Site condition assessment - WeBS analyses

The primary aim is to develop analysis programmes to interrogate the WeBS database, in order to allow periodic (e.g. every three years) production of data outputs describing changes in bird numbers at SPAs and SSSIs in England, for which WeBS data are available. In order to meet this aim, we expect a report and data files to meet the following objectives:

1. Using the WeBS database, test ‘sensitivity’ of WeBS change metrics developed in the pilot project in order to make firm recommendations to Natural England on the most robust methods to assess changes in bird numbers to deliver information for site condition assessment;
2. Consult with Natural England staff to resolve as many outstanding queries from the pilot project, e.g. issues with citation periods and WeBS data availability, to make comparisons as accurate as possible;
3. Review, develop and test indicators of change for waterbird assemblages using available WeBS data, in order to make firm recommendations to Natural England on the most robust methods to assess changes in assemblages to deliver information for site condition assessment; and
4. Produce up to date assessments of change for the most recently available WeBS data period, factoring in objectives 1 – 3.

Depending on available budget, the report should also cover the secondary aims, represented in the additional objectives below.

5. Explore the feasibility of assessing changes based on WeBS data sumamrising ‘bird months’ rather than peak counts, and the resulting effects on assessment of change, in order to provide information for Natural England to consider further;
6. Explore the use of Seabird Monitoring Programme data to investigate the feasibility of a parallel methodology to assess change for SPAs and SSSIs in England supporting breeding seabird features and seabird assemblages;
7. Explore the effects of including / excluding Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme data (as opposed to WeBS data alone) for assessments of site condition in England in order to determine if this is an issue for Natural England.

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