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.

Little tern

Population monitoring:

Record all nesting attempts by little tern, estimate number of pairs involved.  Keep detailed nest records.

Productivity:

Record ultimate productivity/breeding success. Number of chicks hatched per pair, and number of chicks fledged recorded.

Ringed plover

Locate, and record nest sites on embryo dunes/unvegetated shingle ridges.

Other sp

Record nesting attempts by oystercatcher and redshank in the shorebird sanctuary.

Collate and analyse waterbird count data to check for qualification for national and international importance for individual species populations and assemblage. 5 year peak means as given in WeBS.

Carry out monthly waterfowl counts as per WeBS schedule for estuary sector. WeBS for Freshwater Mere (SF file 1630) carried out monthly.

Record key feeding and roosting sites.

Carry out supplementary wader counts during optimum high tides and low tide counts for selected species eg redshank.

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.

Visual assessment by staff or key volunteer to appraise the need for litter clearance along strandline/saltmarshes/flats.

Coastwatch survey undertaken to contribute to national scheme.

Routine liaison is achieved with English Nature via the NNR team and the JAC. Outside of these committees/teams, management advice and approval is sought from the Conservation Officer at Grantham.

Spring meetings necessary with beach ferry operator to ensure damage to sensitive habitats and species is avoided.

Following visual assessment, litter clearances are carried out to remove synthetic refuse. Carried out by probation team etc, outside shorebird nesting season. Some larger items left in shorebird sanctuary to provide cover for shorebird chicks.

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.

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.

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.

Photographic records taken of species/habitats/management/unplanned events etc. Slide film for collection and digital photos stored on CD and Gib2 computer at SF

Photographic record taken of development of shorebird sanctuary habitats.

Photographic record kept of vegetative changes on Freshwater Marsh

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.