Monitoring Project A report on bird features Vanstone, A ... · 7.1.13 Craig yr Aderyn SSSI ........

A report on bird features on SSSI in Wales

1

Designated Sites Bird

Monitoring Project

A report on bird features

on SSSI in Wales

Vanstone, A., Lamacraft, D., Challis A.

CCW/RSPB Strategic Grant Partnership 2010 - 2013: No. 13347

PUBLIC VERSION

© CCGC/CCW [2012]

This document is a non-sensitive version which may be reproduced free of charge in

any format or medium, provided that you do so accurately, acknowledging both the

source and Countryside Council for Wales's copyright, and do not use it in a

misleading context. Access to more sensitive data may be available upon formal

request to CCW/RSPB.

This is a report of work grant-aided by the Countryside Council for Wales. However,

the views and recommendations presented in this report are not necessarily those of

the Council and should, therefore, not be attributed to the Countryside Council for

Wales.


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Report series: CCW/RSPB Strategic Grant Partnership Report

Publication date: 30.03.2012

Grant Partner: RSPB

Grant Manager: Sian Whitehead

Title: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project.


Author(s): Vanstone, A., Lamacraft, D, Challis A.

Restrictions: Public version to comply with CCW Sensitive

Features Guidance

Recommended citation for this volume:

Vanstone, A. & Lamacraft, D, Challis, A. 2012. A Report on Welsh SSSI Bird

Features. RSPB Cymru Strategic Partnership Grant 2010 – 2013. No. 13347.


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Contents 1 Background ............................................................................................................ 6

2 Objective of the Designated Site Bird Monitoring Project: ................................... 6

3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Wales: ......................................................... 7

3.1 Favourable Condition: ..................................................................................... 7

4 Survey methods .................................................................................................... 17

4.1 Independent single-species feature monitoring ............................................. 17

4.2 Assemblage feature monitoring .................................................................... 17

5 Results .................................................................................................................. 19

5.1 Data ............................................................................................................... 20

6 Acknowledgements .............................................................................................. 20

7 NORTH REGION ................................................................................................ 21

7.1.1 Aber Mawddach/Mawddach Estuary SSSI ............................................ 21

7.1.2 Afordir Gogleddol Penmon SSSI ........................................................... 22

7.1.3 Beddmanarch-Cymyran SSSI ................................................................ 23

7.1.4 Benarth Wood SSSI ............................................................................... 24

7.1.5 Berwyn SSSI .......................................................................................... 25

7.1.6 Broadwater SSSI .................................................................................... 28

7.1.7 Carreg Y Llam SSSI .............................................................................. 29

7.1.8 Cemlyn Bay SSSI .................................................................................. 30

7.1.9 Coed Dolgarrog SSSI ............................................................................. 31

7.1.10 Coedydd Aber SSSI ............................................................................... 32

7.1.11 Coedydd Abergwynant SSSI ................................................................. 33

7.1.12 Coedydd Dyffryn Ffestiniog SSSI ......................................................... 34

7.1.13 Craig yr Aderyn SSSI ............................................................................ 35

7.1.14 Cregiau Rhiwledyn/Little Ormes Head SSSI ........................................ 37

7.1.15 Cwm Cynfal SSSI .................................................................................. 38

7.1.16 Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy SSSI ................................................. 39

7.1.17 Site Feature: Common tern .................................................................... 46

7.1.18 Dyfi SSSI ............................................................................................... 47

7.1.19 Eryri SSSI .............................................................................................. 50

7.1.20 Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SSSI ............... 52

7.1.21 Glannau Aberdaron SSSI ....................................................................... 53

7.1.22 Glannau Rhoscolyn SSSI ....................................................................... 54

7.1.23 Glannau Ynys Gybi/ Holy-Island Coast SSSI ....................................... 55

7.1.24 Glaslyn SSSI .......................................................................................... 56

7.1.25 Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI ............................................. 57

7.1.26 Hanmer Mere SSSI ................................................................................ 58

7.1.27 Inner Marsh Farm SSSI ......................................................................... 59

7.1.28 Llandegla Moor SSSI ............................................................................. 61

7.1.29 Llyn Alaw SSSI ..................................................................................... 62

7.1.30 Llyn Bodgylched SSSI ........................................................................... 63

7.1.31 Llyn Traffwll SSSI ................................................................................. 64

7.1.32 Llynnau Y Fali/Valley lakes SSSI ......................................................... 65

7.1.33 Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga SSSI ...................................................... 67

7.1.34 Migneint-Arenig Duallt SSSI ................................................................ 69

7.1.35 Morfa Harlech SSSI ............................................................................... 71

7.1.36 Mynydd Hiraethog SSSI ........................................................................ 72


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7.1.37 Mynydd Penarfynydd SSSI .................................................................... 73

7.1.38 Pen Y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head SSSI ............................................... 76

7.1.39 Porth Ceiriad, Porth Neigwl ac Ynysoedd Sant Tudwal SSSI ............... 78

7.1.40 Puffin Island-Ynys Seiriol SSSI ............................................................ 79

7.1.41 Ruabon, Llantysilio Mountains and Minera SSSI ................................. 80

7.1.42 Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds SSSI .................................................... 81

7.1.43 The Skerries SSSI .................................................................................. 82

7.1.44 Traeth Lafan SSSI .................................................................................. 83

7.1.45 Y Forydd SSSI ....................................................................................... 85

7.1.46 Ynys Enlli SSSI ..................................................................................... 86

7.1.47 Ynys Feurig SSSI ................................................................................... 87

7.1.48 Ynysoedd y Gwylan/Gwylan Islands SSSI ............................................ 88

7.1.49 Yr Eifl SSSI ........................................................................................... 90

8 WEST REGION ................................................................................................... 91

8.1.1 Aberarth – Carreg Wylan SSSI .............................................................. 91

8.1.2 Afon Teifi SSSI ...................................................................................... 93

8.1.3 Afon Tywi SSSI ..................................................................................... 94

8.1.4 Allt Y Gaer SSSI .................................................................................... 95

8.1.5 Arfordir Pen Bre/Pembre Coast SSSI .................................................... 96

8.1.6 Arfordir Penrhyn Angle/Angle Peninsula Coast SSSI........................... 97

8.1.7 Borth-Clarach SSSI ................................................................................ 98

8.1.8 Cae’r Meirch SSSI ................................................................................. 99

8.1.9 Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes SSSI .................................................... 100

8.1.10 Coed Y Crychydd SSSI ....................................................................... 102

8.1.11 Cregiau Pen Y Graig SSSI ................................................................... 103

8.1.12 Cwm Doethie-Mynydd Mallaen SSSI ................................................. 104

8.1.13 Dale & South Marloes Coast SSSI ...................................................... 106

8.1.14 Grassholm SSSI ................................................................................... 107

8.1.15 Gower Coast: Rhossili to Porteynon SSSI ........................................... 108

8.1.16 Gwernydd Pembre SSSI ...................................................................... 109

8.1.17 Milford Haven Waterway SSSI ........................................................... 110

8.1.18 Ramsey/Ynys Dewi SSSI .................................................................... 112

8.1.19 Rheidol Woods and Gorge SSSI .......................................................... 113

8.1.20 Skomer Island and Middleholm SSSI .................................................. 114

8.1.21 Skokholm SSSI .................................................................................... 118

8.1.22 Stackpole SSSI ..................................................................................... 121

8.1.23 St David’s Peninsula Coast SSSI ......................................................... 122

8.1.24 St Margaret’s Island SSSI .................................................................... 123

8.1.25 Twyni Lacharn- Pentywyn/Laugharne Pendine Burrows SSSI ........... 124

9 SOUTH EAST REGION ................................................................................... 125

9.1.1 Black Mountains SSSI ......................................................................... 125

9.1.2 Blackpill SSSI ...................................................................................... 126

9.1.3 Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary SSSI ................................................ 127

9.1.4 Carn Gafallt SSSI ................................................................................. 131

9.1.5 Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir SSSI .......................................................... 132

9.1.6 Elenydd-Mallaen SPA/Elenydd SSSI .................................................. 133

9.1.7 Flat Holm SSSI .................................................................................... 135

9.1.8 Glascwm and Gladestry Hills SSSI ..................................................... 136

9.1.9 Lisvane Reservoir SSSI ....................................................................... 137

9.1.10 Llandegfedd Reservoir SSSI ................................................................ 139


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9.1.11 Maelienydd SSSI ................................................................................. 141

9.1.12 Magor Marsh SSSI ............................................................................... 142

9.1.13 Marchieni Uplands, Gilfach Farm and Gamallt SSSI .......................... 143

9.1.14 Moel-y-Golfa SSSI .............................................................................. 144

9.1.15 Nedern Brook Wetlands, Caldicot SSSI .............................................. 145

9.1.16 Newport Wetlands SSSI ...................................................................... 147

9.1.17 Pumlumon SSSI ................................................................................... 149

9.1.18 River Wye/Afon Gwy SSSI ................................................................. 150

9.1.19 Severn Estuary SSSI ............................................................................ 151

9.1.20 Sully Island SSSI ................................................................................. 159

10 References: ......................................................................................................... 160

11 Appendices. ........................................................................................................ 161


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1 Background

The Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project provides bird data for designated sites in Wales

to facilitate the Countryside Council for Wales’ (CCW) assessment of bird feature condition

on the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) series across Wales. Although some bird

features have been monitored in the past, such monitoring was not systematically planned or

reported. The next monitoring report on the condition of SSSI features to the Joint Nature

Conservation Committee (JNCC) is due in 2012. This project has been part-funded by CCW

through a grant to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Cymru as part of the

CCW/RSPB strategic partnership and will enable CCW to report more comprehensively to

JNCC on SSSI bird feature condition by 2012. This report is an output of the grant, providing

a final report on a full programme of monitoring of bird features on the Welsh SSSI network,

including all survey specifications and a summary of data.

This report details the data gathered for all bird features on Welsh SSSI with bird features in

the current JNCC reporting cycle (April 2005 – March 2012). The following information is

presented in this report:

• Data on features that have been monitored directly by this project.

• Data on features that have been monitored through other mechanisms, and collated

by this project (see pages 10 - 17 for summary tables of sources).

• The methods used for the survey work.

2 Objective of the Designated Site Bird Monitoring Project:

To ensure that qualifying bird features within SSSIs throughout Wales were comprehensively

monitored using approved survey methods and in accordance with Common Standards

Monitoring (CSM) guidance ( http://www.jncc.gov.uk/pdf/CSM_birds_incadditionalinfo.pdf )

This was achieved by:

• Agreeing qualifying features with CCW.

• Identifying existing monitoring of features and ensuring methods used are ‘fit for

purpose’.

• Planning any additional monitoring as required.

• Completing all required monitoring.

• Collating all relevant monitoring undertaken through other sources from 2005 – 2011.

• Producing report.

A project steering group was set up to oversee this work. Steering group members consisted

of Sian Whitehead (CCW), David Allen (CCW), Matt Murphy (CCW), Andrew Lucas (CCW),

Reg Thorpe (RSPB), Patrick Lindley (RSPB) and Dave Lamacraft (RSPB).


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3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Wales:

There are 1,019 SSSIs in Wales, covering over 235,000 ha or just over 12% of the country’s land

surface. A total of 242 bird features (both individual and assemblage) are notified on 96 of

these sites, see Figure 1 and Table 1.

3.1 Favourable Condition:

There are two types of bird feature:

• Individual: relating to abundance of breeding or wintering species

• Assemblage: where each species associated with a specific habitat type has been assigned

a score based on scarcity at UK level and is included as part of the assemblage if there is

evidence of breeding and regular usage in the breeding season. The scores are summed

and the assemblage is favourable if a threshold is reached.

Favourable condition can be determined once all of the data for each of the feature attributes

have been collected and analysed/interpreted. Comparison with the baseline values for each

attribute to establish whether condition targets have been met will be possible, but this is not

part of the remit of this project.


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Figure 1. SSSIs with bird feature in Wales.


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Table 1 All SSSI bird features in Wales, showing the survey data source for each.

SSSI Feature Feature type Survey data source

Aber Mawddach/Mawddach

Estuary

Snipe Breeding RSPB/CCW Meirionnydd Site

s Project

Aber Mawddach/Mawddach

Estuary

Redshank Breeding RSPB/CCW Meirionnydd Site

s Project

Aberarth-Carreg Wylan Chough Breeding & Wintering DSBMP

Aberarth-Carreg Wylan Kittiwake Breeding DSBMP

Aberarth-Carreg Wylan Lesser black-backed gull Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Afon Teifi Cetti’s warbler Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Afon Teifi Lowland open waters

assemblage

Breeding DSBMP

Afon Tywi Sand martin Breeding DSBMP

Afon Tywi Little ringed plover Breeding DSBMP

Afon Tywi Lowland open waters

assemblage

Breeding DSBMP

Allt Y Gaer Heron Breeding BTO

Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon Black guillemot Breeding DSBMP

Arfordir Gogleddol Penmon Cormorant Breeding DSBMP

Arfordir Pen-bre/Pembrey Coast Sanderling Wintering BTO WeBS

Arfordir Pen-bre/Pembrey Coast Oystercatcher Wintering BTO WeBS

Arfordir Penrhyn Angle/Angle

Peninsula Coast

Chough Breeding CCW

Beddmanarch-Cymyran Greenshank Wintering BTO WeBS

Beddmanarch-Cymyran Ringed plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Benarth Wood Grey heron Breeding DSBMP

Berwyn Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and

grassland without water

bodies

Breeding DSBMP

Berwyn Red kite Breeding Not breeding on site

Berwyn Peregrine Breeding DSBMP

Berwyn Merlin Breeding Keith Offord

Berwyn Hen harrier Breeding Keith Offord

Berwyn Black grouse Breeding CCW

Black Mountains Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


bodies

Breeding DSBMP

Blackpill, Swansea Sanderling Wintering BTO WeBS

Blackpill, Swansea Ringed plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Borth-Clarach Chough Breeding DSBMP

Borth-Clarach Chough Wintering DSBMP

Broadwater Cormorant Wintering BTO WeBS


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Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Pintail Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Shoveler Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Dunlin Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Knot Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Oystercatcher Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Curlew Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Grey plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Shelduck Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Turnstone Wintering BTO WeBS

Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary Golden plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Cae’r Meirch Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Carngafallt Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP: to be surveyed 2012

Carreg Y Llam Guillemot Breeding DSBMP

Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes Chough Breeding CCW

Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes Guillemot Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes Razorbill Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes Puffin Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes Kittiwake Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Cemlyn Bay Arctic tern Breeding North Wales Wildlife Trust

Cemlyn Bay Sandwich tern Breeding North Wales Wildlife Trust

Coed Dolgarrog Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Coed y Crychydd Heron Breeding BTO

Coed y Crychydd Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Coedydd Aber Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Coedydd Abergwynant Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Coedydd Dyffryn Ffestiniog Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Coedydd a Cheunant

Rheidol/Rheidol Woods & Gorge

Red kite Breeding CCW

Craig y Aderyn Chough Breeding DSBMP

Craig y Aderyn Chough Wintering DSBMP

Craig yr Aderyn Cormorant Breeding Meirionydd Sites Project

Creigiau Pen y graig Cormorant Breeding DSBMP


11


Creigiau Rhiwledyn/Little Ormes

Head

Cormorant Breeding Conwy Council

Cwm Cynfal Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


bodies

Breeding DSBMP

Cwm Doethie-Mynydd Mallaen Red kite Breeding DSBMP

Cwm Doethie-Mynydd Mallaen Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Cwm Doethie-Mynydd Mallaen Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


bodies

Breeding

Dale and South Marloes Coast Chough Wintering CCW

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Pintail Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Dunlin Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Knot Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Ringed plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Oystercatcher Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Bar-tailed godwit Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Black -tailed godwit Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Curlew Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Cormorant Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Grey plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Great-crested grebe Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Shelduck Wintering BTO WeBS

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Redshank Breeding Sharps, E. Unpublished Data.

Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy Common tern Breeding RSPB reserve

Dyfi Breeding bird assemblage of

lowland damp grasslands.

Breeding DSBMP


lowland open waters and

their margins.

Breeding DSBMP


woodland.

Breeding DSBMP


sand-dunes and saltmarshes.

Breeding DSBMP

Dyfi Snipe. Breeding RSPB

Dyfi Curlew. Breeding RSPB

Dyfi Redshank. Breeding RSPB

Dyfi Lapwing. Breeding RSPB

Dyfi Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Dyfi White-fronted goose Wintering BTO WeBS


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Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir Pochard Wintering BTO WeBS

Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir Tufted duck Wintering BTO WeBS

Elenydd Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and

grassland with water bodies

Breeding DSBMP

Elenydd SPA Red kite Breeding DSBMP

Eryri Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


bodies

Breeding DSBMP

Eryri Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


Breeding DSBMP

Eryri Chough Breeding DSBMP

Eryri Chough Wintering DSBMP

Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem

and Cadney Mosses

Curlew Breeding DSBMP

Flat Holm Lesser black-backed gull Breeding Cardiff Council

Glannau Aberdaron Chough Breeding DSBMP

Glannau Rhoscolyn Chough Breeding DSBMP

Glannau Ynys Gybi Chough Breeding DSBMP

Glascwm and Gladestry Hills Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


Breeding DSBMP

Glaslyn Breeding bird assemblage of

lowland damp grassland

Breeding DSBMP

Gower Coast Razorbill Breeding DSBMP

Gower Coast Guillemot Breeding DSBMP

Grassholm Gannet Breeding DSBMP

Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren Sanderling Wintering BTO WeBS

Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren Cormorant Wintering BTO WeBS

Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren Little tern Breeding Denbighshire Council

Newport Wetlands Cetti’s warbler Breeding CCW/RSPB

Newport Wetlands Avocet Breeding CCW/RSPB

Newport Wetlands Redshank Breeding CCW/RSPB

Newport Wetlands Lapwing Breeding CCW/RSPB

Gwernydd Pembre Cetti’s warbler Breeding DSBMP

Hanmer Mere Goosander Wintering BTO WeBS

Inner Marsh Farm Pintail Wintering BTO WeBS

Inner Marsh Farm Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Inner Marsh Farm Black -tailed godwit Wintering BTO WeBS


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Lisvane Reservoir Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Lisvane Reservoir Pochard Wintering BTO WeBS

Lisvane Reservoir Tufted duck Wintering BTO WeBS

Llandegfedd Reservoir Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Llandegfedd Reservoir Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Llandegfedd Reservoir Pochard Wintering BTO WeBS

Llandegla Moor Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


Breeding DSBMP

Llyn Alaw Shoveler Wintering BTO WeBS

Llyn Alaw Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Llyn Bodgylched Breeding bird assemblage of


their margins

Breeding DSBMP

Llyn Traffwll Shoveler Wintering BTO WeBS

Llynnau y Fali-Valley Lakes Shoveler Wintering BTO WeBS

Llynnau y Fali-Valley Lakes Shoveler Breeding RSPB

Llynnau y Fali-Valley Lakes Gadwall Breeding RSPB

Llynnau y Fali-Valley Lakes Pochard Breeding RSPB

Llynnau y Fali-Valley Lakes Tufted duck Breeding RSPB

Llynnau y Fali-Valley Lakes Breeding bird assemblage of


their margins

Breeding DSBMP

Maelienydd Breeding bird assemblage of

lowland damp grassland

Breeding DSBMP

Magor Marsh Breeding bird assemblage of


their margins

Breeding DSBMP

Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga Breeding bird assemblage of

lowland damp grasslands.

Breeding DSBMP

Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga Breeding bird assemblage of


their margins

Breeding DSBMP

Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga Shoveler Wintering BTO WeBS

Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga Snipe Breeding RSPB

Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga Curlew Breeding RSPB

Marchieni Uplands, Gilfach Farm &

Gamallt

Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


Breeding Meirionydd Sites Project

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Merlin Breeding Meirionydd Sites Project

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Hen harrier Breeding Meirionydd Sites Project

Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt Peregrine Breeding Meirionydd Sites Project


14


Milford Haven Waterway Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Milford Haven Waterway Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Milford Haven Waterway Dunlin Wintering BTO WeBS

Milford Haven Waterway Curlew Wintering BTO WeBS

Milford Haven Waterway Little grebe Wintering BTO WeBS

Milford Haven Waterway Shelduck Wintering BTO WeBS

Moel Y Golfa Breeding bird assemblage of

woodland

Breeding DSBMP

Morfa Harlech Breeding bird assemblage of

sand-dunes and salt marshes

Breeding DSBMP

Morfa Harlech Pintail Wintering BTO WeBS

Mynydd Hiraethog Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


Breeding DSBMP

Mynydd Penarfynydd Chough Wintering DSBMP

Nedern Brook Wetlands, Caldicot Breeding bird assemblage of


their margins

Breeding DSBMP

Nedern Brook Wetlands, Caldicot Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Nedern Brook Wetlands, Caldicot Redshank Wintering BTO WeBS

Newborough Warren-Ynys

Llanddwyn

Raven Wintering DSBMP


Llanddwyn

Pintail Wintering BTO WeBS


Llanddwyn

Cormorant Breeding CCW

Pen y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head Razorbill Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Pen y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head Kittiwake Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Pen y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head Guillemot Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Porth Ceiriad, Porth Neigwl ac

Ynysoedd Sant Tudwal

Chough Breeding DSBMP

Pumlumon Breeding bird assemblage of

upland moorland and


Breeding DSBMP

Puffin Island - Ynys Seiriol Cormorant Breeding DSBMP

Ramsey / Ynys Dewi Chough Breeding RSPB

River Wye (Upper Wye)/Afon Gwy

(Gwy Uchaf)

Goosander Wintering BTO WeBS


15


Ruabon /Llantysilio Mountains and

Minera


upland moorland and


bodies

Breeding DSBMP

Ruabon/Llantysilio Mountains and

Minera

Black grouse Breeding CCW

Severn Estuary Dunlin Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Ringed plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Curlew Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Grey plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Shelduck Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Redshank Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Pintail Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Shoveler Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Teal Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Gadwall Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary White-fronted goose Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Pochard Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Bar-tailed godwit Wintering BTO WeBS

Severn Estuary Golden plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds Common tern Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Skokholm Razorbill Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skokholm Puffin Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skokholm Storm petrel Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skokholm Lesser black-backed gull Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skokholm Manx shearwater Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skokholm Chough Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skokholm Guillemot Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Razorbill Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Short-eared owl Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Puffin Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Storm petrel Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Lesser black-backed gull Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Manx shearwater Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Chough Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Kittiwake Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

Skomer Island and Middleholm Guillemot Breeding SW Wales Wildlife Trust

St. David's Peninsula Coast Chough Breeding CCW

St. David's Peninsula Coast Peregrine Breeding CCW

St. Margaret's Island Cormorant Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme


16


Stackpole Chough Breeding CCW

Stackpole Chough Wintering CCW

Sully Island Dunlin Wintering BTO WeBS

Sully Island Ringed plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Sully Island Grey plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Sully Island Redshank Wintering BTO WeBS

The Skerries Arctic tern Breeding RSPB

The Skerries Roseate tern Breeding RSPB

The Skerries Common tern Breeding RSPB

Traeth Lafan Great-crested grebe Wintering BTO WeBS

Traeth Lafan Oystercatcher Wintering BTO WeBS

Traeth Lafan Curlew Wintering BTO WeBS

Traeth Lafan Redshank Wintering BTO WeBS

Traeth Lafan Red-breasted merganser Wintering BTO WeBS

Twyni Lacharn-

Pentywyn/Laugharne -Pendine

Burrows

Lowland open waters

assemblage

Breeding DSBMP

Twyni Lacharn-

Pentywyn/Laugharne -Pendine

Burrows

Golden plover Wintering BTO WeBS

Y Forydd Wigeon Wintering BTO WeBS

Ynys Enlli Manx shearwater Breeding Bardsey Observatory

Ynys Enlli Chough Breeding Bardsey Observatory

Ynys Feurig Common tern Breeding RSPB

Ynys Feurig Roseate tern Breeding RSPB

Ynys Feurig Arctic tern Breeding RSPB

Ynysoedd y Gwylan, Gwylan

Islands

Puffin Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme


Islands

Razorbill Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme


Islands

Guillemot Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme


Islands

Cormorant Breeding Seabird Monitoring

Programme

Yr Eifl Chough Breeding DSBMP


17

4 Survey methods

The minimum data requirement for CSM is to have a single assessment (survey) of each

feature in each 6-year reporting cycle. However, it is recommended that population counts

from a minimum of three relevant seasons within the 6-year reporting cycle are obtained as

this increases confidence in the assessment. In some cases annual data may be available and

as much data as are available should always be used. The average of the three (or more)

counts should then be used to assess the attribute against the targets set. This will also allow a

confident judgment of the trend in condition of the feature (recovering, unchanged or

declining). However, with limited resources, this project has undertaken only a single survey

in the 6-year cycle for those features for which no existing data were available.

4.1 Independent single-species feature monitoring

With reference to the ‘Guidelines for the selection of biological SSSI’s it is assumed that

breeding features refer to numbers of breeding pairs. These have been assessed using

standardised methods for individual breeding features taken from the Bird Monitoring

Methods Handbook (Gilbert et al 1998) and from the Seabird Monitoring Handbook for

Britain and Ireland (Walsh et al 1995). For those seabird sites that were monitored as part of

the Seabird 2000 surveys ( JNCC & partners, results summarised in Seabird Populations of

Britain and Ireland, by P. Ian Mitchell et al (2004)) JNCC & CCW approved that this project

could follow the same method used for Seabird 2000, with the end-results being comparable.

A few individual species were not covered by any of the above methods (e.g. little-ringed

plover and heron) and for these species, specialist staff in the BTO were contacted in the first

instance for advice in order to compile method statements and recording forms from previous

BTO surveys.

Wintering wader and wildfowl features were monitored through BTO Wetland Bird Survey

(WeBS) counts; following a comparison of WeBS count units and SSSI boundaries to check

that the count boundaries match.

Methods for breeding and wintering chough features, heron, little ringed plover, red kite and

the raven roost feature were devised for the purposes of this project, and are detailed in the

Appendix of this report.

Data has also been collated from other existing monitoring schemes (e.g. for hen harrier,

merlin, black grouse) where they exist on designated sites.

4.2 Assemblage feature monitoring

The JNCC ‘Guidelines for the selection of Biological SSSI’s’ document (Part C. Chapter 14)

states that: ‘The index value for a site is calculated by summing the indices of abundance for

key species breeding in it. A species may be included if it has been recorded as probably

breeding in a majority of recent years for which information is available. Species regularly

using a site for essential activities (such as feeding) while breeding may be included even if

they nest outside the site.’

Assemblage feature monitoring was designed to provide the required assemblage index

score, but also to collect data on abundance for some assemblage species. The value of these

abundance data will only be determined when surveys are repeated in the next reporting

cycle.


18

A standardised, repeatable method for assemblage monitoring had not been devised prior to

this project. An approach was devised for assemblage feature monitoring in order to provide

a reliable, repeatable method for detecting the assemblage species within each given habitat

type, enabling comparison across all sites. It is important that assemblage species at any given

site can be detected using this method, in order that the most reliable and representative data

are gathered.

Phase I habitat information was overlaid onto the site for each SSSI with an assemblage

feature. Transect lines and, in the case of woodland sites, point counts were then positioned

in order that all habitat types that could hold assemblage species were surveyed, giving the

best opportunity for detection of all species.

Site visits were made to woodland sites to gain more reliable information as to the structure

and types of each woodland SSSI for design of point count placement. Local surveyors

and/or CCW site officers were also consulted on the placement and design of survey routes.

The assemblage monitoring was designed to include combinations of transects, point counts

and vantage point watches. These were aimed at providing a baseline index for some species

to enable future assessment of population change. All species found on surveys were noted

down, not just assemblage species.

To test the assemblage methods used in this project, further field visits were built into

subsequent field seasons within the same reporting cycle. These field visits were undertaken

to specifically look for those species not picked up through the 2009/2010 assemblage surveys.

It was expected that the assemblage method might not locate all assemblage species (e.g.

tawny owl, lesser-spotted woodpecker or snipe) so these follow-up “look-see” visits aimed to

locate these. If they were not located in these follow-up visits then it can be considered likely

that they no longer occur on the site very regularly, or not at all.

In addition, other survey data (e.g. BTO Atlas/BBS surveys) is available for SSSIs, both with

individual species features and with breeding bird assemblages. In some cases, these surveys

may locate assemblage species not detected through the assemblage monitoring organised as

part of this project. We have collated these additional data within the current reporting cycle

in order that these records are incorporated within the site assessment and enable further

evaluation of the effectiveness of the methods used by RSPB Cymru. It is worth noting that

this reporting cycle coincides with the latest BTO Atlas which has greatly added to the

number of extra records acquired for the breeding bird assemblage SSSIs. These Atlas data

will not be available in subsequent reporting cycles but have been added to the following

results for this cycle:

• Addition of missed/difficult species e.g. tawny owl.

• Increase of the breeding evidence for assemblage species.


19

5 Results

The results in this report are presented by CCW region (North, West & South East) and

within each region, data are presented site-by-site in alphabetical order.

Individually qualifying features:

For those sites with individually qualifying features, the following information is presented:

• The attribute(s) of the feature e.g. Apparently Occupied Nest (AON) for breeding

cormorant, mean peak for wintering pintail.

• Data source.

• Survey method.

• Coverage.

For features where it has been possible to acquire a range of data (in order to present a mean

count for a number of years) the results have been presented in two tables. The first table

presents the number at notification and the mean count. In some instances however, numbers

at notification were not supplied with the avian features database from CCW. The second

table presents the supporting data broken down to the component annual counts.

WeBS data are also presented in two tables, the first giving the information listed above

including a mean peak count for WeBS counts between 2005 and 2010. The second table lists

the ‘supporting data’ for the mean peak count. This table gives the yearly peak count and

indicates the month in brackets during which the peak count was surveyed. Where a count is

enclosed by parentheses this indicates that it was considered incomplete i.e. those parts of the

site not visited typically holds at least 25% of the species in question. Incomplete counts are

excluded from calculation where, if included, they would depress the mean. Asterisks in the

supporting data denote counts which RSPB have deduced have apparently been excluded

from the calculation of the mean.

Breeding bird assemblage features:

For those sites with breeding bird assemblage features, the following information is

presented:

• The score at notification if known (N.B. for some sites, this information is not available).

• Results from the DSBMP organised survey

• Further records obtained from other sources.

For all of these records (through the DSBMP and through other sources) breeding evidence is

presented (B1: possible breeding, B2: probable breeding, B3: confirmed breeding) in order to

give a range score. In this range, the minimum score is from assemblage species with B2 and

B3 breeding evidence, and the maximum score is from assemblage species with B1, B2 and B3

breeding evidence. This range is presented for the DSBMP survey only and from the DSBMP

survey plus extra records in order to separate out the results.


20

5.1 Data

Data from surveys organised by DSBMP project:

Raw data, (survey forms and maps) from each survey organised for the DSBMP project will

be kept centrally in the RSPB Cymru North Wales Office (RSPB North Wales Regional Office,

Unit 14, Llys Castan, Ffordd Y Parc, Parc Menai, Bangor, Gwynedd ,LL57 4FD). This

information has also been scanned onto PDF documents which have been sent to the relevant

CCW Conservation Officers annually on CD in order to give them access to the raw data for

each of their sites.

Data from each survey has also been inputted onto databases designed specifically for this

project (and approved by the RSPB/CCW steering group). In addition to the scanned raw

data, these databases have also been circulated annually to the relevant CCW Conservation

Officers in order that they have the data available electronically.

6 Acknowledgements

This has been a partnership project between CCW and RSPB Cymru. Many thanks go to all

CCW staff (HQ and district teams) and RSPB staff for all their help throughout the course of

this project, with organising surveys, collating data and giving valuable advice. Thanks also

to everyone who has provided data to be used in this report, especially the BTO, Wildlife

Trusts and the Seabird Monitoring Programme. Thanks also to all the contractors and

volunteers who have given valued time and experience to help with the SSSI monitoring

surveys.


21

7 NORTH REGION

7.1.1 Aber Mawddach/Mawddach Estuary SSSI Site Area: 134.3 ha

Date of first notification of site: 01.06.1999

7.1.1.1 Site Feature: Snipe

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding pairs

at time of notification

Mean no. of breeding

pairs 2008 - 20091

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI 20 10

� Data source: Meirionydd Sites Project RSPB/CCW.

� Method: Gilbert et al 1998.

� Coverage: Complete.

7.1.1.2 Site Feature: Redshank

Attributes

Method of

assessment




pairs 2008 - 2009

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding


� Data source: Meirionydd Sites Project RSPB/CCW.



1 Breeding pairs measured by drumming/chipping birds.


22

7.1.2 Afordir Gogleddol Penmon SSSI

Site Area: 103.2 ha


Date of last notification of site: 06.11.2003

7.1.2.1 Site Feature: Black guillemot

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding pairs at

time of notification

Mean no. of

individual adults 2009

& 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of

individual adults

within the SSSI. None given 25

� Data Source: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).

� Method: Walsh et al 1995. Surveyed from land. .


� Comments: Numbers at time of notification were not supplied with the database

from CCW.

7.1.2.2 Site Feature: Cormorant

Attributes Method of assessment


at time of notification No. of AON 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of Apparently

Occupied Nests (AON)

within the SSSI. 125 54


� Method: Walsh et al 1995. Surveyed by boat.



23

7.1.3 Beddmanarch-Cymyran SSSI

Site Area: 911 ha



7.1.3.1 Site Feature: Greenshank

Attributes Method of

assessment

No. wintering individuals at

time of notification Mean peak 2005 - 2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 8

� Data source: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS).

� Method: Wetland Bird Survey (BTO).

� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06 & 2007- 08. Complete for all other years.

� Comments: Numbers at time of notification: these were not supplied with the

database from CCW.

7.1.3.2 Site Feature: Ringed plover


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 74



� Coverage: Partial for 2005 -06 & 2007-08. Complete for all other years.


database from CCW.


24

7.1.4 Benarth Wood SSSI Site Area: 21 ha



7.1.4.1 Site Feature: Grey heron




Mean no. of AON 2005

– 2007, 2010

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI. None Given 25

� Data Source: 2005 – 2007 data: BTO Heronry Census. 2010 data: Designated Sites

Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).

� Method: BTO Heronry census.



from CCW.


25

7.1.5 Berwyn SSSI Site Area: 24,190 ha



7.1.5.1 Site Feature: Peregrine




No. occupied

territories 2009

Breeding

population

size

Number of occupied

territories within the

SSSI boundary and a

2km buffer zone.

18 12

� Data Source: RSPB reserve staff (on reserve) & Designated Sites Bird Monitoring

Project (off reserve).

� Method: Gilbert et al 1998. All known Peregrine sites (occupied since 1991) were

surveyed within the Berwyn SSSI boundary, together with a 2 km buffer of the site, as

used in notification.


7.1.5.2 Site Feature: Hen harrier




Mean no. breeding

pairs 2005 - 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI

boundary.

15 14-15

� Data Source: : Keith Offord, RSPB reserve staff & 2010 SCARABBS hen harrier

survey.



� Comment: Minimum range includes all confirmed breeding records. Maximum

range includes all confirmed and probable breeding records.


26

7.1.5.3 Site Feature: Merlin





pairs 2006 - 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI

boundary.

14 4-7

� Data Source: Keith Offord & RSPB reserve staff.



� Comment: Minimum range includes all probable/possible breeding records.

Maximum range includes all probable/possible and confirmed breeding records.

7.1.5.4 Site Feature: Red kite

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

No. breeding pairs

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI

boundary

3 0

� Comment: Red kite have not bred within the boundary of the SSSI in this current

reporting cycle (2005 – 2011).

7.1.5.5 Site Feature: Black grouse




Mean no. of

lekking males 2005

- 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of lekking

males within the SSSI. 63 38

� Data Source: RSPB Cymru, CCW, Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) &

Denbighshire County Council (DCC).

� Method: Walsh et al 1995.



27

7.1.5.6 Site Feature: Upland breeding bird assemblage of moorland & grassland without

water bodies.

� Threshold score: 28.

� Date of first notification: 08.02.1983.

� Date of last notification: 20.06.1996.

� Assemblage score at time of notification: 43.5.

� Assemblage score (min & max2) from 2009 DSBMP survey: 21.5 - 28.5.

� Assemblage score (max only5) from 2009 DSBMP survey plus extra records from

other sources: 43.5.

� Attributes: Presence/Absence of assemblage species.


� Method: Transect routes. 4 routes totalling 19 km (11.78 miles). Upland assemblage

method.

� Coverage: representative habitats designed to pick up all assemblage species.

2 Minimum assemblage score = all assemblage species on site identified as being B2 (probable) or B3 (confirmed)

breeders. Maximum assemblage score = minimum score, plus all B1 (possible) breeding assemblage species.


28

7.1.6 Broadwater SSSI Site Area: 263 ha





assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI. None given 17



� Coverage: Partial 2008 – 09. Complete for all other years.


database from CCW.


29

7.1.7 Carreg Y Llam SSSI Site Area: 13.55 ha



7.1.7.1 Site Feature: Guillemot




Mean no. of

individual adults2006,

2009-2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of individual

adults within the SSSI. None given 13,187





from CCW.


30

7.1.8 Cemlyn Bay SSSI Site Area: 43.53 ha



7.1.8.1 Site Feature: Arctic tern




Mean no. AON

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number Apparently

Incubating Adults (AIA)

within the SSSI.

(>440) 45

� Data source: North Wales Wildlife Trust / Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).


� Comment: Numbers at time of notification: these were not supplied with the

database from CCW. Figures used for this feature have been taken from citations/site

management statements: not thought to be exact figures.


7.1.8.2 Site Feature: Sandwich tern




Mean no. AON

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number Apparently


within the SSSI.

(>140) 1210

� Data source: North Wales Wildlife Trust / Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP)







31

7.1.9 Coed Dolgarrog SSSI Site Area: 69.28 ha


7.1.9.1 Site Feature: Woodland Assemblage


� Assemblage score at time of notification: None given.

� Assemblage score (min & max3) from 2010 DSBMP survey: 25 - 39.5.

� Assemblage score (min & max) from 2010 DSBMP survey plus extra records from

other sources: No extra records.



� Method: 10 point counts. Woodland assemblage method.


� Comments: Assemblage score at time of notification was not provided in the

database from CCW. Extra “look-see” visits were undertaken to look for extra species

not picked up during the original DSBMP survey. No new species were picked up.




32

7.1.10 Coedydd Aber SSSI Site Area: 414.3 ha






� Assemblage score (min & max4) from 2009 DSBMP survey: 12 – 25.

� Assemblage score (min & max5) from 2009 DSBMP survey plus extra records from

other sources: 15 – 32.


� Data Source: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW)



� Comments: Extra “look-see” visits were undertaken to look for extra species not

picked up during the original DSBMP survey.




33

7.1.11 Coedydd Abergwynant SSSI Site Area: 83.87 ha





� Assemblage score at time of notification: None given.



other sources: 33.5 - 41.5.





� Comments: Assemblage score at time of notification was not provided in the

database from CCW.




34

7.1.12 Coedydd Dyffryn Ffestiniog SSSI Site Area: 345.12 ha














picked up during the original DSBMP survey.




35

7.1.13 Craig yr Aderyn SSSI Site Area: 89.43 ha



7.1.13.1 Site Feature: Chough Breeding




Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI. 6 3

� Data Source: 2009 data: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW). 2006

– 2008, 2010-2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: Gilbert et al Bird Monitoring Method Handbook but modified: see methods

section in main report.

� Results: Results include a range: minimum range count: details all definite and

probable sites, maximum range count includes possible sites as well.


7.1.13.2 Site Feature: Chough Wintering


No. wintering

individuals at time of

notification

Mean no. of wintering

individuals 2005 - 2010

Wintering

Population Size

Number of wintering

individual birds within

the SSSI.

12 19-20


– 2008 & 2010 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: Method put together for purposes of this survey: see appendix.

� Results: Range given includes the minimum and maximum counts.

� Coverage: Complete


36






- 2011

Breeding

population size




� Data source: Figure from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).




37

7.1.14 Cregiau Rhiwledyn/Little Ormes Head SSSI Site Area: 35.51 ha





No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of AON

2005 -2010

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI. (150) 347

� Data source: Figure from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).


� Coverage: Complete. � Comment: Numbers at time of notification: these were not supplied with the




38

7.1.15 Cwm Cynfal SSSI Site Area: 21.80 ha



7.1.15.1 Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland without water bodies.

� Threshold: 28.

� Assemblage score at time of notification: none given.

� Assemblage score (min & max7) from 2010 DSBMP survey: 11 – 16.5.


other sources: 11 – 16.5.



� Method: Survey of whole site, no transect routes as small site.



from CCW.




39

7.1.16 Dee Estuary/Aber Afon Dyfrdwy SSSI

Site Area: 7,408.42 ha



7.1.16.1 Site Feature: Pintail

Pintail (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 265

Pintail (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

5647 4192



� Coverage: Partial for 2007-08. Complete for all other years.

7.1.16.2 Site Feature: Teal

Teal (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1005


40

Teal (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

5091 3194




7.1.16.3 Site Feature: Wigeon

Wigeon (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 782

Wigeon (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

3797 3749



� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06 and 2007-08. Complete for all other years.


41

7.1.16.4 Site Feature: Ringed plover

Ringed plover (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 45

Ringed plover (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

470 116




7.1.16.5 Site Feature: Dunlin

7.1.16.6 Dunlin (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 4815

Dunlin (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

21,822 13,989



� Coverage: Partial for Wales data for 2005-06 and 2008-09. Complete for all other sites.


42

7.1.16.7 Site Feature: Knot

Knot (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1358

Knot (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

27,173 14,822




7.1.16.8 Site Feature: Oystercatcher

Oystercatcher (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 9222

Oystercatcher (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

30,130 20,366





43

7.1.16.9 Site Feature: Bar-tailed godwit

Bar-tailed godwit (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 25

Bar-tailed godwit (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

1112 168




7.1.16.10 Site Feature: Black-tailed godwit

Black-tailed godwit (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 2731

Black-tailed godwit (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

1901 3680





44

7.1.16.11 Site Feature: Curlew

Curlew (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 944

Curlew (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

4698 2922





Cormorant (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 300

Cormorant (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

364 1086





45

7.1.16.13 Site Feature: Grey plover

Grey plover (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 62

Grey plover (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

1762 1083



� Coverage: Partial for Wales only data for 2005-06 & 2008-09. Complete for all other

years.

7.1.16.14 Site Feature: Great-crested grebe

Great-crested grebe (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 6

Great-crested grebe (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

164 40





46

7.1.16.15 Site Feature: Shelduck

Shelduck (Wales only).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 25

Shelduck (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

7139 4233




7.1.17 Site Feature: Common tern

� Comment: It is assumed that the Common tern is not a feature at the Dee SSSI. This

feature is thought to relate to the Shotton Lagoons & Reedbeds SSSI colony.


Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification


2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI.

200 1.5

� Data source: Sharps, E., 2010. Unpublished data, Redshank survey 2011.

� Method: Method as Gilbert et al 1998.



47

7.1.18 Dyfi SSSI

Site Area: 3794.80 ha





assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

4800 2889




7.1.18.2 Site Feature: White- fronted goose


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

140 68





Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding population size Number of breeding


� Data source: RSPB reserve staff.



8 Breeding pairs measured by drumming/chipping birds


48


Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011



� Data source: Figures from RSPB reserve staff.




Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011






7.1.18.6 Site Feature: Lapwing

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

pairs 2006 - 2011

Breeding population size Number of pairs

within the SSSI 132 103





49

7.1.18.7 Site Feature: Woodland breeding bird assemblage


� Assemblage score at time of notification: 41.


� Assemblage score (max only) from 2011 DSBMP survey plus extra records from

other sources: 45.5.





7.1.18.8 Site Feature: Breeding bird assemblage of sand dunes and salt marshes.



� Assemblage score (min & max) from 2011 DSBMP survey: 8 – 12.



� Method: 2 transect routes totalling 9km (5.6 miles). Assemblage method.


7.1.18.9 Site Feature: Lowland damp grasslands assemblage



� Assemblage score (min & max) from 2011 DSBMP survey: 5 – 10.

� Attributes: Presence/Absence of assemblage species


� Method: 1 transect route totalling 2.2km (1.34miles). Assemblage method.


7.1.18.10 Site Feature: Lowland open waters assemblage



� Assemblage score (min & max) from 2011 DSBMP survey: 11.5 - 21.5.



� Method: 1 transect route totalling 1.3km (0.8 miles). Assemblage method.





50

7.1.19 Eryri SSSI Site Area: 20,414.63 ha



7.1.19.1 Site Feature: Chough breeding




Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding



– 2008, 2010 - 2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: Gilbert et al 1998 but modified: see appendix in main report.




Site Feature: Chough wintering


No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification



Wintering

Population

Size

Number of wintering


the SSSI. Not Given 48 - 51


– 2010 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.




� Comments: number at time of notification not included in the SSSI bird feature

database from CCW.


51





� Assemblage score min and (max) from 2009 DSBMP survey plus extra records from




� Method: Transect routes. 6 routes totalling 33 km (20.5 miles) Upland assemblage

method.


7.1.19.3 Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland with water bodies.



� Assemblage score (min & max) from 2009 DSBMP survey: 14.5 – 26.5.

� Assemblage score (min and max) from 2009 DSBMP survey plus extra records from

other sources: 40.5 – 45.



� Method: Transect routes. 6 routes (same routes used for both assemblages) totalling

33 km (20.5 miles). Upland assemblage method.





52

7.1.20 Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney Mosses SSSI









2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI (24) 13

� Data source: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).







53

7.1.21 Glannau Aberdaron SSSI Site Area: 304.07 ha







Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI. (15) 16-17


– 2008, 2010- 2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project

� Method: Gilbert et al 1998 but modified, see appendix in main report.








54

7.1.22 Glannau Rhoscolyn SSSI Site Area: 145.44 ha







Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI. (8) 3


– 2008, 2010 – 2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.









55

7.1.23 Glannau Ynys Gybi/ Holy-Island Coast SSSI Site Area: 400.5 ha







Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding












56

7.1.24 Glaslyn SSSI




7.1.24.1.1.1 Site Feature: Lowland damp grasslands assemblage





other sources: no extra records.



� Method: Five transect routes totalling 11.6km (7.2 miles). Assemblage method

statement.





57

7.1.25 Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI Site Area: 518.54 ha


7.1.25.1 Site Feature: Little tern




Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number Apparently


within the SSSI. 70 108 – 120

� Data source: Figure from Denbighshire Countryside Service / Seabird Monitoring

Programme (SMP).



7.1.25.2 Site Feature: Sanderling


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

482 48



� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06 & 2008-09. Complete for all other years.



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

224 225





58

7.1.26 Hanmer Mere SSSI

Site Area: 54.33 ha



Site Feature: Goosander

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

No. wintering individuals

2010 - 2011

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within






database from CCW. This is the first time this site has been counted since 1994/1995.


59

7.1.27 Inner Marsh Farm SSSI

Site Area: 5.15 ha (Wales only)



Pintail (Wales only)


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1

Pintail (England & Wales)


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

836 125




� Comments: 1 ha of the WeBS count sector used to present the data for the Welsh side

of the border is known to be over the border in the English part of the site. It is not

thought that this has adversely affected the presented results.


Teal (Wales only)


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 48


60

Teal (England & Wales)


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

2530 514







7.1.27.3 Site Feature: Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit (Wales only)


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1

Black-tailed Godwit (England & Wales)


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

761 167








61

7.1.28 Llandegla Moor SSSI Site Area: 565.36 ha


Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland with water bodies








� Method: Transect routes. 4 routes totalling 15.7 km (9.7 miles). Upland assemblage

method.



picked up during the original DSBMP survey, no extra species were picked up.




62

7.1.29 Llyn Alaw SSSI Site Area: 353.63 ha



7.1.29.1 Site Feature: Shoveler


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

18 14






assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

647 264





database from CCW.


63

7.1.30 Llyn Bodgylched SSSI Site Area: 16.37 ha











� Method: Vantage Point – see comment below.

� Coverage: Partial (see below).

� Comments: Access to the site was denied so the results are based on vantage point

observations only (using public rights of way). It is not thought that this adversely

affected the survey results.




64

7.1.31 Llyn Traffwll SSSI Site Area: 44.99 ha





assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

120 109




database from CCW.



65

7.1.32 Llynnau Y Fali/Valley lakes SSSI Site Area: 100.50 ha





assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

288 207




database from CCW.



Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2006

- 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI

16 11




� Comments: Max numbers of drakes in groups of 4 or less recorded over 3 counts

April, May & June.

7.1.32.3 Site Feature: Gadwall

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2006

- 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI

10 9





April, May & June.


66

7.1.32.4 Site Feature: Pochard

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2006

- 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI

14 19

� Data source: RSPB reserve staff Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project.




April, May & June.

7.1.32.5 Site Feature: Tufted duck

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2006

- 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI

34 28

� Data source: RSPB reserve staff Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project.




April, May & June.









� Method: One transect routes totalling 2.9km (1.8 miles). Lowland assemblage

method.


� Comments: Score at notification listed in the SSSI features database (from CCW) and

on the site SSSI Features Sheet is 38.5. However, Anas strepera (gawall) is listed twice

in the Features Sheet and has been allocated two different scores: 4 and 3. As gadwall

should have a score of 4, it is thought that Anas crecca (teal) which is allocated 3 points

could be missing from the list (and been mistakenly entered as A. strepera ).




67

7.1.33 Malltraeth Marsh/Cors Ddyga SSSI






assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

161 177

� Data source: British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS). � Method: Wetland Bird Survey (BTO).


database from CCW.







2006 - 201115

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding










pairs 2005, 2007 - 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding





15 Breeding pairs measured by drumming / chipping birds.


68

7.1.33.4 Site Feature: Lowland damp grasslands assemblage





� Data source: RSPB staff and Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project.

� Method: Four transect routes totalling 17.44 km (10.84 miles) Assemblage method.





� Assemblage score (min & max) from 2011 DSBMP survey: 29.5 - 42.5.


� Data source: RSPB staff and Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project.

� Method: Four transect routes totalling 17.44 km (10.84 miles). Assemblage



database from CCW.




69

7.1.34 Migneint-Arenig Duallt SSSI Site Area: 19,846.41 ha








other sources: 56 - 61.5.


� Data Source: RSPB/CCW Meirionnydd Sites Project.

� Method: Transect routes. 4 routes totalling 28.29km (17.6 miles) Upland assemblage

method.


� Comments: the score at notification presented on the features database from CCW is

55. However, the combined score of the species listed in the database is 56 so this is

the score that has been presented in the above.

7.1.34.2 Site Feature: Peregrine




Mean no. of occupied

territories 2005 , 2006 &

2009

Breeding

population

size

Number of occupied

territories within the SSSI

boundary and a 2km

buffer zone.

12 8

� Data Source: RSPB/CCW Meirionydd Sites Project.






70

7.1.34.3 Site Feature: Hen harrier





pairs 2005 - 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI. 10 10-11

� Data Source: 2005 – 2009: RSPB/CCW Meirionydd Sites Project. 2010: SCARABBS

hen harrier survey.



7.1.34.4 Site Feature: Merlin

Attributes

Method of

assessment




pairs 2005 – 2006, 2008

Breeding

population size

Number of

breeding pairs


� Data Source: RSPB/CCW Meirionydd Sites Project.




71

7.1.35 Morfa Harlech SSSI Site Area: 2,219.98 ha





assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

279 273




database from CCW. Figure included in this report has been taken from SMS /

Citation documents.

7.1.35.2 Site Feature: Breeding bird assemblage of sand dunes and salt marshes.








� Method: Two transect routes totalling 11.75km (7.3 miles). Assemblage method

statement


� Comment: the score at notification presented on the features database from CCW is

24. However, the combined score of the species listed in the database is 19 so this is

the score that has been presented in the above.




72

7.1.36 Mynydd Hiraethog SSSI Site Area: 6,401.32 ha











� Method: Transect routes. 4 routes totalling 21 km (13.37 miles). Upland assemblage

method.





73

7.1.37 Mynydd Penarfynydd SSSI Site Area: 161.15 ha



7.1.37.1 Site Feature: Chough Wintering


No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification


individuals

2005,2006,2009,2010

Wintering

Population

Size

Number of wintering


the SSSI. None given 7-15







database from CCW.


74

Newborough Warren SSSI








Mean. of AON 2009-

2010

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI. (>130) 56

� Data Source: CCW.

� Method: Walsh et al 1995. Surveyed from boat.




Citation documents.

7.1.37.3 Site Feature: Raven wintering

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. individual adults


Mean no. individual

adults 2009 - 2011

Wintering

Population Size

Number of

individual adults

within the SSSI.

None given 606


� Method: Two methods were used; the original method established by Nigel Brown,

and a second devised by RSPB. The original method was used to enable comparison,

and the RSPB method was devised due to concerns that the original method was

under-estimating numbers, especially in 2010. The method established by Professor

Nigel Brown at Bangor University involved counting ravens flying into the roost at

dusk from count locations located throughout the roost site. The RSPB method

involved a perimeter counting method whereby counters stood around the forest

edge at pre-determined locations. Each counter looked along the forest edge, facing

the next count location and counting ravens passing the line between the two points

heading into the forest (birds crossing the line flying back out of the forest were also

noted so that they could be taken off the final count total).



from CCW.


75



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>280) 396




database from CCW.

� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 & 2008-09. Complete for 2009-10 only.



Citation documents.


76

7.1.38 Pen Y Gogarth/Great Ormes Head SSSI




7.1.38.1 Site Feature: Razorbill

Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

individual adults 2005,

2006, 2010

Breeding

population size

Number of

individual adults


� Data source: Figures from the Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).







Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

individual adults 2005,

2006, 2010

Breeding

population size

Number of

individual adults

within the SSSI.

(1500) 1114








77

7.1.38.3 Site Feature: Kittiwake




Mean no. of AON

2005, 2006, 2010

Breeding

population size


Occupied Nest Sites

within the SSSI

(1500) 737








78

7.1.39 Porth Ceiriad, Porth Neigwl ac Ynysoedd Sant Tudwal SSSI








Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding



– 2008, 2010 - 2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: Gilbert et al Bird Monitoring Method Handbook but modified: see appendix

in main report.

� Results: Results include a range; the lower figure is that for all confirmed (B3) and

probable (B2) pairs, the upper figure includes possible pairs (B1).






79

7.1.40 Puffin Island-Ynys Seiriol SSSI Site Area: 31.33 ha



7.1.40.1 Site feature: Cormorant





– 2007, 2009 - 2011

Breeding

population

size




� Data Source: 2005 – 2009 data: CCW. 2010 data: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring

Project (RSPB/CCW).







80

7.1.41 Ruabon, Llantysilio Mountains and Minera SSSI




7.1.41.1 Site Feature: Black grouse




Mean no. of lekking

males 2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of lekking

males within the SSSI. 80 101

� Data Source: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Cymru, Countryside

Council for Wales (CCW), Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) & Denbighshire

County Council (DCC).



� Comments: Numbers at time of notification were supplied by the updated CCW

features database, dated May 2010.










method.





81

7.1.42 Shotton Lagoons and Reedbeds SSSI

Site Area: 11.88 ha


7.1.42.1 Site Feature: Common tern




Mean no. AON

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number Apparently


within the SSSI.

667 351

� Data source: Merseyside ringing group / Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).




82

7.1.43 The Skerries SSSI Site Area: 17.07 ha





No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI boundary

103 191

� Data source: RSPB reserve / Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).



7.1.43.2 Site Feature: Roseate Tern


No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI boundary

0.5 0.25








Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

1572 2580





83

7.1.44 Traeth Lafan SSSI Site Area: 2,690.69 ha



7.1.44.1 Site Feature: Great-crested grebe


assessment


at time of notification Mean peak 2005 - 2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 161





database from CCW.

7.1.44.2 Site Feature: Oystercatcher


assessment


at time of notification Mean peak 2005 - 2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 6478





database from CCW.



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 1322





database from CCW.


84



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 1222





database from CCW.

7.1.44.5 Site Feature: Red breasted merganser


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 86





database from CCW.


85

7.1.45 Y Forydd SSSI





assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(1078) 1868








86

7.1.46 Ynys Enlli SSSI Site Area: 206.39 ha



7.1.46.1 Site Feature: Manx shearwater



time of notification No. of AOB 2008

Breeding

population

size


Occupied Burrows

(AOB) in study plots

within the SSSI.

None Given 2178

� Data source: Figures from Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory Report 2008


� Coverage: study plots within the SSSI.


database from CCW.

7.1.46.2 Site Feature: Chough





pairs 2006 - 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding pairs

within the SSSI. 7 6-7

� Data source: Figures from Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory.

� Method: Gilbert et al Bird Monitoring Method Handbook.



database from CCW. Numbers at time of notification presented in the above table

were taken from the Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory report from 2002, which is

the date of last notification of the feature.


87

7.1.47 Ynys Feurig SSSI Site Area: 25.38 ha







Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

154 159 - 210

� Data source: Seabird Monitoring Programme.



7.1.47.2 Site Feature: Roseate Tern




Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

1 0.16








Mean no. AON

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

417 489 - 540





88

7.1.48 Ynysoedd y Gwylan/Gwylan Islands SSSI

Site Area: 4.87 ha



7.1.48.1 Site Feature: Puffin

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of individual

adults 2007, 2008, 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

Individual Adults

within the SSSI.

Not Given 671


� Method: Walsh et al 1995. No figures for 2009 reported on SMP website, so figure

from 2008 used in this report.



database from CCW.

7.1.48.2 Site Feature: Razorbill




No. of individual

adults 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of Individual

Adults within the SSSI. Not Given 31





database from CCW.


89





Mean no. of

individual adults

2007, 2009 & 2010

Breeding

population

size







database from CCW.





Mean no. of AON

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI

boundary

Not Given 51





database from CCW.


90

7.1.49 Yr Eifl SSSI Site Area: 424.98 ha







Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding




� Method: Gilbert et al 1998 but modified see appendix in main report.








91

8 WEST REGION

8.1.1 Aberarth – Carreg Wylan SSSI Site Area: 997.19 ha



Site Feature: Chough Breeding




Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding


� Data Source: 2009 data: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW). 2006-

2008, 2010 – 2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: Gilbert et al 1998 but modified: see appendix.


probable sites, maximum range count includes possible sites as well. The "possibles"

include 3 likely sites not visited in 2009.





Site Feature: Chough Wintering


No. wintering


notification


individuals 2005 - 2007,

2009 - 2010

Wintering

Population Size

Number of wintering


the SSSI. 30 10 - 14

� Data Source: 2011 data: Designated sites bird monitoring project (RSPB/CCW). 2005 –

2010 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: 2011 method put together for purposes of this survey: see appendix




92

Site Feature: Kittiwake



time of notification No. of AON 2009

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI

boundary

(300) 220







Site Feature: Lesser Black-Backed Gull




Mean no. of AOS

2006, 2009, 2011

Breeding

population size


Occupied Sites (AOS)


� Data Source: South and West Wales Wildlife Trust.





management statements: not thought to be exact figure. Counts are from Cardigan

Island. The 2006 method was by a transect routes, the 2009 and 2011 method were full

island counts.


93

8.1.2 Afon Teifi SSSI Site Area: 778.32 ha


Site Feature: Cetti’s warbler




Mean no. of

Territorial Males

2006 - 2010

Breeding

population size

Number of territorial

singing males within the

SSSI None given 3

� Data Source: The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.



� Comments: figures from Teifi Marshes.

Site Feature: Lowland open waters assemblage







� > Data Source: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).

� Method: 4 Transect routes totalling 21 km (13.1 miles) lowland open waters

assemblage method.


� Comments: the score at notification presented on the features database from CCW is

31.5. However, the combined score of the species listed in the database is 35.5 so this

is the score that has been presented in the above.




94

8.1.3 Afon Tywi SSSI Site Area: 1,313.81 ha









� > Data Source: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).

� Method: 4 Transect routes totalling 19.8 km (12.3 miles) lowland open waters

assemblage method.


Site Feature: Little ringed plover




Mean no. of territorial

pairs 2005 & 2009

Breeding

population

size



� Data Source: 2005 data: Barry Steward, CCW contracted survey & report. 2009 data:

Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).

� Method: BTO little ringed plover survey 2007.


� Comments: 2009 survey: suitable habitat along the whole length of the SSSI was

surveyed (between Llandovery and Carmarthen totalling 61.39 km/ 38 miles).

Site Feature: Sand martin



time of notification No. of AOB 2009

Breeding

population

size


Occupied Burrows

(AOB) within the SSSI.

2680 2743




� Comments: Suitable habitat along the whole length of the SSSI was surveyed

(between Llandovery and Carmarthen totaling 61.39 km/ 38 miles).




95

8.1.4 Allt Y Gaer SSSI

Site Area: 3.35 ha



Site Feature: Heron

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean No. AOS

2005 - 2007

Breeding population

size

Number of

Apparently Occupied

Sites (AOS) within

the SSSI.

(40) 19

� Data source: Figures from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Heronry Census.

� Method: BTO Heronry Census.



database from CCW. Figure included for this feature has been taken from SMS /

Citation documents. The last known count of the site is from 2007(John Marchant

BTO pers. comm.). A 2010 count was undertaken but is thought to be incomplete so

it is not included in this report.


96

8.1.5 Arfordir Pen Bre/Pembre Coast SSSI




Site Feature: Sanderling


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>210) 1168






Citation documents.

Site Feature: Oystercatcher


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>3200) 6106






Citation documents.


97

8.1.6 Arfordir Penrhyn Angle/Angle Peninsula Coast SSSI




Site Feature: Chough wintering


No. of wintering


notification

No. of wintering

individuals 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of wintering

individuals within the

SSSI. (15) 10

� Data source: Bob Haycock.


� Coverage: Two day survey in February 2011. Use of transects/’look-see’ unknown.



Citation documents.


98

8.1.7 Borth-Clarach SSSI Site Area: 86.17 ha







Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding


� Data Source: 2009 data: Designated Sites Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).

2006– 2008, 2010-2011 data: Cross & Stratford Welsh Chough project.

� Method: Gilbert et al 1998 but modified: see appendix in main report.




� Comments: number at time of notification taken from RSPB Chough Habitat

Restoration Project.



No. wintering


notification



Wintering

Population Size

Number of wintering


the SSSI.

50 8-9



� Method: Method put together for purposes of this survey: see appendix in main

report.




99

8.1.8 Cae’r Meirch SSSI Site Area: 85.62 ha


Site Feature: Woodland Assemblage





other sources: 23.5 – 40.5.





� Comments: Species score at notification has been presented in the CCW features

database. However, the species list at time of notification is incomplete: different

species are noted in SSSI bird feature database and in the site Citation document, so

information not included in the above table. Extra “look-see” visits were undertaken

to look for extra species not picked up during the original DSBMP survey, no new

species were picked up




100

8.1.9 Castlemartin Cliffs and Dunes SSSI Site Area: 755.16 ha



Site Feature: Puffin




Mean no. of

individual adults

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size







database from CCW.

Site Feature: Razorbill




Mean no. of

individual adults

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size


Adults within the SSSI. 591 1125




Site Feature: Guillemot




Mean no. of

individual adults

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size


Adults within the SSSI. 6257 15,570





101





Mean no. of

AON 2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

403 34




Site Feature: Chough

Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2008

& 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding






102

8.1.10 Coed Y Crychydd SSSI Site Area: 9.74 ha



Site Feature: Grey heron


No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean No. AOS

2005 - 2011

Breeding population

size



within the SSSI.

None Given 2

� Data Source: BTO.

� Method: BTO Heronry census.



from CCW.




� Assemblage score (min & max24) from 2009 DSBMP survey: 12 - 29.







� Comments: Species at time of notification are not listed in the SSSI Database so

cannot be included in the above table.




103

8.1.11 Cregiau Pen Y Graig SSSI Site Area: 22.85 ha



Site Feature: Cormorant

Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of AON

2005 & 2010

Breeding

population size

Number of

Apparently Occupied

Nests (AON) within

the SSSI.

50 30

� Data Source: 2005 data: county bird recorder pers comm. 2010 data: Designated Sites

Bird Monitoring Project (RSPB/CCW).




104

8.1.12 Cwm Doethie-Mynydd Mallaen SSSI




Site Feature: Red kite




No. breeding pairs

2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI None Given 3





database from CCW.

Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland without water bodies.


� Assemblage score at time of notification: none given






� Method: Transect routes. 4 routes totalling 18.74 km (11.65 miles). Upland

assemblage method.


� Comments: The survey undertaken for the DSBMP was for the originally qualifying

feature: upland breeding bird assemblage without water bodies. In 2008 however, it

is known that the feature was changed to an upland breeding bird assemblage with

water bodies. Four extra records were also picked up from the original ‘without’

survey that are included in the ‘with’ species. These show that the feature would

qualify under this new assemblage and would score 36 (threshold 34). However, the

original survey did not survey any water bodies on the site and it is suggested that

this might be appropriate for any future survey work.




105



� Assemblage score at time of notification: see comment below


� Assemblage score (max only) from 2009 DSBMP survey plus extra records from






� Comment: The species list presented in the CCW features database (2008) adds up to

40.5. However, the score presented in the same database is 42 and the score presented

in the Features Sheet is 39.5 so it is unclear which is the correct score. As such, it is

not possible to present a species list or a baseline score in the above table as it is

unclear which is correct.




106

8.1.13 Dale & South Marloes Coast SSSI Site Area: 289.90 ha





No. wintering


notification

No. of wintering

individuals

Wintering

Population

Size

Number of wintering


the SSSI.

9 See below

� Data Source: Jane Hodges.


� Comments: No counts of chough are known at this site at present, this data has been

requested from Jane Hodges directly.


107

8.1.14 Grassholm SSSI Site Area: 11.97 ha



Site Feature: Gannet



time of notification No. of AOS 2009

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI.

1969: 16,128 39,292

1987: 28,535


� Method: Aerial survey of the island, using aerial photographs to count gannet

Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS). A full report form the survey was provided by

Stuart Murray, the contractor.

� Results: Date of first notification of the Gannet feature (from the SSSI bird feature

database) is 1954; date of last notification is 1985. Two count totals were included

above from 1969 and 1987 to reflect counts from as close to both dates of notification

as possible.



108

8.1.15 Gower Coast: Rhossili to Porteynon SSSI Site Area: 361.66 ha







No. of individual

adults 2011

Breeding

population

size



� Method: Walsh et al 1995. Site was surveyed by boat.







No. of individual

adults 2011

Breeding

population

size




� Method: Walsh et al 1995. Site was surveyed by boat.



109

8.1.16 Gwernydd Pembre SSSI Site Area: 49.42 ha





No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

Mean no. of

Territorial Males

2009- 2010

Breeding

population

size


singing males within

the SSSI 3 11


� Method: Gilbert et al Bird Monitoring Method Handbook.



110

8.1.17 Milford Haven Waterway SSSI Site Area: 2,192.35 ha



Site Feature: Teal


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>1920) 1747



� Coverage: Partial for 2007-08 & 2009-10. Complete for all other years.


database from CCW.

Site Feature: Wigeon


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>4060) 7974





database from CCW. Figures used in this report have been taken from citations/site


Site Feature: Dunlin


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>5600) 3634








111

Site Feature: Curlew


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>1500) 772







Site Feature: Little grebe


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>78) 53







Site Feature: Shelduck


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>782) 622



� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06 &2009-10. Complete for all other years.


database from CCW.


112

8.1.18 Ramsey/Ynys Dewi SSSI Site Area: 297.48 ha







No. of breeding

pairs 2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding


� Data Source: RSPB reserve wardens.







113

8.1.19 Rheidol Woods and Gorge SSSI Site Area: 228.88 ha



Site Feature: Red kite

Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2005,

2006 & 2010

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding


� Data Source: Welsh Kite Trust, surveys commissioned by CCW.

� Method: Red Kite Trust.



114

8.1.20 Skomer Island and Middleholm SSSI Site Area: 331.63 ha



Site Feature: Short eared owl




Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI. None given 3

� Data source: Wildlife Trust South West Wales.




database from CCW.





Mean no. of

individual adults

2005 - 2011

Breeding

population size


Adults within the SSSI. (3000) 5064

� Data source: Wildlife Trust South West Wales / Seabird Monitoring Programme

(SMP).







115





Mean no. of

individual adults

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size


Adults within the SSSI. (8000) 11,664


(SMP).






Site Feature: Storm petrel



at time of notification No. of AOS 2005

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI.

(44) 1009





database from CCW. Figures used in this report have been taken from

citations/site management statements: not thought to be exact figures.





Mean no. of AON

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

(3000) 11,163


(SMP).







116

Site Feature: Manx shearwater



at time of notification No. of AOB 1998

Breeding

population

size


Occupied Burrows


(1900) 101,800






management statements: not thought to be exact figures. Manx shearwater full

census in 2011, awaiting data when available.





Mean no. of AON

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI

boundary

(1500) 2016


(SMP).










Mean no. of

individual adults

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population size


adults within the SSSI. (5000) 18914


(SMP).







117





Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding









118

8.1.21 Skokholm SSSI Site Area: 115.54 ha





No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

No. of individual

adults 2006 - 2009,

2011

Breeding

population size


adults within the SSSI. (1000) 1027


(SMP).







Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification

No. of individual adults

2005,2006,2007 & 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

individual adults

within the SSSI.

(2400) 4691


(SMP).







119

Site Feature: Storm petrel



at time of notification No. of AOS 2011

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI.

(2500) 2450








Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification


adults 2006 -2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

Apparently

Occupied Nests

(AON) within the

SSSI boundary

(2500) 2622


(SMP).






Site Feature: Manx shearwater



at time of notification No. of AOB 2009

Breeding

population

size


Occupied Burrows


(550) 527


� Method: Walsh et al 1995. Not a full survey of sites, result from study plots.






120


Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. of breeding

pairs at time of

notification


adults 2006 - 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

individual adults



(SMP).










Mean no. of

breeding pairs

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding








121

8.1.22 Stackpole SSSI








No. of breeding

pairs 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of breeding

pairs within the SSSI. None Given 2





database from CCW.



No. wintering


notification

No. of wintering

individuals 2011

Wintering

Population

Size

Number of wintering




� Method: method as Bob Haycock.

� Coverage: two day survey in February 2011. Use of transects/’look-see’ unknown.


database from CCW.


122

8.1.23 St David’s Peninsula Coast SSSI





Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of breeding pairs

2006 - 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding

pairs within

the SSSI.

(5) 7

� Data source: Jane Hodges, Pembrokshire Coast National Park Authority.






Site Feature: Peregrine




No. of occupied

territories

Breeding

population

size

Number of occupied

territories within the

SSSI boundary (6) See Below



management statements: not thought to be exact figures. No recent count data is

known for the feature at present, this data has been requested from Jane Hodges.


123

8.1.24 St Margaret’s Island SSSI

Site Area: 10.70 ha



Site Feature: Cormorant




Mean no. of AON

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size



within the SSSI.

(238) 172

� Data source: Seabird Monitoring Programme (SMP).







124

8.1.25 Twyni Lacharn- Pentywyn/Laugharne Pendine Burrows SSSI Site Area: 2,301.54 ha









� Method: 4 Transect routes totalling 10.55 km (6.56 miles) lowland open waters

assemblage method




� Comment: The species list presented in the CCW features database (2008) adds up to

44.5 and this is the figure presented in the above. However, the score presented in the

same database is 45.5. The features sheet also presents a score of 45.5, but the species

list presented is different, with gadwall (4 points) being listed instead of teal (3

points) which could explain where the discrepancy in total score has come from.

Site Feature: Golden plover


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 5953





database from CCW.




125

9 SOUTH EAST REGION

9.1.1 Black Mountains SSSI Site Area: 6,783.18 ha



Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland without water bodies.

.






� Method: Transect routes. Four routes totalling 50 km (31 miles). Assemblage method.





from CCW. As such, a comparison cannot be made between species found in the 2011

survey and those present when the feature was designated.




126

9.1.2 Blackpill SSSI



Site Feature: Sanderling


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(290) 215







Site Feature: Ringed plover


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(230) 147








127

9.1.3 Burry Inlet and Loughor Estuary SSSI Site Area: 5,851.09 ha



Site Feature: Pintail


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(1885) 3873







Site Feature: Shoveler


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(143) 222







Site Feature: Oystercatcher


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(17,300) 12,841








128



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(1285) 984






management statements: not thought to be exact figure.



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 5601





database from CCW.

Site Feature: Knot


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(5288) 3778








129

Site Feature: Grey plover


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(687) 321









assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(1175) 765







Site Feature: Teal


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(1920) 773








130



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(5351) 1998







Site Feature: Turnstone


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(622) 46



� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08. Complete for other years.






assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(2148) 1279






management statements: not thought to be exact figure.


131

9.1.4 Carn Gafallt SSSI Site Area: 389.49 ha






� Assemblage score (min & max29) from 2012 DSBMP survey: 18.5 - 39.5


other sources: 31.5 - 50.5


� Data Source: RSPB Reserve.

� Comments: This site was surveyed to the standardised DSBMP method in 2012.




132

9.1.5 Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir SSSI




Site Feature: Pochard


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 195





database from CCW.

Site Feature: Tufted duck


assessment



Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 71





database from CCW.


133

9.1.6 Elenydd-Mallaen SPA/Elenydd SSSI

SPA Site Area: 30022.14 ha

Date of classification of SPA: 12.01.1996

SSSI Site Area: 22,670.32 ha

Date of first notification of SSSI: 01.01.1954

Date of last notification of SSSI: 31.03.1992

SPA Site Feature: Red kite

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. breeding

pairs at time of

classification No. of breeding pairs 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SPA

34

Within SPA boundary: 18

Within SPA boundary & 1km buffer: 57



� Method: Method adapted for the purposes of this project, see appendix for full

details.


� Coverage: Complete, including a 3km buffer of the site.

SSSI Site Feature: Red kite

Attributes

Method of

assessment

No. breeding

pairs at time of

notification No. of breeding pairs 2011

Breeding

population

size

Number of

breeding pairs

within the SSSI

None given

Within SSSI boundary: 7

Within SSSI boundary & 1km buffer: 27




134

SSSI Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland with water bodies.







method.







135

9.1.7 Flat Holm SSSI Site Area: 34.91 ha







Mean no. of AON

2005 -2010

(excluding 2006)

Breeding

population

size



within the SSSI

boundary

4000 4001


� Data Source: Cardiff County Council, Flat Holm staff.


� Comment: 2006 count is a percentage estimate only as bad weather affected the

count. As such, it has not been included in the mean calculation.


136

9.1.8 Glascwm and Gladestry Hills SSSI Site Area: 2,410.08 ha



Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland with water bodies.






� Method: Transect routes. Four routes totalling 24.3 km (24.3 miles). Assemblage

method.





from CCW. As such, a comparison cannot be made between species found in the

2010.




137

9.1.9 Lisvane Reservoir SSSI

Site Area: 8.01 ha



Site Feature: Teal









assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

None given 39








assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(200) 0


138

Site Feature: Tufted duck


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(100) 134








139

9.1.10 Llandegfedd Reservoir SSSI Site Area: 240.84 ha



Site Feature: Teal


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>1000) 280









assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>1000) 380








140



assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(>100) 68








141

9.1.11 Maelienydd SSSI Site Area: 346.65 ha



Site Feature: Lowland damp grasslands breeding bird assemblage



� Assemblage score (max only 32) from 2010 DSBMP survey: 8.



� Method: Four transect routes totalling 11.2 km (6.97 miles) assemblage method

statement.




� Comments: A baseline score of 12 was supplied with the SSSI database from CCW

but the species list that made-up the assessment at notification was not supplied. As

such, a comparison cannot be made between species found in the 2010 survey and

those present when the feature was designated Extra “look-see” visits were

undertaken to look for extra species not picked up during the original DSBMP

survey. No new species were picked up.




142

9.1.12 Magor Marsh SSSI Site Area: 22.57 ha






� Assemblage score (min and max 33) from 2010 DSBMP survey: 11 - 21.5.



� Method: Five transect routes totalling 4.36 km (2.71 miles) lowland open waters

assemblage method.




� Comments Numbers at time of notification were not supplied with the database from

CCW. As such, a comparison cannot be made between species found in the 2010





143

9.1.13 Marchieni Uplands, Gilfach Farm and Gamallt SSSI Site Area: 812.68 ha










� Data Source: Designated sites bird monitoring project (RSPB/CCW).




picked up during the original DSBMP survey, no extra assemblage species were

picked up.




144

9.1.14 Moel-y-Golfa SSSI Site Area: 70.71 ha













� Comments: This survey was undertaken from point counts placed on a footpath that

circles the site due to access restrictions. Extra “look-see” visits were undertaken in

2011 to look for extra species not picked up during the original DSBMP survey. These

extra visits picked up five new species.




145

9.1.15 Nedern Brook Wetlands, Caldicot SSSI Site Area: 43.29 ha



Attributes

Method of

assessment



No. wintering

individuals 1999 -

2000

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI. (>2000) 158





management statements: not thought to be exact figures. Data for this feature is not

available from WeBS since 1999 – 2000, and these figures have been noted as a

‘known undercount’.

Site Feature: Redshank

Attributes

Method of

assessment



No. wintering

individuals 1999 -

2000

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI. (750) 91





management statements: not thought to be exact figures. Data for this feature is not

available from WeBS since 1999 – 2000, and these figures have been noted as a

‘known undercount’.


146




� Assemblage score (max only 36) from 2010 DSBMP survey: 20.5 - 24.5.



� Method: Four transect routes totalling 4.81 km (2.99 miles) lowland open waters

assemblage method.





from CCW. As such, a comparison cannot be made between species found in the 2010





147

9.1.16 Newport Wetlands SSSI Site Area: 374.2 ha


Comment: The relatively new SSSI Newport Wetlands has breeding Cetti’s warbler, avocet,

redshank & lapwing as features. The Newport Wetlands SSSI replaces the Gwent Levels,

Nash - Goldcliff SSSI and Gwent Levels, Whitson SSSI within the Newport Wetlands NNR

boundary. Outside of the NNR boundary and within the Gwent Levels Nash and Goldcliffe

SSSI and Gwent Levels Whitson SSSI breeding Cetti’s warbler, avocet, redshank & lapwing

are not features. The data presented below is specifically for Newport Wetlands SSSI.


Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

Territorial Males

2008 - 2010

Breeding

population size


males within the SSSI 71 56

� Data Source: Tom Dalrymple, CCW Senior Reserve Manager.



Site Feature: Avocet

Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2005 -

2010

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding






Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of

breeding pairs 2005 -

2010

Breeding

population size

Number of breeding






148

Site Feature: Lapwing

Attributes

Method of

assessment



Mean no. of pairs

2005 - 2010

Breeding

population size

Number of pairs






149

9.1.17 Pumlumon SSSI




Site Feature: Upland assemblage of moorland & grassland with water bodies.



� Assemblage score (max only 37) from 2009 DSBMP survey: 20 – 32.



� Method: Transect routes. 4 routes totalling 19.42 km (12 miles). Upland assemblage

method.







150

9.1.18 River Wye/Afon Gwy SSSI Site Area: 544.23 ha



Site Feature: Goosander


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

(100) 10



� Coverage: Partial for 2005-06, 2006-07 & 2009-10. Complete for all other years.



Citation documents.


151

9.1.19 Severn Estuary SSSI Site Area: 6,853.63 ha




Dunlin Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 7883

Dunlin whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

21,430 20,932





152


Ringed plover Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 70

Ringed plover whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

838 163



� Coverage: Partial for Wales only data for 2007-08. Complete for all other years.


Curlew Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1150

Curlew whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

2974 2870



� Coverage: Partial for Wales data only 2005-06. Partial for all Severn for 2006-07 &

2007-08. Complete for all other years.


153


Grey plover Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 176

Grey plover whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

344 409





Shelduck Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1416

Shelduck whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

3492 4313



� Coverage: Partial for Wales only data for 2005-06 & 2006-07. Partial for whole Severn

data for 2007-08 & 2009-10. Complete for all other years.


154


Redshank Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 1266

Redshank whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

2312 2464



� Coverage: Partial for 2006-07, 2007-08 & 2009-10. Complete for all other years.

Site Feature: Pintail

Pintail Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 409

Pintail whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

1033 824



� Coverage: partial for Wales only data for 2009-10. Partial for all Severn data for 2006-

07 & 2009-10. Complete for all other years.


155

Site Feature: Shoveler

Shoveler Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 376

Shoveler whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

432 607




Site Feature: Teal

Teal Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 922

Teal whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

3949 4709





156

Site Feature: Gadwall

Gadwall Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 73

Gadwall whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

255 243





Pochard Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 20

Pochard whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

775 668


� Method: Bird Survey (BTO).

� Coverage: Partial for Wales only data for 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08. Complete for all

other years.


157

Site Feature: Bar-tailed godwit

Bar-tailed godwit Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 3

Bar-tailed Godwit whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

383 7



� Coverage: Partial for Wales only data for 2005-06. Partial for all Severn data for 2007-

08. Complete for all other years.


Golden plover Welsh Severn only.


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

See below 4

Golden plover whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

2677 3805



� Coverage: Partial for all Wales data for 2005-06. Partial for all Severn data for 2005-06,

2006-07 & 2009-10. Complete for all other sites.


158

Site Feature: White-fronted goose

White-fronted goose whole Severn (England & Wales).


assessment

No. wintering

individuals at time

of notification

Mean peak 2005 -

2010

Wintering

population

size

Number wintering

individuals within

the SSSI.

761 494





159

9.1.20 Sully Island SSSI Site Area: 11.40 ha




� No. wintering individuals at time of notification: none given.

� Attributes: Wintering population size.


database from CCW. Data is not available from WeBS for this site.

















160

10 References:

1. Dunn, T.E., Mitchell P.I., Newton, S., Ratcliffe. N. (2004) Seabird Populations of

Britain and Ireland. A&C Black.

2. Gilbert, G., Gibbons, D.W., Evans, J. (1998): Bird Monitoring Methods.

3. Walsh, P.M., Halley, D.J., Harris, M.P., Nevo, A., Sim, I.M.J., & Tasker, M.L. (1995)

Seabird monitoring handbook for Britain and Ireland, a compilation of survey

methods and monitoring of breeding seabirds. JNCC.

4. Steven R. Ewing, Graham W. Rebecca, Alan Heavisides, Ian Court, Patrick Lindley,

Marc Ruddock, Simon Cohen & Mark A. Eaton (2011): Breeding status of Merlins

Falco columbarius in the UK in 2008, Bird Study, DOI:10.1080/00063657.2011.606497

5. Daniel B. Hayhow, Mark A. Eaton, Stephen Bladwell, Brian Etheridge, Steven Ewing,

Marc Ruddock, Richard Saunders, Chris Sharpe, Innes M.W. Sim, Andrew Stevenson

(2012): The status of the Hen harrier, Circus cyaneus, in the UK and Isle of Man in

2010. In Prep.

6. Smith S, Thompson G and Perrins C.M (1999) - A Census of the Manx shearwater

puffinus puffinus on Skomer, Skokholm and Middleholm, West Wales

7. Brown, J.G. (2005) - Census Of European Storm petrels Hydrobates Pelagicus On

Skomer Island (unpublished report to Wildlife Trust South & West Wales)

8. Taylor C (2010) - Skomer Island NNR Annual Report 2010


161

11 Appendices. APPENDIX 1:

A comparison with the attributes used for assessment in this reporting cycle and the attributes

given to the notification data:

Species

Attribute used

at notification38

Attribute used for assessing breeding pairs within this current reporting

cycle.39

Arctic tern Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Avocet Breeding pairs Breeding pairs

Black grouse Breeding pairs Lekking males

Black guillemot Breeding pairs Individual adults

Cetti’s warbler Breeding pairs Territorial males

Chough Breeding pairs Breeding pairs (calculated by total possible/probable/confirmed breeding

pairs)

Common tern Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Cormorant Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Curlew Breeding pairs Breeding pairs

Gadwall Breeding pairs Pairs (calculated by max number of drakes)

Gannet Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS)

Grey heron Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Guillemot Breeding pairs Individual adults

Hen harrier Breeding pairs Breeding pairs

Kittiwake Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Lapwing Breeding pairs Pairs

Lesser black-backed gull Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS)

Little ringed plover Breeding pairs Pairs

Little tern Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Manx shearwater Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Burrows (AOB)

Merlin Breeding pairs Breeding pairs

Peregrine Breeding pairs Occupied territories

Pochard Breeding pairs Pairs (calculated by max number of drakes)

Puffin Breeding pairs Individual adults

Razorbill Breeding pairs Individual adults

Red kite Breeding pairs Breeding pairs

Redshank Breeding pairs Breeding pairs

Roseate tern Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Sand martin Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Burrows (AOB)

Sandwich tern Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Nests (AON)

Short-eared owl Breeding pairs Pairs

Shoveler Breeding pairs Pairs (calculated by max number of drakes)

Snipe Breeding pairs Pairs (calculated by number of drumming / chipping birds)

38 With reference to the ‘Guidelines for the selection of biological SSSI’s it is assumed that breeding features refer to

numbers of breeding pairs. 39 With reference to the methods in Gilbert et al & the Seabird Monitoring Handbook..


162

Storm petrel Breeding pairs Apparently Occupied Sites (AOS)

Tufted duck Breeding pairs Pairs (calculated by max number of drakes)

Field surveyors from the DSBMP organised surveys 2009 - 2011

SSSI Site Feature Surveyor

Aberarth-Carreg Wylan Chough Tony Cross

Aberarth-Carreg Wylan Kittiwake RSPB & CCW Staff

Afon Teifi Lowland open waters assemblage Richard Knight

Afon Tywi

Sand martin, Little ringed plover &

Lowland open waters assemblage Martin Humphreys RSPB & CCW Staff

Afordir Gogleddol Penmon Black guillemot & cormorant Amy Vanstone

Benarth Wood Grey heron Amy Vanstone & Dave Lamacraft

Berwyn Upland assemblage & peregrine Keith Offord

Black Mountains

Breeding bird assemblage of upland

moorland and grassland without

water bodies Andrew King

Borth – Clarach Chough Tony Cross

Cae’r Meirch Woodland assemblage Jan Baylis

Carreg Y Llam Guillemot Amy Vanstone & CCW Staff

Coed Dolgarrog


woodland Amy Vanstone & Dave Lamacraft

Coed Y Crychydd Woodland assemblage Richard Knight

Coedydd Aber Woodland assemblage Kelvin Jones

Coedydd Abergwynant SSSI


woodland RSPB warden: Ross Willis

Coedydd Dyffryn Ffestiniog


woodland Annie Seddon

Craig y Aderyn Chough Adrienne Stratford

Creigiau Pen y graig Cormorant Amy Vanstone

Cwm Cynfal


moorland and grassland without

water bodies Kelvin Jones

Cwm Doethie-Mynydd

Mallaen Woodland & Upland assemblages Richard Knight

Dyfi SSSI:


lowland damp grasslands. Breeding

bird assemblage of lowland open

waters and their margins. Breeding

bird assemblage of woodland.

Breeding bird assemblage of sand-

dunes and saltmarshes. RSPB wardens: Russell Jones & Dick Squires

Elenydd Upland assemblage Pete Jennings

Elenydd SPA Red kite Welsh Kite Trust

Eryri Chough & Upland assemblages Kelvin Jones, Adrienne Stratford & Amy Vanstone

Eryri SSSI Chough Adrienne Stratford

Fenn's, Whixall, Bettisfield,

Wem and Cadney Mosses SSSI Curlew Amy Vanstone, Dave Lamacraft, Mark Vercoe

Glannau Aberdaron Chough Adrienne Stratford

Glannau Rhoscolyn Chough Adrienne Stratford

Glascwm and Gladestry Hills


moorland and grassland with water

bodies Richard Knight


163

Glaslyn


lowland damp grassland Kelvin Jones

Gower Coast SSSI Guillemot & Razorbill Amy Vanstone, CCW staff.

Grassholm Gannet Stuart Murray

Gwernydd Pembre Cetti’s warbler Amy Vanstone, Andrew Lucas

Holy Island Coast Chough Amy Vanstone

Llandegla Moor


moorland and grassland with water

bodies Chris Mellanchip

Llyn Bodgylched


lowland open waters and their

margins Amy Vanstone, Dave Lamacraft.

Llynau Y Fali/Valley Lakes



margins RSPB warden: Ian Sims

Maelienydd


lowland damp grassland Richard Knight

Magor Marsh



margins Martin Humphreys

Malltraeth Marsh SSSI

Curlew. Breeding bird assemblage of

lowland damp grasslands. Breeding

bird assemblage of lowland open

waters and their margins Sally Moralee. RSPB Warden: Ian Hawkins.

Marchieni Uplands, Gilfach

Farm & Gamallt Woodland assemblage Martin Humphreys

Moel Y Golfa Woodland assemblage Richard Knight

Morfa Harlech

Breeding bird assemblage of sand-

dunes and salt marshes Dick Squires

Mynydd Hiraethog Upland assemblage Pete Burton

Mynydd Penarfynydd Chough Adrienne Stratford

Nedern Brook Wetlands,

Caldicot



margins Martin Humphreys

Newborough Warren Raven RSPB staff & volunteers, CCW staff.

Porth Ceiriad, Porth Neigwl ac

Ynysoedd Sant Tudwal Chough Adrienne Stratford

Puffin Island Cormorant RSPB & CCW staff.

Pumlumon Upland assemblage Jan Baylis

Ruabon- Llantysilio Mountains

& Minera Upland assemblage John Lawton-Roberts

Twyni Lacharne -Pendine

Burrows Lowland open waters assemblage Martin Humphreys

Yr Eifl Chough Adrienne Stratford


164

APPENDIX 2:

Survey Methods:

Assemblage Method Statements:

Lowland, Sand dune & Upland sites:

> The sites were surveyed twice. Visit 1 undertaken between 1st April and 18th May. Visit 2

undertaken between 18th May and 11th June.

> Surveying took place along the fixed routes provided, following the same fixed route for

both visits. Each route was roughly 4-5km long in order that one/two transects could easily be

Completed in one day

> The surveyor provided 6-Figure grid references for the start and end of each transect route

so as best to repeat the method in future.

> One fixed transect route only was surveyed during the first three hours after dawn in order

to optimise the recording of snipe and other species active at this time. A different route was

surveyed early for the second visit. All other fixed transect route surveys were undertaken

between 08.30 - 18.00 BST.

> Along transect routes, surveyors noted down abundance (number of each sighting of each

bird sp.) of all bird species within a 50m band width, filling in the map and the transect

survey forms provided.

>The surveyor stopped at vantage points (a rock, hillock or hill top) along the route for a

maximum of 20 minutes.

> At least every 100m surrounding moorland outside of the 50m band-width was scanned for

3-5 minutes provided any species that can add to the list of identified assemblage species

were noted on maps/recording forms.

Following the 2009 field season, the method was altered slightly, to include a separation of

records from transect route and vantage point, on two separate maps. This was in order to

evaluate the method used to see whether the vantage points were leading to the detection of

any more assemblage species. In the case of some lowland sites vantage points were not

present on the site.

Woodland Assemblage:

> Point counts followed the methods used by the Repeat Woodland Bird Survey (RWBS) as

follows:

> Each woodland block was assigned 10-point counts. No point was within 50m of the edge

of the wood. No points were within 100m of each other.

> Each woodland site was surveyed twice: Visit one was undertaken between 27th April and

18th May. Visit two was undertaken between 18th May and 11th June. One day was allocated

for the surveyor to undertake each visit.

> Surveys began within one hour of dawn and finished by 11.am


165

> The surveyor surveyed at the point count locations provided and followed the marked

route between points.

> Point counts lasted for 5 minutes. On arrival at the point, observers allowed five minutes for

the birds to settle and to familiarise themselves with the immediate area.

> Following the initial 5-minute point count data collection, the surveyor remained at the

point for a further 25 minutes noting down any additional species that could add to the

woodland assemblage list.

> The order in which the points were first visited was be reversed for the second visit.

> Surveyors recorded everything they saw and heard and entered this information into the

provided recording form. This provided presence/absence data and abundance information

(abundance = maximum count on either visit at a point).

> Birds were recorded as being within three different distance bands: either between 1m-25m,

between 25m-50m and outside of 50m.

> All species detected in the wood during a visit, whether during or between point counts,

were recorded as present in the column provided on the recording form.

> Birds flying over were not recorded.

> The surveyor for each point count location provided 6-figure grid references so as best to

repeat the method in future.


166

Chough breeding season monitoring method statement:

Acceptable deviation from standard method Gilbert et al 1998:

Additional observations prior to first standard visit – if these confirm occupancy of known

sites/pairs. However all suitable sites within SSSI must be checked in first standard survey

period if no prior confirming observations made.

Nest site visits that confirm breeding. However all suitable sites within SSSI must be checked

in second standard survey period if no nest site visits made.

Chough non-breeding season monitoring method statement

Time will be spent walking a pre-set route through the whole site (or portion of site in large

SSSI), looking for feeding choughs and checking the habitat used. A potential roost will then

be counted at dusk.

Route: In narrow linear sites (e.g. sections of coast), a linear route will be followed. In other

sites the route will be designed to be able to overlook the majority of the terrain. Routes will

be organised so that they finish at a roost location.

The route will be marked on a 1:25,000 OS map marking the start and finish points of the

route. The same route to be used on each visit/in each year of monitoring.

Effort - equivalent effort to be spent: Time allocation will be approximately one hour per km

length of route. The surveyor will proceed at a slow walking pace, using any spare time

allocation if / when choughs are encountered.

Annotated observations of choughs seen will be marked on the field map, including details of

habitat use and bird behaviour and time.

The surveyor should aim to arrive at the potential roost location (marked with * on the map)

at least half an hour before dusk. Record the time spent at the roost, the main chough arrival

time and the time the birds settle in addition to the count (range: min and max). Ideally, the

surveyor should remain at the roost until after the birds have settled, or until half an hour

after dusk.

Extra records of any priority birds will be noted by 1km square using BTO codes.

Surveyors will aim to work in favourable weather conditions, avoiding extremes of wet, wind

and poor visibility. If poor weather curtails work, it may be continued on another date, with

details provided on separate field maps.

Each route will be repeated three times throughout the winter season.


167

BTO Little ringed plover survey method

Surveyors walked along the river bank and surveyed any little ringed plover suitable habitats

(areas with bare or sparsely vegetated ground near water) to record signs of occupation along

the stretch of river to be surveyed, filling in the form and maps provided.

If the surveyor had to deviate at any point from the bank, due to obstacles: buildings, fences

etc, they were asked to re-join the river as soon as possible and mark clearly on the map any

section that they were not able to view.

Surveyors recorded on field maps all records of adult little ringed plovers (distinguishing

between sexes if possible)

Ideally visits were undertaken within five hours of sunrise or shortly before sunset.

Surveying avoided persistent heavy rain, very poor visibility or strong wind. Weather

conditions were recorded in the relevant boxes on the forms. If the conditions changed during

the survey the single category that best represented the overall conditions was selected.

> MAP: Records were plotted on the site map during each visit, using standard BTO activity

codes. The first recorded adult was marked as LP1 (ideally with the sex), the second as LP2,

the third as LP3 etc. Where the same individuals were known to have moved within a visit,

please their sequential locations were joined with a solid line (LP1 _______ LP1), or where two

individuals of the same sex definitely seen to be different, records were joined with a dashed

line (LP1 --------LP2) (Same = Solid, Different = Dashed)

> VISIT DETAILS: Record the date of the visit. After each visit fill in the numbers of birds

observed and estimate the number of pairs present on that visit.


168

BTO heronry survey method

The aim of the census is to record, with supporting information, the figure that best

represents the number of pairs of Grey heron that nested, successfully or unsuccessfully, at

each colony in each year. This is the ‘year’s best estimate’.

A separate colony card should be Completed for each heronry and year, entering a site name

and the county (also the site code if you know it) to identify the site.

Nests should be counted in the second half of April, with this count being supplemented (if

possible) by an earlier and a later visit. If this is not possible, counts at any season would be

helpful.

The pictures below show the heronry colony card that surveyors need to complete:


169

Elenydd SPA Red kite survey method

All 1 km squares suitable for breeding Red kite (i.e. presence of mature woodland) were

identified and marked on a map of the SPA boundary.

Those squares were separated into three levels of priority:

�� Priority one: 38 km2 that were definitely surveyed – based on known recent

occupation (identified by Welsh Kite Trust).

�� Priority two: Any of the remaining squares with historical records of kites breeding

in the past within broadleaf / open conifer habitat. Only surveyed if all priority one

squares had been surveyed and there was time remaining.

�� Priority three: Any of the remaining squares where recent occupancy is not known

which had broadleaf / open conifer habitat. Only surveyed if all priority one squares

and priority two squares had been surveyed and there was time remaining.

�� Priority four: The remaining squares where recent occupancy is not known which

had dense conifer habitat. Only to be surveyed if all priority one and two squares had

been surveyed and there was time remaining.

Two visits were undertaken between the 1st February 2011 and 30th April 2011.

� First visit – to determine which sites were occupied

� Second visit – to determine those pairs in each site that went on to breed.

Whenever possible, 10 days were left between visits. If breeding was confirmed within the

first visit period, there was no need to return to the particular nest site for a second visit. Four

hours of observations were spent per km2. Woods <1ha were searched based on local

knowledge. Surveying was avoided in persistent rain or poor visibility.

Surveyors completed a standard visit form for each km2 surveyed, as produced by RSPB

Cymru.


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Raven roost count methods:

Original Method used 2009 - 2011:

The site was surveyed using a method developed by Nigel brown from Bangor University.

The same count locations set up and used by Nigel during previous intensive studies have

been used in this survey in order that results are comparable.

Ideally, the count took place from half an hour before dusk until darkness.

From each counting location, the numbers of ravens flying into the tree canopy to roost were

recorded. Birds that flew over the tree canopy and did not settle were not recorded. This

aimed to avoid double counting as these birds may be heading towards another counting

location to roost.

Counting started and finished at the times noted on the recording form provided. A count for

each 5 minutes of counting was separated out.

Counters worked in pairs, one person using a clicker counter and one person scribing.

New method devised for 2010:

Counters stood around the forest edge at pre-designed locations.

Counters stood and faced the next count location (so counter A looked in the direction of

counter B, counter B looked in the direction of counter C etc)

Counters then counted the ravens flying INTO the forest; as they crossed the line between

themselves and the next counter into the forest e.g. counter A counted birds crossing the line

towards counter B. If birds were seen to be flying into the forest beyond the position of the

next counter, they were ignored as the next counter picked them up. If surveyors were not

sure if birds were in the next section or not, they were asked to record them anyway as the

combination of the recording of time and number allowed double-counting to be eliminated.

Any birds flying out of the forest were also recorded (crossing the line between the next

counter), along with number and time on the recording form.


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Weather condition monitoring:

Surveyors were instructed to avoid persistent heavy rain, very poor visibility or strong wind.

Weather conditions were recorded using the codes shown below. If the conditions changed

during the survey the single category that best represented the overall conditions was

selected

Rain: None = 1. Drizzle = 2. Showers = 3

Wind: Calm = 1. Light = 2. Breezy = 3

Visibility: Good = 1. Moderate = 2. Poor = 3.

Cloud Cover: 0-33% =1. 33-66% = 2. 66-100% = 3

Monitoring Project A report on bird features Vanstone, A ... · 7.1.13 Craig yr Aderyn SSSI ........

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