Skip to Content

Resource hub

The numbers of inshore waterbirds using the Greater Wash during the non-breeding season; an assessment of the area's potential for qualification as a marine SPA 2009

Abstract

The Greater Wash is known to support large numbers of inshore waterbirds over the winter period. Three existing SPAs in the area currently afford some protection to some of these species; however these areas do not extend beyond the low water mark.

This report describes analyses of data from aerial surveys of inshore waterbirds conducted in the Greater Wash area. Aerial surveys were carried out by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) in 1989 and 1991 and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) between 2003 and 2007. NCC surveys were carried out as part of Phase 3 of the NCC Seabirds at Sea project, whereas WWT surveys were commissioned in response to proposals to develop windfarms in the Greater Wash and in other areas around the UK. Numbers of divers, grebes, scoter and little gulls (Larus minutus) using the waters of the Greater Wash were analysed and assessed against guideline thresholds, to determine whether the area, or part of, it qualifies as an SPA under the EC Birds Directive.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Biota

Reference date 2009·08·01

Citation
Wilson, L.J., O’Brien, S.H., Webb, A., Reid, J.B., Cranswick, P.A., Smith, L. & Hall, C. 2009. The numbers of inshore waterbirds using the Greater Wash during the non-breeding season; an assessment of the area’s potential for qualification as a marine SPA. JNCC Report No. 393, JNCC, Peterborough.

Lineage
This report describes analyses of data from aerial surveys of inshore waterbirds conducted in the Greater Wash area.

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC publisher

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2020·05·27

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

Back to top