Warslow Moors Estate Wader Protection Plan Project

Description

The Authority has owned the Warslow Moors Estate (1902 Ha) since 1986 and aims to conserve its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. Large areas of the Estate cover Leek Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest, Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Special Protection Area and the South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (See Appendix 2 of the Invitation to Tender for designations in respect of project area). Of particular relevance to the Estate's work are the wading bird populations that the Leek Moors support. Population numbers of Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe and Lapwing were on a severe decline towards what were considered to be a dangerous level. A previous Wader Recovery Project and subsequent predator control has addressed this decline and together with a habitat restoration programme the number of breeding waders is in recovery. Previous predator control has aided the establishment of core breeding wader hotspot areas. The estate seeks to continue this work and continue the sustainable restoration of wader populations. Project Aim • To protect the breeding waders in the defined hotspot area through an agreed predator control programme between the 1st January and 30th June of each year of the contract on the terms set out in this Invitation to Tender ("the Services"). • The defined hot spot area for this project centres upon the Authority's land mapped at Appendix 1 of the Invitation to Tender and referred to as the Breeding Wader Priority Protection Area ("BWPPA") along with any privately owned land situated adjacent or within close proximity, exhibiting suitable breeding wader habitat (c.400ha) (subject to consent). Project Objectives • Reduce predation pressure on breeding populations of: Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe and Lapwing. • Implement effective, humane and compliant control of key predator species including: Fox, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Stoat, Weasel and Mink. • Maintain full compliance with wildlife, firearms and Health & Safety legislation. • Maintain accurate records of predator control activities and breeding wader numbers. • Work collaboratively with Estate staff, including the estate manager notified to the successful contractor (the Estate Manager), tenants, partners and stakeholders. Project Outcomes (3-year plus 2 years at option of Authority) • A reduction in seasonal predator activity within the Project Area. • Stable or increasing breeding territories and improved fledgling success. • Full legal compliance and professional delivery. • Complete, auditable predator control, and associated wader monitoring records, submitted to the Authority. • Evidence-based recommendations to improve future delivery. Project Area The core area of Service provision consists of: • BWPPA and • Suitable breeding habitat on private land which lies within close proximity or adjacent to the BWPPA (subject to consent). However, it is expected that a holistic predator management approach be adopted by the Contractor in respect of the predator control programme (to be agreed with the Authority), to help support the achievement of the Project Aims and Objectives. This approach envisages associated predator control activity taking place on wider Authority-owned land linked to the BWPPA, i.e. Lum Edge and Swallow Moss which lie immediately to the North West (see Location Plan included at Appendix 1 of the Invitation to Tender). Together the "Project Area" (c.500ha).

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