Shore-based low tide counts and validation study of digital aerial survey methods at Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA)

Descriptions

Natural England is seeking a contractor to complete three tasks under this contract. Task 1) To deliver a programme of 4 (four) once monthly (November 2023 - February 2024) standardised shore-based surveys of the abundance and distribution of all waders and waterfowl within the Leven, Kent, Lune and Wyre estuaries and the South Walney & Piel Channel Flats in accordance with the current WeBS Low Tide Counts scheme methodology. Task 2) To deliver a single, ground-based survey (possibly entailing repeated counts through the day) of the abundance and distribution of all waders and waterfowl within selected low tide count sectors within XXXXX, according to a bespoke methodology set out in this RfQ, and to coincide in time with the overflight of a digital aerial survey aircraft. Task 3) To process and analyse the survey data from tasks 1 & 2. Task 4) To produce a single report, using a Natural England template and following relevant guidance (see: Natural England publishing standards for commissioned reports - NECR000) outlining all methods and results, accompanied by all relevant output files, and other specified deliverables.