1 - Unvegetated shingle ridges
RV20/1-List/collect/commission
photographs aerial - Survey by aerial photography
Photographs
have been obtained in 2000 from Environment Agency with particular regard to the beach
nourishment project. Seek update at least once during plan period to allow changing geomorphological
patterns to be followed and establish position on net accretion or erosion of coastal habitats.
Aerial
photographs are necessary to allow changes to physical extent of features such as dune
grassland/scrub community to be assessed. Accurate measurements for intertidal flats will pend the timing
of
the survey in relation to the time and state of tide.
Survey
change in patterns of saltmarsh pan and creek development.
RP42/1-Collect
data, pedological, survey - Survey substrate
Mud/sand
composition. Composition of silts and sands in intertidal zone, will influence colonisation by varied
invertebrate communities. In turn, this will determine the value of the feeding grounds for various
species of
wader.
Substrate
survey needs to establish the baseline extent of the resource and proportions of the varied
sediment type eg sand and gravels, muddy sand and mud. Additionally, EN monitoring through the SAC
monitoring protocols may provide information concerning sediment organic content, penetrability and
depth/extent of oxidation layer.
Quality
of shingle. Coarse grade shingle is selected for nesting site by little tern and ringed plover. As the
sand content increases, the likelihood of colonisation by vegetation increases and suitability of nesting
habitat
is reduced. Survey work is required to document optimum shingle grade for nesting little terns.
The
Trust needs to be kept informed of ongoing survey work carried out by EA contractors, for the beach
nourishment scheme. Particle size analysis, calcium carbonate content and benthic communities are of
particular importance for the full range of coastal habitats.
Collect
information concerning natural sediment supply, particularly shingle, which is excluded from the
nourishment scheme.
Ammophila
dunes. Survey extent of open sand as constituent of Ammophila dune feature.
Fixed
dune with herbaceous vegetation. Survey extent of bare sand as constituent of fixed dune feature.
2 - Food supply
RM92/1-Collect
data, marine fauna other, survey - Survey prey species for important bird populations
Collect
data on key prey species for little terns (sand-eels and brown shrimp) and wader populations
(shellfish, crustacea etc). Annual survey results from Eastern Sea Fisheries/CEFAS and Environment
Agency contractors.
Supplementary
information from surveys by Dennis Hill and student courses.
3 - Predators
RA90/1-Collect
data, fauna - Survey shorebird predators
Observations
of predator activity will determine the need for control to safeguard important populations of
breeding shorebirds. Fox and corvids are chief predators.
4 - Disturbance
RH36/1-Collect
data, public use, unplanned/undesirable activities - Record undesirable events
Record
all byelaw infringements in unsavoury events log at Sykes Farm.
*
Intertidal mud and sand flats: Bait-digging, angling and horse riders, dogs on beach during April-Sept.
Any
disturbance incidents to feeding waders and wildfowl.
*
Unvegetated shingle ridges: Trials bikes, ATVs and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Beach ferry activity. Egg
collectors and unauthorised entry into shorebird sanctuary. Any disturbance incidents to wader roosts.
Marine traffic eg speedboats and jet-skis may also cause considerable disturbance to roosting waders.
*
Shifting dunes with Ammophila: naturist activity, fires etc.
*
Atlantic salt-meadows: Samphire-gathering, trials bikes, mountain bikes, ATV's and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Any disturbance to feeding or roosting waders/wildfowl. Monitor yacht club activities/impact along saltmarsh
and river bank and extent of erosion on New Saltmarsh track.
*
Grey dunes and scrub: flower picking, fires etc.
Particular
note should also be kept pertaining to unplanned events.
5 - Weather and tides
RP00/1-Collect
data, climatological - Record weather
Daily
meteorological recording from weather station at 0830. The following readings are taken. Max/min temp,
atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation. Update Excel
spreadsheet records at NR office.
Monthly
rainfall records submitted to EA.
Voluntary
wildfowling ban imposed after XX days below freezing.
Investigate
purchase of computerised/automatic weather station.
RP11/1-Collect
data, hydrological, natural event - Survey high tides
Tidal
records are linked to wader roosts and counts are initiated.
High
tides may cause losses of shorebird clutches through flooding. Monitoring of tidal variation will
determine any management measures necessary.
Simple sketch maps produced of shingle
ridges relative to high tides, incorporated in shorebird reports.