4.44 TAW–TORRIDGE ESTUARY

E S T U A R I N E W A T E R B I R D S A T L O W T I D E

175

4.44 TAW–TORRIDGE ESTUARY

LTC site code: CTCentre grid: SS4631JNCC estuarine review site: 4Habitat zonation: 926 ha intertidal, 498 ha subtidal, 208 ha nontidalStatutory status: Taw–Torridge SSSI, Northam Burrows SSSI, Braunton Burrows SSSIWinter waterbird interest: N/A

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Taw–Torridge Estuary is relatively isolatedwithin a long stretch of non-estuarine coast innorth Devon. The two arms of the estuary tend tosupport softer sediments than the mouth, whichis sandy with areas of shingle. The mouth is alsobacked by important dune systems on the northand south shores, at Braunton Burrows andNortham Burrows respectively. Saltmarsh hasdeveloped especially around Yelland and Penhill.Tourism is most pronounced in the summermonths but is an important factor all year.Watersports occur mostly around the mouth ofthe estuary with other leisure pursuitswidespread. Wildfowling takes place over limitedparts of the site. There is a moderate amount ofindustrial activity, mostly around the harbours.Military training also occurs at Braunton Burrowsand at Instow, including exercises on theestuarine intertidal areas themselves (T. Vickerypers. comm.).

COVERAGE AND INTERPRETATION

The Taw–Torridge Estuary was included in thescheme during the winter of 1994–95, counts beingmade in all four months. Figure 4.44.1 shows the

Figure 4.44.1: L L L L LTC sections at the TTC sections at the TTC sections at the TTC sections at the TTC sections at the Taw–Taw–Taw–Taw–Taw–Torridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuary, winter 1994-95, winter 1994-95, winter 1994-95, winter 1994-95, winter 1994-95

positions of the 19 sections counted for thesurvey.

The Taw–Torridge is not designated an SPA but iscovered by several SSSI designations. As Figure4.44.2 shows, the area covered by the LTCs closelyapproximates the area of the Taw–Torridge EstuarySSSI but near the mouth also overlaps the extentof both the Braunton Burrows SSSI and NorthamBurrows SSSI (although the majority of theselatter two SSSIs were not covered by the LTCs).The main area covered by the LTCs but notdesignated as SSSI is the Torridge upstream ofBideford Long Bridge.

Given the relative isolation of the Taw–TorridgeEstuary, there is not likely to be any interchangeon a estuarine shorelines is possible. Aselsewhere, Lapwings and Golden Plovers usingthe estuary will also be using nearby terrestrialhabitats.

WATERBIRD DISTRIBUTION

Low tide distribution maps from the winter of1994–95 are presented for total birds and totalbirds weighted by 1% threshold value (Figure4.44.3). The totals map shows that the highest


176

TOTAL WEIGHTED

overall densities occur along the Taw either sideof Penhill Point. The weighted total map drawsattention to the northern edge of NorthamBurrows and the upper reaches of the Torridge.Amongst the individual species recorded,Cormorants were widespread along the Taw butscarce on the Torridge. Oystercatchers occurredthroughout but especially around the combined

mouth of the site. Ringed Plovers also preferredthe mouth. Most Golden Plovers were foundaround Penhill Point and around Bideford. Dunlinwere widespread on the Taw but virtually ignoredthe Torridge. Curlews were found evenlythroughout.

Figure 4.44.2: LLLLLTCTCTCTCTC and and and and and SSSISSSISSSISSSISSSI boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with overlapoverlapoverlapoverlapoverlap, at the T, at the T, at the T, at the T, at the Taw–Taw–Taw–Taw–Taw–Torridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuary

Figure 4.44.3: Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Tded at the Tded at the Tded at the Tded at the Taw–Taw–Taw–Taw–Taw–Torridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuaryorridge Estuary, winter 1994–95, winter 1994–95, winter 1994–95, winter 1994–95, winter 1994–95

T A W - T O R R I D G E E S T U A R Y


177

4.45 SEVERN ESTUARY

LTC site code: BVCentre grid: ST4080JNCC estuarine review sites: 6, 7Habitat zonation: 9971 ha intertidal, 6275 ha subtidal, 623 ha nontidalStatutory status: Severn Estuary SPA (UK9015022), Severn Estuary Ramsar (7UK088)Winter waterbird interest: Bewick’s Swan, White-fronted Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall,

Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Grey Plover,Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank,Waterbird assemblage

SITE DESCRIPTION

The River Severn is the longest in Britain anddrains a large area of Wales and the Midlands.The huge tidal range at the estuary (the secondlargest tidal range in the world) means that muchof the intertidal area is composed of mobilesediments. Industrial development is widespreadaround the Severn and is perhaps most intensivearound Avonmouth, where there are major portfacilities (particularly for car importation) as wellas chemical works. Pollution in the estuary,including discharge of heavy metals, can be aproblem. In November 1999 (following the surveydescribed below), the estuarine flats formed bythe Taff and Ely, otherwise known as Cardiff Bay,were permanently inundated to create a nontidallake to act as a focal point for the area’s economicregeneration. A further large-scale developmentin recent years has been the creation of theSecond Severn Crossing between Severn Beachand Caldicot. Large parts of the estuary have arural character, however, particularly the inner

Figure 4.45.1: L L L L LTC sections at the SeverTC sections at the SeverTC sections at the SeverTC sections at the SeverTC sections at the Severn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuary, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99

stretches within Gloucestershire and along theGwent Levels.


The Severn Estuary was covered for the schemeduring the winter of 1998–99, data being returnedfor all four months. Unfortunately, coverage ofmuch of the Gloucestershire Severn andBridgwater Bay was not achieved, but most of theremaining area was covered. The sandbars in thecentre of the estuary, which could not be reached,were not thought to hold significant numbers ofbirds. Figure 4.45.1 shows the positions of the125 sections counted for the survey. Some of these(especially around Cardiff) are too small to displayadequately at this scale and for further detailsthe National Organiser should be consulted.

Figure 4.45.2 shows the overlap between LTC andSPA areas. Clearly, the major areas within theSPA but not covered by the LTCs are the innerreaches and Bridgwater Bay; efforts have been


178

made in subsequent years to improve coverage ofthese areas. Within the main area where coveragewas achieved, there were gaps south of BreanDown, north of Sand Point, between Clevedon andPortishead (although few birds are likely alongthis stretch, H. Rose pers. comm.) and south ofCardiff on the Welsh shore. There were also somedifferences around Avonmouth and the river Avon.The boundaries of the Ramsar site are entirelycoincident with those of the SPA.

Owing to the size of the site, most bird move-ments take place within the estuary and it isunlikely that interchange takes place with otherestuaries on a daily basis. However, a smallamount of dispersal is likely along the adjacentnon-estuarine coasts downstream along theBristol Channel. Dispersal inland is likely to bemore of a feature, notably to the Somerset Levels.


Low tide distribution maps from the winter of1998–99 are presented for 14 of the 17 species ofprincipal interest listed above. For clarity, smallerdots are used to display the distributions of all ofthese species. Furthermore, maps for Lapwing andDunlin are displayed at a scale of one dot repre-senting five and ten birds respectively. Additionalmaps of total birds and total birds weighted by1% threshold value are also presented (Figure4.45.3). The remaining species (Bewick’s Swan,White-fronted Goose and Gadwall) are mostlyconcentrated around the upper Severn and WWTSlimbridge, although a few Gadwall were recordedat the Axe Estuary.

The totals map suggests that, within those areascovered by the counts, the highest bird densitieswere to be found between the River Usk andCardiff, especially off Peterstone, and betweenChittening and Oldbury. The weighted totals mapadds little to the overall picture at a broad scalebut gives greater emphasis to the Axe Estuaryand the Rhymney area. The individual speciesmaps show that, within the surveyed area, fivespecies were largely confined to the Peterstoneto Rhymney shore, these being Pintail, Shoveler,Pochard, Tufted Duck and Grey Plover, althoughit is likely that if coverage had been more complete,larger numbers of the first four would have beenfound elsewhere in the SPA, notably aroundSlimbridge in the upper estuary. Both Wigeon andLapwings were more concentrated in the upperparts of the surveyed area, north of Severn Beachand the River Wye, although with smallerconcentrations elsewhere, such as at the mouthsof the Rivers Yeo and Axe. Teal and Mallardshowed similar distributions, but with largernumbers at Peterstone. Shelducks werewidespread (apart from at the aforementionedRedwick to Goldcliff stretch), as were Dunlin,Curlews and Redshanks. The highest densitiesof Dunlin also occurred off Peterstone. Black-tailed Godwits were virtually all found at the AxeEstuary and at New Passage.

Figure 4.45.2: LLLLLTCTCTCTCTC and and and and and SPSPSPSPSPAAAAA boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with overlapoverlapoverlapoverlapoverlap, at the Sever, at the Sever, at the Sever, at the Sever, at the Severn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuary

S E V E R N E S T U A R Y


179

TOTAL (1 DOT = 20 BIRDS) WEIGHTED

SHELDUCK WIGEON


Figure 4.45.3 (i): Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuary, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99


180

TEAL MALLARD

PINTAIL SHOVELER


Figure 4.45.3 (ii): Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuary, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99


181

POCHARD TUFTED DUCK

GREY PLOVER LAPWING (1 DOT = 5 BIRDS)


Figure 4.45.3 (iii): Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuary, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99


182

DUNLIN (1 DOT = 10 BIRDS) BLACK-TAILED GODWIT

CURLEW REDSHANK


Figure 4.45.3 (iv): Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severded at the Severn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuaryn Estuary, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99, winter 1998–99


183

4.46 BURRY INLET

LTC site code: DBCentre grid: SS4897JNCC estuarine review site: 13Habitat zonation: 3981 ha intertidal, 1092 ha subtidal, 1848 ha nontidalStatutory status: Burry Inlet SPA (UK9015011), Burry Inlet Ramsar (7UK054)Winter waterbird interest: Shelduck, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, Knot, Dunlin,

Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Waterbird assemblage

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Burry Inlet is the estuary of the Loughor, asmall river draining the hills to the north ofSwansea and forming a wide area of intertidalmudflats between the Gower peninsula to thesouth and the towns of Llanelli and Burry Port tothe north. There is a large area of saltmarsh alongalmost the whole of the southern shore of theestuary. The mouth of the estuary is narrowed byflanking dunes, particularly those at WhitefordPoint which demarcates the boundary of theestuary from Carmarthen Bay. The north side ofthe Burry Inlet has historically been heavily in-dustrialised but this has been much reduced inrecent years. There are extensive redevelopmentplans for this area, including extensions to theWWT’s reserve at Penclacwydd, which will almostcertainly increase public access to the area. Therehas been, in the past, a proposal for dammingthe upper estuary (above Loughor Bridge) forleisure use. Any renewal of this proposal wouldclearly have a major impact on the waterbirdsusing the site (B. Howells, M. Humphreys pers.comm.).

Figure 4.46.1: L L L L LTC sections at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97TC sections at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97TC sections at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97TC sections at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97TC sections at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97


Some counts were made at the Burry Inlet in the1993–94 winter but coverage was relatively limitedand the dataset is now limited to a further set ofcounts made during the 1996–97 winter, when datawere returned for all four months. Figure 4.46.1shows the positions of the 27 sections countedfor the survey.

Figure 4.46.2 shows that the SPA and LTCboundaries are very similar, with the majorexception that the narrower part of the estuaryupstream of the Loughor Bridge is not currentlyincluded within the SPA designation. The preciseboundary around the Pembrey Coast also differsslightly. The boundaries of the Ramsar site areentirely coincident with those of the SPA.

Most birds roosting around the Burry Inlet alsouse it for feeding, although movements within thesite clearly occur on a tidal basis. For example, alarge number of Oystercatchers which roost athigh tide between Llanrhidian and Wernffrwd moveover to feeding grounds off Llanelli (C. Peake pers.comm.). However, some of the birds roosting at


184

WEIGHTED

TOTAL

SHELDUCK

Whiteford Point could potentially be feeding along the CefnSidan Sands shore of Carmarthen Bay. Similarly, Eidersroosting on Whiteford Point probably disperse offshore intoCarmarthen Bay.


Low tide distribution maps from the winter of 1996–97 arepresented for all of the nine species of principal interestlisted above. For clarity, smaller dots are used to displaythe distributions of Wigeon, Oystercatchers and Dunlin.Additional maps of total birds and total birds weighted by1% threshold value are also presented (Figure 4.46.3).

The totals map shows that higher densities of birds werefound on the inner half of the SPA-designated part of theestuary. However, it should be noted that as the outer southsections were relatively very large it is quite possible thatdensities of some species may have been as high in partsof these sections as they were further upstream. The

Figure 4.46.2: LLLLLTCTCTCTCTC and and and and and SPSPSPSPSPAAAAA boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with overlapoverlapoverlapoverlapoverlap, at the Burry Inlet, at the Burry Inlet, at the Burry Inlet, at the Burry Inlet, at the Burry Inlet

Figure 4.46.3 (i): Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at theLow tide waterbird distributions recorded at theLow tide waterbird distributions recorded at theLow tide waterbird distributions recorded at theLow tide waterbird distributions recorded at the

Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97

B U R R Y I N L E T

weighted totals map also draws attention to the north shorebetween Llanelli and Loughor Bridge. The mid-south areaheld the highest densities of Oystercatchers, Knot andDunlin, although Oystercatchers were particularlywidespread around the site. Curlews, Shelducks and Pintailwere fairly widespread but all had clear concentrations southof Penclacwydd. Shovelers were also mostly found upstreamfrom Penclacwydd along the north shore and Black-tailedGodwits occurred over much of the inner half of the SPA.Wigeon were widespread and numerous, the highestdensities present at Penclacwydd.


185

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT

DUNLIN

WIGEON

OYSTERCATCHER

KNOT

PINTAIL

SHOVELER

CURLEW

Figure 4.46.3 (ii): Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Burry Inlet, winter 1996–97

B U R R Y I N L E T


186

4.47 CLEDDAU ESTUARY

LTC site code: DGCentre grid: SM9403JNCC estuarine review site: 15Habitat zonation: 1208 ha intertidal, 505 ha subtidal, 110 ha nontidalStatutory status: Milford Haven SSSIWinter waterbird interest: Little Grebe, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Dunlin, Curlew

SITE DESCRIPTION

The WeBS site known as the Cleddau Estuary isin reality a series of small estuaries all openinginto the sheltered waters of Milford Haven insouth-west Wales. In character, the complex issimilar to the Fal and Tamar in south-westEngland, all of these sites being drowned rivervalleys (or rias) in which mudflats and some areasof saltmarsh have later developed. The SeaEmpress oil spillage of early 1996 illustratesextremely well one of the principal threats to thearea, which is a major centre for oil transportand refining. However, both leisure and fishery-related activities are also widespread.


The Cleddau Estuary was covered by the schemeduring the 1997–98 winter, counts being receivedfor all four months. Figure 4.47.1 shows thepositions of the 60 sections (some of which wererelatively small) counted for the survey. Most ofthe main intertidal areas were covered for thescheme, although some of the interveningstretches of rocky coast, as well as the openwaters of Milford Haven, were not covered.

The Cleddau is not a designated SPA but doesoverlap with the Milford Haven SSSI, as shown

Figure 4.47.1: L L L L LTC sections at the Cleddau EstuaryTC sections at the Cleddau EstuaryTC sections at the Cleddau EstuaryTC sections at the Cleddau EstuaryTC sections at the Cleddau Estuary, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98

in Figure 4.47.2. Of the areas included in the SSSI,the major ones not covered by the LTCs were atPwllcrochan Flats and the upper reaches ofEastern Cleddau and Cresswell rivers, as well asmuch of the ‘non-estuarine’ stretches of shorelinebetween the smaller creeks. The main areacounted for the LTCs but not included in the SSSIis at Castle Pill on the east side of Milford Haventown.

Movements of estuarine waterbirds between theCleddau and other estuaries are unlikely to occuron a daily basis, given the isolation of the site.Some species (such as Lapwing and Golden Plover)are likely to use nearby nontidal habitats for apart of each day. There may be some dispersal outto the rocky shore areas outside the Milford Havencomplex and to the intervening shore that wasuncounted during the LTCs.


Low tide distribution maps from the winter of 1997–98 are presented for all of the six species ofprincipal interest listed above. For clarity, smallerdots are used to display the distributions ofWigeon, Teal and Dunlin. Additional maps of totalbirds and total birds weighted by 1% thresholdvalue are also presented (Figure 4.47.3).


187

WEIGHTEDTOTAL (1 DOT = 5 BIRDS)

SHELDUCKLITTLE GREBE

The totals map shows concentrations of birds at widelyscattered locations across the site but with the highestoverall densities at the Pembroke River and LandshippingQuay; the weighted totals map gave somewhat lessemphasis to these areas but more to others such as atSandyhaven Pill. Shelducks were mostly found at PembrokeRiver and Sprinkle Pill but were widespread elsewhere,including Angle Bay, Cosheston Pill and the Cresswell river.Wigeon were found across most of the site but especiallyat Angle Bay, west Pembroke River, Beggar’s Reach andSprinkle Pill, amongst others. Teal were much more re-

stricted to inner parts of the site, especially at SprinklePill and Millin Pill. Dunlin were found on any wider areasof mudflats throughout with the highest concentrationson Pembroke River and Cresswell River. Curlews werewidespread but notably present in Sandy Haven Pill, unlikemany other species. Little Grebes were widespread in smallnumbers but mostly on the pools at the Gann Estuary.

Figure 4.47.2: LLLLLTCTCTCTCTC and and and and and SSSISSSISSSISSSISSSI boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with overlapoverlapoverlapoverlapoverlap, at the Cleddau Estuary, at the Cleddau Estuary, at the Cleddau Estuary, at the Cleddau Estuary, at the Cleddau Estuary

C L E D D A U E S T U A R Y

Figure 4.47.3 (i): Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuary, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98


188

CURLEWDUNLIN

TEALWIGEON

C L E D D A U E S T U A R Y

Figure 4.47.3 (ii): Low tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbirLow tide waterbird distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions rd distributions recorecorecorecorecorded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuaryded at the Cleddau Estuary, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98, winter 1997–98


189

4.48 INLAND SEA

LTC site code: BICentre grid: SH3081JNCC estuarine review site: 28Habitat zonation: 368 ha intertidal, 337 ha subtidal, 20 ha nontidalStatutory status: Beddmanarch–Cymyran SSSIWinter waterbird interest: N/A

SITE DESCRIPTION

The Inland Sea lies between Anglesey and thesmaller Holy Island, and is bordered to south andnorth by two road bridges, the Four Mile Bridgeand the Stanley Embankment respectively, witha second road crossing constructed just south ofthe Stanley Embankment recently. To the northof the Stanley Embankment is the small estuaryof the Afon Alaw which empties into HolyheadBay past the sands of Traeth y Gribin. For theLTCs, the whole intertidal area from Porth Drywon the east shore and Gorsedd-y-penrhyn on thewest shore south to Four Mile Bridge was counted.The sandy creek running south from Four MileBridge to the sea at Cymyran Bay was not includedin the survey area. The shore is largely rocky, witha small area of sand dunes at the mouth of theAfon Alaw. Apart from an aluminium smelter tothe north-west of the site, there is relatively littleindustry in the area, although the port of Holyheadis nearby to the west. Recreational activities arewidespread, notably canoeing and windsurfing,and the site is also used for training by militaryand coastguard aircraft (Ivor McLean pers. comm.).


The Inland Sea was covered by the scheme duringthe 1995–96 winter only with counts made in allfour months. Figure 4.48.1 shows the positionsof the nine sections counted for the survey.

Figure 4.48.1: L L L L LTC sections at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–TC sections at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–TC sections at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–TC sections at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–TC sections at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–

9696969696

The area covered by the Inland Sea LTCs is notincluded within any SPA, although it does liewithin the Beddmanarch–Cymyran SSSI (Figure4.48.2). The SSSI, however, also includes thechannel between Holy Island and Anglesey whichlies to the south of Four Mile Bridge. This latterarea would also appear to be suitable waterbirdhabitat, so any assessment of the birds of theSSSI should take this difference into account.

Although birds may move between the site andadjacent nontidal habitats, or into more terres-trial habitats, the Inland Sea is a very isolatedsite and there are unlikely to be daily movementsbetween here and other estuaries. Interestingly,as the Inland Sea proper is bounded to north andsouth by the two road bridges, with narrowopenings for the tidal flow, the high and low tideswithin the Inland Sea are delayed by about twohours compared to those outside the road bridges.As a result, the area provides an extended periodwhen feeding opportunities are available and birdswill move around the site to take advantage ofthis (Ivor McLean pers. comm.).


Low tide distribution maps from the winter of1995–96 are presented for total birds and totalbirds weighted by 1% threshold value (Figure4.48.3).

Figure 4.48.2: LLLLLTCTCTCTCTC and and and and and SSSI SSSI SSSI SSSI SSSI boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with overlapoverlapoverlapoverlapoverlap, at, at, at, at, at

the Inland Seathe Inland Seathe Inland Seathe Inland Seathe Inland Sea


190

WEIGHTED

TOTAL

Both the totals map and the weighted totals mapsuggest a very even spread of birds around thesite. Amongst the individual species recorded,Shelducks and Ringed Plovers were found to bedistributed very evenly throughout the site.However, the small flock of Light-bellied BrentGoose (at the time the only regular wintering flockin Britain of the Canadian population, most ofwhich winter in Ireland) and Red-breastedMergansers were more restricted to the Inland

Sea itself (i.e. between the two road bridges).Dunlin occurred throughout but with clearly higherdensities at Beddmanarch Bay and near Four MileBridge. Bar-tailed Godwits were restricted to thewider flats north of the Stanley Embankment.

Figure 4.48.3: Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–96Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–96Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–96Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–96Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at the Inland Sea, winter 1995–96

I N L A N D S E A


191

4.49 LAVAN SANDS

LTC site code: CLCentre grid: SH6375JNCC estuarine review site: 31Habitat zonation: 2713 ha intertidal, 636 ha subtidal, 0 ha nontidalStatutory status: Traeth Lafan/Lavan Sands, Conwy Bay SPA (UK9013031)Winter waterbird interest: Great Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser,

Oystercatcher

SITE DESCRIPTION

Lavan Sands is an extensive intertidal area onthe south side of the Menai Strait whoseshoreline stretches from Bangor to Llanfairfechan.The intertidal flats are almost unbroken exceptfor the freshwater streams of the Afon Ogwen inthe west and the smaller Afon Aber to the east.The flats comprise muddy sediments close to theshore grading into sandier sediments further out.The area is used for recreational activities, withboating along the main channel and disturbanceof high tide roosts by walkers and dogs especiallyaround the main access points along the mainlandcoastline. A key issue in relation to the manage-ment of the site is commercial shellfishexploitation, principally cockling. There has beenhydraulic suction dredging carried out in the pastalong with periodic hand collection dependingupon stock levels (M. Howe, L. Kay pers. comm.).


Lavan Sands was counted for the scheme duringall four months of the 1995–96 winter, jointly as

Figure 4.49.1: L L L L LTC sections at Lavan Sands, winter 1995–96TC sections at Lavan Sands, winter 1995–96TC sections at Lavan Sands, winter 1995–96TC sections at Lavan Sands, winter 1995–96TC sections at Lavan Sands, winter 1995–96

part of a study being carried out by the CountrysideCouncil for Wales looking into the use of the siteby birds and the potential impact of cocklingactivities. Figure 4.49.1 shows the positions ofthe 20 sections counted for the survey. Thenorthern shore of the Strait, along the coast ofAnglesey, was not surveyed, nor was the offshorearea known as Dutchman’s Bank.

As Figure 4.49.2 shows, there is a high level ofagreement between the area covered for the LTCsand covered by the SPA boundary, the onlydifference being that the LTCs extended slightlyfurther westwards at Bangor Harbour. Neither theAnglesey shore nor the offshore Dutchman’s Bankwere included in the SPA or the LTCs.

Lavan Sands is not contiguous with any otherestuaries but intertidal habitat is to be found east,west and north of the surveyed site. Somedispersal of birds to and from the site thereforeseems likely, with colour-marking of Oystercatch-ers in the 1970s confirming that this species, atleast, does move between the site and the ConwyEstuary to the east (M. Howe pers. comm.).


192


Low tide distribution maps from the winter of1995–96 are presented for three of the four speciesof principal interest listed above. Additional mapsof total birds and total birds weighted by 1%threshold value are also presented (Figure 4.49.3).No Great Crested Grebes were recorded; thisspecies was presumably too far offshore at lowtide to see from the high water mark.

The totals map and weighted totals map are bothclearly influenced strongly by the distribution ofOystercatchers at the site. This species waswidespread but present in particularly dense con-centrations just east of the channel of the AfonAber, especially further from the shore. Most ofthe Goldeneyes and the few Red-breastedMergansers recorded at low tide were present onthe main Menai Strait channel, although morewere doubtless present out of sight furtheroffshore along with the aforementioned GreatCrested Grebes. Amongst the other speciespresent, Dunlin were mostly at the western endof the site, Wigeon were along the edge of theMenai Strait channel and Curlews were spreadevenly across the site.

Figure 4.49.2: LLLLLTCTCTCTCTC and and and and and SPSPSPSPSPAAAAA boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with boundaries, with overlapoverlapoverlapoverlapoverlap, at Lavan Sands, at Lavan Sands, at Lavan Sands, at Lavan Sands, at Lavan Sands

L A V A N S A N D S


193

TOTAL

WEIGHTED

GOLDENEYE

L A V A N S A N D S

Figure 4.49.3 (i): Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at Lavan Sands, winter 1995-96


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RED-BREASTED MERGANSER

OYSTERCATCHER

L A V A N S A N D S

Figure 4.49.3 (ii): Low tide waterbird distributions recorded at Lavan Sands, winter 1995-96

Documents

4.44 TAW–TORRIDGE ESTUARY