APPENDIX 11O WINTERING SWAN AND GOOSE

Transcription

1 APPENDIX 11O WINTERING SWAN AND GOOSE Legislation The following legislation is the most relevant to whooper swan Cygnus cygnus and greylag geese Anser anser within the study area. The Conservation (Nature Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). These Regulations implement, in NI, Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora ( the Habitats Directive ), one of the main initiatives of which is the creation of a European network of wildlife sites known as Natura 2000 for the protection of certain wild animals and plants; The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended. The Order affords protection to all nationally designated sites such as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). It also strengthens protection of bird species within and adjacent to nature reserves ; and The Environmental Liability (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) These regulations implement, in Northern Ireland, Directive 2004/35/EC on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage (the Environmental Liability Directive). Republic of Ireland legislation The European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (as amended) which give effect to Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (the Habitats Directive) which enable the designation of special areas of conservation (endangered species and habitats of endangered species) as a contribution to an EU Community network known as NATURA The following EC Directives and international conventions are applied by some of the above NI Acts and Regulations: Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds (codified version) ( the Birds Directive ); Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) (1979); and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (the Bonn Convention) (1979). Mouchel 2016 A.110-1

2 Statutory protected sites Special Protection Areas (SPA) Ninety three species are listed upon Annex I of the Birds Directive, of which approximately 30 are regularly recorded in NI (although many of these occur solely as summering migrant populations, passage migrants or scarce visitors). The presence of important populations of Annex I bird species, or non-annex I migratory birds, is a primary consideration in the identification of SPA which are part of the Natura 2000 site network. SPA receive full protection under the EC Birds Directive and are areas of the most important habitat for rare (listed on Annex I to the Birds Directive), vulnerable, and migratory birds within the European Union. SPA form part of the Natura 2000 network, and are therefore protected under The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 (as amended). All NI SPA are also designated as ASSIs and therefore receive additional protection under The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended) and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended). Any development likely to have significant impacts upon a Natura 2000 site will have to be assessed for its implications on the site s conservation status, an obligation under the aforementioned Regulations. Ramsar sites Ramsar sites are designated under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, agreed in Ramsar, Iran, in They were originally intended to protect sites of importance, especially as waterfowl habitat. However, the Convention has broadened its scope over the years to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognising wetlands as ecosystems that are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in general and for the well-being of human communities. Ramsar sites are not legislated under European legislation, although Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 2 Planning and Nature Conservation recommends they should be afforded the same level of consideration and protection as Natura 2000 sites. Conservation status A diverse assemblage of bird species winter within the array of semi-natural habitats present in NI. Sixteen SPA have been defined in NI that support rare or vulnerable European bird species listed upon Annex I of the Birds Directive. The majority of these birds are either species of wader, wildfowl, raptor, or seabird, with the SPA themselves consisting predominantly of loughs, coastal islands, and upland bog and moorland areas. In addition to those species listed upon Annex I of the Birds Directive, a large number of other bird species within NI/ROI have suffered population declines over recent decades. The proximate causes of these declines vary from species to species, but include agricultural intensification, destruction of bogs and upland afforestation, and anthropogenic persecution. This has informed the creation of a list of NI Species of Conservation Concern (SoCC) by the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, which includes 117 bird species. This list identifies species which require monitoring, as it is possible that they will require conservation action in the future. A Mouchel 2016 A.110-2

3 further 29 of the bird species included in this total are identified as NI Priority SoCC (PSoCC), indicating that they require current conservation action in order to safeguard their populations. It should be noted however that not all of the species listed occur within NI as wintering species, with many occurring solely as passage migrants or summer visitors. Policies and guidance notes The following policies and guidance documents aim to help conserve and protect wintering swan and geese populations within NI and the study area: Roads Service Biodiversity Implementation Plan (2008); PPS 2: Planning and Nature Conservation - Outlines the need to consider both SPA and wild birds during the planning process within NI; Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy (2002) - Outlines the requirement to identify SoCC and PSoCC and the delivery of Species and Habitat Biodiversity Action Plans; and Local Development Plans - The West Tyrone, Dungannon and South Tyrone, and Londonderry Area Plans all highlight the need to maintain existing levels of biodiversity within their jurisdictions. Baseline data collection Published data shows that wintering wildfowl (primarily whooper swans and greylag geese) within the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex utilise geographically disparate feeding, roosting and staging areas across an international expanse of territory as the winter and spring progress (Robinson et al, 2004). In addition, birds have been known to move between these SPA and Lough Neagh & Lough Beg SPA. Birds originating from the three SPA under particular consideration may utilise an area encompassing approximately 1100km 2 of estuarine, riverine and agricultural habitats (located within both NI and ROI) as the winter progresses (Robinson et al, 2004). The location of these three separate SPA, each designated (in part) for their wintering whooper swan and greylag goose populations, within 30km of the Proposed Scheme was therefore a consideration when determining an appropriate geographical scale of study. Survey area The floodplain/arable habitats incorporated within the survey area on the Foyle floodplain were identified as exhibiting potential (through both historical records and habitat suitability) to support wintering swan and goose populations which fall within the zone of influence of the Proposed Scheme. This followed extensive correspondence with statutory and non-statutory nature conservation organisations including the NIEA, RSPB and BTO. Mouchel 2016 A.110-3

4 This initial survey area was extended to include several field systems on the western side of the Foyle (Co. Donegal within the ROI) following observance of several large wildfowl flocks utilising them during vantage point surveys (see Figure ). The methods used to collect information regarding wintering birds included: Obtaining up-to-date details of the location and nature of all statutory and non-statutory designated sites, notified for their value to wintering swans and geese, within the study area from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and ROI National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS); Collation of information from desk-based sources relating to the presence of wintering swans and geese in NI and ROI and, where possible, potential distribution and habitat preference, reviewing the results of obtained for the A5WTC ES 2010; and Completion of detailed field surveys to identify the distribution and movements of wintering swans and geese within the vicinity of the Proposed Scheme. Field survey These were undertaken between October 2013 and April 2014 using a methodology informed by McElwaine & Spouncer (2006). All surveys were undertaken from within vehicles or from public rights of way to avoid causing undue disturbance to wintering bird populations or livestock. Surveys were grouped into two categories: Fortnightly surveys undertaken to provide a near instantaneous assessment of swan and geese herd/flock distribution on a single visit; and Monthly surveys undertaken to establish the herds /flocks usage of (and movement within) the survey area at regular intervals throughout a single survey day (in addition to locating any nearby roost sites). To improve the accuracy of the distributional data collected, all fields within the survey area (with the exception of those within the ROI) were afforded an individual identification number (reproduced on all associated figures). Two vantage points (VP) were identified on high ground to the east of the existing A5; one facing south-west, the other facing north-west (see Figure ). These allowed unobscured views of the entirety of survey area (including into the ROI) although the views obtained from each VP only slightly overlapped and it was therefore necessary to man them both at dawn and dusk. This allowed uninterrupted monitoring of crepuscular wildfowl movements within the survey area during monthly surveys. Mouchel 2016 A.110-4

5 Fortnightly surveys These surveys were carried out at fortnightly intervals during daylight hours at varying times of day. The following data was collected on recording forms during these surveys: Flock composition (comprising number of adult/1 st year swans and geese present and family party sizes where possible); Distance from existing A5 (estimated within fields bordering the existing route only); Flooding (a percentage cover estimate of the amount of standing water present in each field wherever possible); Livestock numbers (type and number of livestock present in each field); Other species (the species and number of any other birds present, especially wintering wildfowl, waders and raptors; this data is reproduced separately in the Appendix 11Q); Activity and disturbance type/level (whether apparently impacting the birds or not); Details of ringed birds (to inform the understanding of movements of birds between fields/roost sites); and Observations on flock movements (particularly where this may affect the accuracy of field usage counts). Monthly surveys These surveys were carried out each month on a single day from dawn until dusk throughout the survey period. The following data was collected during these surveys: Movements to/from roosts (undertaken from the two VP) at dawn and again prior to dusk. Records were made of the source, number and destination of any swans/geese noted, with observation ceasing once movements to/from the site had either apparently ceased or it became too dark to see; and Counts - repeat counts made throughout the day, including flock composition, to determine movement between/usage of different fields. Extra time was spent on attempts to accurately identify any ringed birds present. Incidental recording Any incidental swan/goose counts made within the survey area during the undertaking of other ecological surveys allied to the Proposed Scheme were noted separately. Mouchel 2016 A.110-5

6 Limitations Difficulties were encountered in the accurate location of likely swan/goose roost sites within the survey area due to the continued activity of birds under low light levels during dawn and dusk. Designated sites The following designated sites (incorporating whooper swan and/or greylag goose within their qualifying features) were identified, through consultation with NIEA and RSPB, as having whooper swan and greylag goose populations which use the Foyle floodplain as a foraging, roosting and/or staging area. Lough Foyle SPA (Site Code UK ) Lough Foyle lies on the north-west coast of NI and straddles the international border with the ROI. The site comprises a large ( ha) shallow sea lough that includes the estuaries of the rivers Foyle, Faughan and Roe. The site contains extensive intertidal mud-flats and sand-flats (with mussel Mytilus edulis beds), saltmarsh and associated brackish ditches. The diversity of coastal habitats has resulted in the lough being of major importance for a diverse assemblage of waterbirds both during the spring and autumn migration periods, and in winter (JNCC website 1 ). The site supports populations of European importance of bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (1,896 individuals, representing 10.8% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2-1995/6)), Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii (78 individuals, representing 3.1% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2-1995/6)), golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (4,891 individuals, representing 2.4% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2-1995/6)) and whooper swan C.cygnus (890 individuals, representing 8.9% of the wintering population in Ireland (5 year peak mean 1991/2-1995/6)). The site also supports populations of European importance of the migratory light-bellied brent geese Branta bernicla hrota (3,730 individuals representing 18.6% of the wintering Canada/Ireland population (5 year peak mean 1991/2-1995/6)), in addition to regularly supporting at least 20,000 waterfowl (and thereby qualifying as a wetland of international importance) (JNCC website). In addition, over winter the area regularly supports 37,310 individual waterfowl (5 year peak mean 1991/2-1995/6) including: Teal Anas crecca, Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus, Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Light-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla hrota, Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii, Wigeon Anas penelope, Redshank Tringa totanus, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, Eider Somateria mollissima, Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, Knot Calidris canutus, Dunlin Calidris alpina alpina, Curlew Numenius arquata, Shelduck Tadorna tadorna. 1 Access date 21 st November 2014 Mouchel 2016 A.110-6

7 A section of Lough Foyle located within the ROI (between Muff and Whitecastle) is also designated as Lough Foyle SPA (site code ). The site synopsis document supplied by the NPWS website ( does however state that because of its small size the number of birds using the site is relatively low and the document does not highlight the qualifying features of the site. It is therefore considered practical to consider the designated area of Lough Foyle residing within the ROI as contiguous with that (and its associated qualifying features) designated within NI. In addition to the above, consultation with the RSPB has identified that Lough Foyle and its floodplain are likely used by migrating greylag geese populations from Lough Neagh and Lough Beg. Lough Swilly SPA (Site Code ) This site comprises the inner part of Lough Swilly and extends from just below Letterkenny to Rathmullan. Between Farsetmore and Blanket Nook a series of improved pasture and arable fields of importance to geese and swans are included. The site includes sections of the estuaries of the River Swilly, the River Leannan and the Isle Burn and the predominant habitat is a series of extensive sand and mud flats which are exposed at low tide. It incorporates Inch Lough and Levels, a reservoir holding water for drainage and an area which has been drained for agricultural use. There is some seepage of seawater back from the sea via a sluice (which allows water to exit the reservoir at low tide), thus creating brackish lagoonal conditions within Inch Lough. A small sandy island is additionally located in the southern part of the lake ( The SPA supports internationally important wintering populations of Greenland white-fronted geese Anser albifrons flavirostris (5 year mean of winter maximum 1995/ /00 of 970 individuals), whooper swans (5 year mean of winter maximum 1995/ /00 was 1,135 individuals, the largest population in the country) and greylag geese (5 year mean of winter maximum 1995/ /900 was 2,020 individuals - incorporating both migratory birds of the Icelandic population and smaller numbers of feral birds) (NPWS website). During the summer months the sandy island within the lough supports nationally important breeding populations of Sandwich Sterna sandvicensis and common terns S. hirundo, mute swans and tufted duck Aythya fuligula. The site additionally supports a nationally important wintering wildfowl assemblage. Lough Neagh & Lough Beg SPA (Site Code UK ) This site in the centre of Northern Ireland and includes three eutrophic water bodies, Lough Neagh and two related loughs, Lough Beg and Portmore Lough, together with surrounding swamp, fen, wet grassland and swampy woodland. The boundary of the proposed Special Protection Area follows the boundaries of the Lough Neagh ASSI, Lough Beg ASSI and Portmore Lough ASSI and also forms part of another site which is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The site qualifies for designation by supporting internationally important numbers of wintering birds and nationally important breeding birds. The site regularly supports Mouchel 2016 A.110-7

8 pochard Aythya farina (26,341 individuals representing 7.5% of the population (5 year peak mean 1991/ /960)), tufted duck Aythya fuligula (22,372 individuals representing 2.2% of the population (5 year peak mean 1991/ /96)), goldeneye Bucephala clangula (10,776 individuals representing 3.6% of the population (5 year peak mean 1991/ /96)), Bewick's swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii (136 representing 5.4% of the all-ireland population (5 year peak mean 1991/ /96)), whooper swan Cygnus cygnus (1,031 individuals representing 10% of the all-ireland population (5 year peak mean 1991/ /96)) and common tern Sterna hirundo (185 individuals representing 6% of the all-ireland breeding population (count, as at 1995). The site additionally qualifies as a wetland of international importance by regularly supporting over 20,000 of a variety of species of waterfowl in winter. The site additionally supports a nationally important breeding bird assemblage. Existing species records The A5WTC ES 2010 showed that the River Foyle floodplain was used by both whooper swan and greylag goose, and peak counts are shown in Tables 11O.1, 11O.2 and on Figures Peak counts were relatively high when compared to census values from the literature. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) and Ulster Wildlife did not hold independent data concerning wildfowl movements within the survey area. RSPB NI provided the following information outlining their understanding of wildfowl distribution and movements within the survey area: The northern part of section one of the proposed route is known as the Bready/Grange floodplain...[it] is habitually used by wintering swans and geese that feed in the fields and roost on parts of the River Foyle. Although the area is not within the designated site boundary of the Lough Foyle SPA, the geese and swan species that use the area occur in significant numbers at both a national and international level. The core months for the swans to use the Bready/Grange area has tended to be throughout October/November/December and January, though birds are present before and after these core months we [have] provided a map highlighting two hotspot areas within the Bready/Grange area where larger numbers of birds have tended to mass together. These areas are from Dunnalong to Thorn Hill and at Grange, however monitoring over the entire site would be required to indicate the usage of the area by field. It is important to highlight that the Bready/Grange floodplain area is just one part of the Lough Foyle-River Foyle-Lough Swilly complex. Whooper swan counts for the complex are therefore calculated by summing the individual counts taken from Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly and the River Foyle. Figures are sourced from surveys undertaken as part of the International Swan Census in January 2005 (Crowe et al, 2005); data provided in Robinson et al (2004), Lough Foyle WeBS five-year winter peak counts 2004/05 to 2008/09 and also the A5WTC ES Existing whooper swan data is presented in Table 11O.1. Mouchel 2016 A.110-8

9 Table 11O.1 Existing whooper swan counts. Site Whooper swan 2005 census count (Crowe et al, 2005) Whooper swan 5 year mean peak count (Robinson et al 2004) Lough Foyle WeBS whooper swan 5 Year mean peak count A5WTC ES 2010 Lough Foyle SPA Lough Swilly SPA River Foyle (incl. Grange Foyle) Total Foyle / Swilly complex counts An indication of the levels of usage expected by whooper swan during the winter months was further provided by the recording of a single herd of more than 250 feeding in a stubble field during an October 2008 ecological scoping exercise (pers. obs). Greylag counts were sourced from surveys undertaken as part of the Irish Wetland Birds Survey (Colhoun, 2001); data provided in Hearn & Mitchell (2004), Lough Foyle WeBS five-year winter peak counts 2004/05 to 2008/09, and the A5WTC ES Data from the Irish Wetland Birds Survey just gives a total Irish wintering population whilst data provided in Hearn & Mitchell (2004) gives peak counts for Lough Swilly and the River Foyle, but no count for Lough Foyle. An indication of population levels at Lough Foyle is provided by the Lough Foyle WeBS five-year mean peak count from Existing greylag goose data is presented in Table 11O.2. Table 11O.2 Existing greylag goose counts Site Greylag national census count 1999 (Colhoun, 2001) Greylag 5 year mean peak count (Hearn & Mitchell, 2004) Lough Foyle WeBS greylag 5 year mean peak count A5WTC ES 2010 Lough Foyle SPA Lough Swilly SPA River Foyle (incl. Grange Foyle) Mouchel 2016 A.110-9

10 Site Greylag national census count 1999 (Colhoun, 2001) Greylag 5 year mean peak count (Hearn & Mitchell, 2004) Lough Foyle WeBS greylag 5 year mean peak count A5WTC ES 2010 RoI and NI combined wintering population From this desk study several areas of agriculturally improved wet grassland within the Foyle floodplain (located to the south of the Lough Foyle SPA boundary) were identified as likely to be important feeding and staging areas for wintering whooper swan and geese originating from, or passing through, the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex (Robinson et al, 2004, Mouchel, 2009). Two sites of particular relevance to are the Grange and Dunnalong/Thornhill areas of the eastern Foyle floodplain within Counties Londonderry and Tyrone which along with fields on the western side of the River Foyle within the Republic of Ireland, formed the field surveys area. Field survey The results of the whooper swan field survey are summarised in Tables 11O.3 and 11O.4. The first table presents peak population counts for Grange Foyle and north of Dunnalong Road, taken from field survey results. Within the second table the peak 2013/14 survey numbers of whooper swan using the Grange Foyle and Dunnalong Road area are then expressed as percentages of the total Foyle / Swilly complex populations, using the sets of total population figures from Table 11O.3. Table 11O.3 Summary of Whooper Swan Data. Chainage/Irish grid reference Ch (BTO tetrad C31R) Site Grange Foyle Donegal Flood Plain (West of the Foyle) Peak count Grange Foyle 2013/2014 field survey data Peak count north of Dunnalong Road 2013/2014 field survey data Table 11O.4 Peak Counts for Whooper Swan as Percentage of SPA Populations. Peak count Grange Foyle 2013/2014 field survey data (873) Peak count north of Dunnalong Road 2013/2014 field survey data (22) Whooper swan 2005 census count (1895) Whooper swan 5 year mean peak count (3324) 46.0% 26.3% 1.2% 0.7% Mouchel 2016 A

11 The results of the greylag field survey are summarised in Tables 11O.5 and 11O.6. The first table presents peak population counts for Grange Foyle and north of Dunnalong Road, taken from field survey results. Within the second table the peak 2013/14 survey numbers of greylags using the Grange Foyle area are then expressed as percentages of the total Foyle / Swilly complex population (2371), using peak counts taken from (Lough Swilly & River Foyle-1399) and (Lough Foyle-972) and as a percentage of the total Irish wintering population. Only a single greylag was observed north of Dunnalong Road during the surveys. Table 11O.5 Summary of Greylag Goose Results Chainage/Irish grid reference Ch (BTO tetrad C31R) Site Grange Foyle Donegal Flood Plain Peak count Grange Foyle 2013/2014 field survey data Peak count north of Dunnalong Road 2013/2014 field survey data Table Q11.6 Peak Counts of Greylag Goose Results as Percentage of Total SPA Populations Peak count Grange Foyle 2013/2014 field survey data (218) Peak count north of Dunnalong Road 2013/2014 field survey data (1) Greylag 1999 Irish wintering population (5269) Greylag 5 year mean peak count (2371) 4.1% 9.2% <0.1% <0.1% Whooper swan Surveys undertaken as part of the International Swan Census in January 2005 (Crowe et al, 2005) recorded 950 whooper swan utilising Lough Foyle, 501 birds at Lough Swilly and 444 birds along the River Foyle. Therefore it is considered probable that approximately 23% of whooper swan utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex in January 2005 were present along the length of the River Foyle, although this figure is comprised of birds present within Counties Tyrone, Londonderry and Donegal; not just within the area of the eastern Foyle floodplain encompassed by the Proposed Scheme. Field survey results from 2013/2014 showed a peak count of 873 birds present on land within the area of the eastern floodplain, at Grange Foyle, approximately 46% of the whooper swan utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex in January A peak count of 22 birds from north of Dunnalong Road equates to approximately 1.2% of the whooper swan utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex based upon data from This represents a change in use pattern when compared to the 2009 A5 WTC EIA study (Mouchel, 2009), with fewer birds using the area north of Dunnalong Road and more within the Grange Foyle area. Mouchel 2016 A

12 These approximate figures are repeated using the five year mean peak (1995/96 to 1999/2000) population data provided by Robinson et al (2004), whereby 1,673 birds were recorded utilising Lough Swilly, 917 birds were recorded at Lough Foyle and 734 birds on/alongside the River Foyle (combined totals for NI and the RoI). Therefore approximately 50% of the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex population were recorded at Lough Swilly, 28% at Lough Foyle and 22% along the River Foyle. Field survey results from 2013/2014 (peak count of 873 birds) showed that approximately 52.2% of the whooper swan utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex were present on land within the area of the eastern floodplain, at Grange Foyle, using the five year mean peak (1995/96 to 1999/2000) population data. The peak count of 22 birds from north of Dunnalong Road equates to approximately 1.3% of the whooper swan population utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex based upon data from Icelandic greylag geese Accurately assessing the number of migratory Icelandic greylag geese utilising the SPA complex is made problematic by the presence of a re-establishing resident population of this species within both NI and the ROI. Nevertheless, data provided in Hearn & Mitchell (2004) indicates that (correcting for the number of resident birds present within mixed wintering flocks) the five year mean peak (1995/96 to 1999/2000) population of Icelandic greylag geese within the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex was approximately 1,399 birds. Of this number 1,218 (87%) were recorded utilising habitats within Lough Swilly, with the remaining 181 (13%) recorded along the River Foyle. No indication is given as to the species usage of Lough Foyle SPA in Hearn & Mitchell but using the Lough Foyle WeBS greylag geese 5 Year Mean Peak Count (972) the population of Icelandic greylag geese within the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex would be approximately 2371 birds. Field survey results from 2013/2014 (peak count of 218 birds) showed that approximately 9.2% of the greylag geese utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex were present on land within the area of the eastern floodplain, at Grange Foyle based upon data from 2004 and the mean peak count. The single bird observed north of Dunnalong Road represents <0.1% of the greylag geese utilising the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex based upon data from 2004 and the mean peak count. National census data for 1998/1999 recorded a total of 5,269 Icelandic greylag geese wintering within the ROI and NI combined (Colhoun, 2001). The Lough Swilly population for that period thereby comprises approximately 23% of the international Irish population for that period, whilst the population recorded along the River Foyle comprises approximately 3.5%, with Lough Foyle containing 18%. Field survey results from 2013/2014 (peak count of 219 birds) showed that approximately 4.2% of the Irish wintering population of Icelandic greylag geese were present on land within the area of the eastern floodplain, at Grange Foyle based upon data from 1998/1999. Mouchel 2016 A

13 Conclusion The results of this study indicate that significant proportions of the SPA whooper swan and greylag goose populations use the Foyle floodplain during winter months. Overall abundance of both species was lower than observed in 2009 however, with the lower abundance of greylag geese particularly of note. Thus it is important to see the abundance of both species in over the long term and consider previous survey results when evaluating the population. Given the numbers observed over successive years of study, it is likely the River Foyle floodplain is important to the survival and therefore the maintenance of the conservation status of both species within the surrounding designated sites. Significant numbers of whooper swans (field survey peak count 873) and Icelandic greylag geese (field survey peak count 218) use the Grange Foyle area in winter, with whooper swans (field survey peak count 22) also using land to the north of Dunnalong Road. A single greylag goose was also observed to the north of Dunnalong Road. The peak whooper swan count during 2013/2014 equates to 52.2% of the population present within the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex. The peak Greylag count during 2013/2014 equates to approximately 9.2% of the population present within the Lough Foyle/Lough Swilly SPA complex and approximately 4.2% of the total Irish wintering population. The results of a previous survey in support of the A5 WTC covering whooper swan and greylag goose numbers, Mouchel (2010), showed higher numbers of these birds using the Foyle floodplain area during winter for foraging. Consultation with the RSPB has identified that this may be because of a greater availability of food at sites in other areas (e.g. in the Republic of Ireland on the other side of the River Foyle, and/or other sites in the Foyle/Swilly complex). Mouchel 2016 A