats Directive: selection of

Special Areas of Conservation in the UK. 2nd edn. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. www.jncc.gov.uk/SACselection

Mills, DJL (1998) Chapter 11. Liverpool Bay to the Solway (Rhôs-on-Sea to the Mull of Galloway) (MNCR Sector 11). In: Benthic marine ecosystems of Great Britain and the north-east Atlantic, ed. by K. Hiscock, 315-338. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough. (Coasts and Seas of the United Kingdom. MNCR series)






Nature Conservancy Council (1978) Dee estuary research review. Nature Conservancy Council (Internal Report, No. NC.157.D)

Nicholas Pearson Associates (1992) Use of inland field by waders in the non-breeding season at Point of Ayr, Clwyd. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-108

Nicholas Pearson Associates (1993) Baseline ecological studies, ornithology: winter and autumn passage bird populations at Point of Ayr, Clwyd in the context of the Dee estuary. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-159

Nicholas Pearson Associates (1994) Autumn and winter passage bird population at Point of Ayr, Clwyd: annual report, terminal construction Phase 1993/94. Nicholas Pearson Associates, H-100-BR-167



Ramsar Convention Bureau (1994) Ramsar Advisory Missions: Report No. 34, Dee Estuary, United Kingdom (1994). Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland. www.ramsar.org/ram/ram_rpt_34e.htm

Ramsar Convention Bureau (1995) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar, 1971): monitoring procedure, Dee estuary, United Kingdom: final report June 1995. Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland

Ratcliffe, DA (ed.) (1977) A Nature Conservation Review. The selection of biological sites of national importance to nature conservation in Britain. Cambridge University Press (for the Natural Environment Research Council and the Nature Conservancy Council), Cambridge (2 vols.)

Rice, KA & Putwain, PD (1987) The Dee and Mersey estuaries. Environmental background. (Contractor: University of Liverpool, Environmental Advisory Unit.) Shell UK Ltd.

Shirt, DB (ed.) (1987) British Red Data Books: 2. Insects. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough Smith, R (2004) Dee Estuary Birding website. www.deeestuary.co.uk [includes incorporated websites of other bodies] Stroud, DA, Chambers, D, Cook, S, Buxton, N, Fraser, B, Clement, P, Lewis, P, McLean, I, Baker, H & Whitehead, S (eds.)

(2001) The UK SPA network: its scope and content. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough (3 vols.) www.jncc.gov.uk/UKSPA/default.htm


Tucker, GM & Heath, MF (1994) Birds in Europe: their conservation status. BirdLife International, Cambridge (BirdLife Conservation Series, No. 3)


West, AD & McGrorty, S (2003) Modelling oystercatchers and their food on the Dee estuary, Traeth Lafan and Burry Inlet SPA to inform target setting and site management – Phase 1. Countryside Council for Wales, Bangor (Marine Monitoring Project, No. 3)


UK SPA data form

Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl Standard Natura 2000 Data Form Produced by JNCC, 17/08/10

Page 1 of 3

NATURA 2000 STANDARD DATA FORM

FOR SPECIAL PROTECTION AREAS (SPA) FOR SITES ELIGIBLE FOR IDENTIFICATION AS SITES OF COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE (SCI)

AND FOR SPECIAL AREAS OF CONSERVATION (SAC)

1. Site identification: 1.1 Type J 1.2 Site code UK9020294

1.3 Compilation date 201008 1.4 Update

1.5 Relationship with other Natura 2000 sites

U K 0 0 3 0 3 7 6 1.6 Respondent(s) International Designations, JNCC, Peterborough

1.7 Site name Liverpool Bay / Bae Lerpwl

1.8 Site indication and designation classification dates date site proposed as eligible as SCI date confirmed as SCI date site classified as SPA 201008 date site designated as SAC

2. Site location: 2.1 Site centre location longitude latitude 03 12 34 W 53 36 10 N

2.2 Site area (ha) 170292.94 2.3 Site length (km)

2.5 Administrative region

NUTS code Region name % cover

0 Marine 99.9% UKL13 Conwy and Denbighshire 0.1%

2.6 Biogeographic region

X Alpine Atlantic Boreal Continental Macaronesia Mediterranean

3. Ecological information:

3.1 Annex I habitats Habitat types present on the site and the site assessment for them:

Annex I habitat % cover Representativity

Relative surface

Conservation status

Global assessment

UK SPA data form


Page 2 of 3

3.2 Annex I birds and regularly occurring migratory birds not listed on Annex I Population Site assessment

Resident Migratory

Code Species name Breed Winter Stage Population Conservation Isolation Global A001 Gavia stellata 922 I C C A065 Melanitta nigra 54675 I C C

4. Site description:

4.1 General site character

Habitat classes % cover Marine areas. Sea inlets 100.0Tidal rivers. Estuaries. Mud flats. Sand flats. Lagoons (including saltwork basins) Salt marshes. Salt pastures. Salt steppes Coastal sand dunes. Sand beaches. Machair Shingle. Sea cliffs. Islets Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana Dry grassland. Steppes Humid grassland. Mesophile grassland Alpine and sub-alpine grassland Improved grassland Other arable land Broad-leaved deciduous woodland Coniferous woodland Evergreen woodland Mixed woodland Non-forest areas cultivated with woody plants (including orchards, groves, vineyards, dehesas) Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice Other land (including towns, villages, roads, waste places, mines, industrial sites) Total habitat cover 100%

4.1 Other site characteristics

Soil & geology: Clay, Mud, Sand, Sandstone/mudstone, Sedimentary, Shingle

Geomorphology & landscape: Glacial sediments, Intertidal rock, Intertidal sediments (including sandflat/mudflat), Open coast (including bay), Sedimentary rocks, Subtidal sediments (including sandbank/mudbank)

4.2 Quality and importance

ARTICLE 4.1 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) Over winter the area regularly supports:

Gavia stellata (North-western Europe - wintering)

5.4% of the GB population

5 year peak mean 2001/02 - 2006/07 (nb Insufficient data recorded for period 2003/2004)

ARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC) Over winter the area regularly supports:

UK SPA data form


Page 3 of 3

Melanitta nigra (Western Siberia/Western & Northern Europe/North-western Africa)

3.4% of the population

5 year peak mean 2001/02 - 2006/07 (nb Insufficient data recorded for period 2003/2004)

ARTICLE 4.2 QUALIFICATION (79/409/EEC): AN INTERNATIONALLY IMPORTANT ASSEMBLAGE OF BIRDS

In the non-breeding season the area regularly supports: 55597 waterfowl 5 year peak mean 2001/02 - 2006/07 (nb Insufficient data recorded for period 2003/2004) Including: Gavia stellata , Melanitta nigra .

4.3 Vulnerability The site is subject to commercial fishing. The sandbanks of Liverpool Bay support the nursery and feeding grounds for many fish species. The distribution and concentrations of red-throated divers will at least partly be determined by the presence, abundance, and availability of their prey species. The site holds various fish of commercial importance, and extraction of the red-throated diver’s main fish prey, as either target and/or by-catch species, or through recreational fishing could impact the population. Entanglement in static fishing nets is an important cause of death for red-throated divers in the UK waters however the extent of this impact in Liverpool Bay is not known. Commercial and recreational fishing could directly affect both the food source and feeding grounds used by common scoters and in addition a number of ports undertake navigational dredging and disposal both in, and adjacent to, the site. Dredging for bivalves has been shown to have significant negative effects on their benthic habitat. Red throated divers and common scoters are sensitive to non physical, (noise and visual) disturbance by both commercial and recreational activities, for example disturbance by moving vessels - the larger the vessel, the greater disturbance distance expected. Aggregate extraction presents some risks of disturbance and also changes to sediment structures which may, in particular, impact on common scoter through changes to their benthic feeding grounds. However, aggregrate extraction tends to be temporary and localised and so is not anticipated that moderate and targeted extraction will present a significant risk to either of the qualifying species. Liverpool Bay is an attractive location for the off-shore renewal energy industry and there is evidence that red-throated divers and common scoters are displaced by the presence of the turbines and the associated activities of construction and maintenance vessels. A number of wind farms in the site are currently in operation, under construction or consented. There are a number of areas along the coast where marine tourism and leisure activities are common, with existing marinas and partially completed and proposed marina developments. As a result of these leisure users of the area, in combination with the whole suite of commercial activities, including those outlined above, the site is a very active boating and shipping site. However, most vessel activity is restricted to well-established areas which the birds already tend to avoid.

5. Site protection status and relation with CORINE biotopes:

5.1 Designation types at national and regional level Code % cover

UK04 (SSSI/ASSI) 0.05


DRAWINGS