| Despite Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Snipe declining in
numbers nationally, a survey in 1998 showed that populations were
still healthy in the AONB.
To gain a fuller understanding of the breeding patterns of
waders the AONB Ranger and group of volunteers started a survey in
2007, which will be completed in 2011. The survey work is
monitoring breeding waders outside of SSSI land.
Around 25 volunteers are each allocated a parcel of
land that they survey three times a year. Records are made on
bird numbers and the exact location in which they are sighted to
gain an understanding of what their preferred habitat is.
The information gathered is already being used as landowners
in the AONB enter Higher Level Stewardship Schemes. As work
progresses the data will be used to secure the populations of
wading birds in the AONB through sensitive habitat
management.
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