New Forest Breeding Waders Survey 2004

Transcription

1 New Forest Breeding Waders Survey A Survey of Breeding Waders in the New Forest Valley Mires, Hampshire The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Rhoderick D Goater, Daniel Houghton & Carrie Temple November 1

2 Acknowledgements This survey and report could not have been completed without the co-operation and assistance of many individuals. Thanks are extended to the Forestry Commission and English Nature who kindly provided information and invaluable personal knowledge of the New Forest. Special thanks also go to Jenni Tubbs, the benefit of whose extensive knowledge of the New Forest and previous experience of surveying the Forest s breeding waders was greatly appreciated. Thanks also to colleagues within the RSPB for their assistance and advice throughout. 2

3 Executive Summary The New Forest valley mires and wet heaths have long been recognised as valuable habitats for breeding waders. In, a sample survey was undertaken of the potential wetland habitats in the Forest suitable for these birds. This survey confirmed the importance of the New Forest for breeding lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks. The results of the 2002 Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows Survey (BTO/RSPB/EN/Defra, in press) have indicated considerable declines in these species on wet grassland habitats in England and Wales over the last 20 years, with some of the greatest declines taking place in south east England. The aim of the present survey was to repeat the work carried out ten years previously, in order to gain a new estimate of breeding wader populations in the New Forest, and to provide an indication of the quality of the New Forest valley mires. The results of the survey have confirmed that the New Forest mires remain extremely important for breeding snipe, curlews and redshanks. However, comparison with the results indicates that their numbers have been reduced by 29%, 25% and 22-26% respectively over the area surveyed. The number of breeding lapwing pairs, however, has increased by 34-39% between and. These changes were not found to be statistically significant when extrapolated to provide total population estimates for the entire New Forest valley mires, but may be indications towards a trend at a Forest-wide level. Further work is suggested to study the long-term trends of the New Forest wader populations, the effects of people-pressure on numbers and productivity, and to gain a better understanding of the changing conditions of the wetland habitat. This work has been carried out by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) as part of the European Union-funded LIFE 3 Project Sustainable Wetland Restoration in the New Forest a four-year project that aims to restore over 600 hectares of wetland habitats in the New Forest. 3

4 Contents Page 1. Introduction 4 2. Survey Methods 7 3. Survey Results Discussion Conclusions References 18 Appendices 4

5 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The 19,771ha which comprise the unenclosed common lands of the New Forest are a complex ecosystem that has developed largely as a result of grazing by deer and stock depastured by commoners. The New Forest embraces the largest tract of unsown vegetation in lowland Britain and includes large and important areas of three habitats now rare and fragmented in western Europe lowland heath, valley bog and ancient wood pasture. Appendix 1 shows the areas of the main vegetation types in the Forest. 1.2 The valley mires and the wetter heathlands have long been recognised as valuable habitats for waders breeding in the New Forest. Estimates of the populations of lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), snipe (Gallinago gallinago), curlew (Numenius arquata) and redshank (Tringa totanus), made at various times between 1960 and 1985, have been given by Tubbs (1986) and are summarised in Tubbs and Tubbs (). Appendix 2 repeats that summary which is updated with results from further work in (see paragraph 1.4). 1.3 In 1993 approximately 75% of the unenclosed Forest was searched for breeding waders by a team of 10 observers. The main findings of these surveys were listed in Tubbs and Tubbs (), as follows: The Forest holds relatively large breeding populations of lapwings, redshanks curlews and snipe. Up to the mid-1980s, numbers of curlews, snipe and lapwings appeared to be stable or increasing. Numbers of redshanks appeared to have fluctuated widely over time. The 1993 survey confirmed a general impression that snipe and lapwings had undergone a decline since the mid-1980s or before. Redshanks, curlews and snipe are dependent on wet heaths and valley bogs, nesting on or adjoining them and taking their young to them to feed. Lapwings are more dependent on wet, humid or dry heath vegetation heavily suppressed by grazing or recent burning, but also commonly take their young to the bogs. Although there have been no detailed studies, it is thought that redshanks and curlews habitually feed on the coast before and during incubation. 5

6 1.4 In Colin and Jennifer Tubbs surveyed the breeding waders in the New Forest s valley mires. This was undertaken by applying a standard, repeatable methodology to a random sample of the potential habitat. The results of this are published in Tubbs and Tubbs (). The survey confirmed the critical importance of the New Forest as a site for breeding lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks, especially within the context of south east England and lowland Britain. With the exception of lapwings, the breeding waders of the New Forest were found to be largely dependent on valley bogs, wet heaths and the wetter humid heaths. It was emphasised that relatively intensive grazing and the continuation of a regime of controlled burning were habitat management actions upon which the New Forest s breeding waders were reliant. 1.5 A further indication of the value of the New Forest as a lowland habitat in southern Britain for breeding waders is given by the results of the Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows Survey (2002) (paper in press). This work concentrated on wet grassland; perhaps a more typical habitat for most breeding waders in the south east of England. In Hampshire, percentage declines in numbers of breeding wader pairs (between 1982 and 2002) were found to be: -81% (lapwing), -96% (snipe), -75% (curlew) and -71% (redshank). Similar declines are reflected in most of the other counties of south east England. 1.6 The aim of the present survey was to repeat the work carried out ten years previously, in order to gain a new estimate of breeding wader populations in the New Forest, and to provide an indication of the quality of the New Forest valley mires. The survey forms part of the European-funded LIFE 3 Project - Sustainable Wetland Restoration in the New Forest - a four-year partnership project that aims to restore over 600 hectares of the important and rare wetland habitats in the New Forest. Of particular importance to the New Forest waders will be the restoration of 184 hectares of valley mires and 141 hectares of wet grassland linked to the Lymington, Avon Water and Hampshire Avon river catchments. 6

7 2. SURVEY METHODS 2.1 Field Methods Survey methods followed exactly those carried out by Colin and Jennifer Tubbs in. A repeat sample of 31 of the New Forest s 93 x 1km squares holding at least 15ha of valley bog and/or wet heath vegetation was surveyed. See list of squares surveyed at Appendix 3 and map at Figure 1, which shows all 93 squares and highlights the sample surveyed Field surveys followed the methods laid down in O Brien and Smith (1992), where each 1km square receives three visits. Visit 1 was made between 10 and 30 April; visit 2 between 1 and 21 May; visit 3 between 22 May and 22 June. A minimum of two weeks separated visits to any one square. Almost all visits commenced at or shortly after sunrise and were concluded within three hours. A few evening visits took place, all within two hours before sunset Cold, wet and windy conditions were avoided. This year, such conditions were very infrequent in marked contrast, apparently, to. Occasionally, early morning fog precluded fieldwork. Appendix 4 compares average March - June temperatures between and for the south east and central south region of England, and rainfall figures for Hampshire. The figures show that the period was, indeed, considerably wetter in than in (243mm compared with 215mm), but that temperatures were not appreciably different. However, averages hide much detail, and the report of the work in (Tubbs and Tubbs ) describes a much bleaker picture of the weather experienced during survey times than the figures suggest The survey methodology for recording breeding waders requires surveyors to walk within 100m of every part of the 1km square. Clearly, this was made difficult in by very wet ground conditions. In, the ground was somewhat drier, allowing relative ease of access to within 100m of all parts of the squares. Efficiency of coverage was greatly aided by the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) personal navigators. With these, it was easy to check that surveyors had got close enough to all parts of each square, and the best routes, once plotted, could then be used on subsequent visits. This was a great aid to confidence when traversing quaking ground Locations of birds were recorded, using GPS, and plotted on 1:10,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps. Habitat and other relevant information, such as any human 7

8 8

9 disturbance noted, were recorded, using the same reporting forms designed for the survey (see Appendix 5). 2.2 Population Estimates for the random sample The standard method used to estimate breeding wader populations is shown in the table below (Figure 2). FIGURE 2. Method for deriving breeding wader population estimates from randomly selected 1km squares in the New Forest (O Brien and Smith, 1992). Species Data collected Method of Estimation Lapwing Total birds seen in each 1km 2 on each visit Halve highest count from visits 1 and 2 Snipe Total drumming or chipping birds in each 1km 2 on each visit Maximum number of drumming or chipping birds on any visit so long as there were drumming or chipping birds in May Curlew Total pairs in each 1km 2 recorded on each visit, where pairs = paired individuals, displaying birds, nests or broods or other single birds not in flocks Maximum number of pairs during the three visits Redshank Total birds seen in each 1km 2 on each visit Add total recorded on visits 1 and 2 and divide by two

10 3. SURVEY RESULTS 3.1 Numbers and distribution of breeding waders The numbers of lapwings, snipe, curlews and redshanks registered on each visit to the 31 surveyed squares are shown at Appendix 6 a d. Results from the survey are juxtaposed to aid comparison. Appendix 7a shows the number of squares in which each species of wader was recorded, with comparable data from. A further table here, 7b, shows those squares where waders were absent on at least one of the three visits in both years. Appendix 8 shows a list of the surveyed squares with changes in wader numbers between and Population estimates for waders breeding in the repeated random sample in and are shown below (Figure 3). FIGURE 3. Population estimates for breeding waders in 31 repeat sampled 1km squares in the New Forest. Species Lapwing Snipe Curlew Redshank Year Pairs Population Estimates for the New Forest Valley Mires Figure 4 gives the results of extrapolating the estimated populations of waders in the repeated random sample of 31 x 1km squares, to the total of 93 x 1km squares in the New Forest which have 15ha or more wet heath and/or bog vegetation. FIGURE 4. Population estimates for breeding waders in the 93 x 1km squares in the New Forest with 15ha or more wet heath and/or bog, extrapolated from a repeated random sample of 31 x 1km squares (33.3%). Species Lapwing Snipe Curlew Redshank Year Pairs % confidence limits: 1 = ; 2 = ; 3 = ; 4 = ; 5 = ; 6 = ; 7 = 24-62; 8 = The numbers given in Figure 4 will be less than the total breeding populations in the New Forest as a whole. The selection of sample squares was selected from squares with a minimum of 15ha of wet heath/bog vegetation for this study, based on the assumption that most waders would be associated with the larger tracts of these habitats. A small number of waders might have bred in some squares holding less than 15ha of suitable habitat. In addition, lapwings are less dependent on the wetter

11 habitats than are the other three wader species, and are known to breed in a wider range of habitats. Therefore, population estimates of lapwings are almost certainly an underestimate for the New Forest as a whole The random sample, in, included 1-2 pairs of ringed plover that nested on a broken concrete substrate that was an artefact derived from a Second World War bombing range. The concrete was removed some years ago and though the habitat may still be suitable, no ringed plovers bred on the site in. Further pairs bred in on the bare surface that remained following a 1990 heathland fire. In no New Forest pairs came to the notice of the surveyors. 3.4 Changes in populations of New Forest waders since Lapwing Pairs of lapwings in the 31 surveyed squares exhibited a 34-39% increase from in to 39 in. Extrapolation to include all 93 x 1km squares in the Forest, from which the sample was taken, gives a population figure of 117 pairs (95% confidence limit = 78 to 165 pairs). Nine squares unoccupied in remained so in. The results from only one occupied square showed no change between the years. Seven squares that had not been occupied by lapwings in were occupied in, and five held birds in but not in. Most of the 17 occupied squares held 1 or 2 pairs, but just three accounted for almost half of the total population: Crockford Bridge (west), with 10 pairs; Rush Bush, with 5; and Hilltop with 4 (see Figure 1 and Appendix 9 for guide to site locations). Crockford Bridge had clearly maintained its importance since when 11 pairs were recorded, but the two other sites had held very few lapwings in (0.5 and 0 pairs respectively). Of the nine squares where declines were recorded, almost all had shown low numbers (0.5 2 pairs) in. Five of these sites held no pairs in. The greatest decline was recorded at Leaden Hill, where breeding pairs had been reduced to 2 or 3 from 4 or 5. Thirteen squares had increased populations (seven sites increased from zero pairs in ) but only Rush Bush and Hilltop exhibited marked rises in numbers Snipe Pairs of snipe located in the surveyed squares showed a 29% decrease from 52 pairs in to 37 pairs in. Extrapolation gives a total figure of 111 pairs (95%

12 confidence limit = 77 to 147 pairs) for the 93 x 1km squares from which the sample squares were derived. Ten squares unoccupied in remained so in, and results from four occupied squares were the same in each year. Increases in snipe in eight squares, from a total of 12 pairs to 24, failed to compensate for losses in nine, from a total of 32 to a total of 5. Six of these squares exhibiting declines held no snipe pairs at all in. They included Latchmore Bottom, which in had 6 pairs, Leaden Hill, which had 7, Decoy Pond Farm, which had 5 and Harvest Slade, which had 3. The greatest increase, to 4 pairs, was found in Gurnetfields, where in only a single pair had been recorded Curlew Pairs of curlews in the 31 surveyed squares had declined from 44 in to 33 in ; a decrease of 25%. Extrapolation gives a total figure of 99 pairs (95% confidence limit = 81 to 119 pairs) for the New Forest valley mires as a whole. Thirteen squares populations remained stable: six sites with one pair in each year, six with no pairs and one, Beaulieu River (west), with 3 pairs. Only one other square held as many as 3 pairs: Gurnetfields, showing an increase of one pair since. A further six sites populations had increased; by one pair in almost every case. Declines were most marked in squares that, in, had held the densest populations. In these eleven squares, a combined population of 29 curlew pairs recorded in had fallen to just 10 pairs in Redshank Redshank pairs in the surveyed squares declined by 22-26%, from pairs in, to 14 in, giving an extrapolated figure of 42 pairs (95% confidence limit = 24 to 62 pairs) currently for the 93 x 1km squares. Results from seventeen squares remained unchanged at zero pairs. All other squares showed change. Increases were found in six, five of which had held no redshanks in. Squares showing the largest increases, were Gurnetfields and Beaulieu River (east), each from 0 to 2 pairs, and Beaulieu Heath, from 0 to 2 or 3 pairs. In eight squares, numbers of pairs recorded fell (in six of them, to zero pairs). In, these eight had held pairs between them. In, they held fewer than 4 pairs.

13 3.4.5 Significance of changes The results of the and surveys were analysed to determine whether the changes in total population estimates were statistically significant. The analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test. The results of the analysis demonstrated that the differences in wader numbers were not statistically significant between the two surveys when extrapolated to the forestwide population estimates. However, the changes in numbers observed from the sample sites may well be indications towards a trend within the New Forest as a whole, which only further survey work would reveal.

14 4. Discussion 4.1 Lapwing Appendix 8 shows the change of status of each wader species in the surveyed squares. Lapwing, a species that is less dependent on mire habitats than the other three species surveyed, has shown an increase in the squares surveyed since. When extrapolated to give a New Forest population estimate, this increase is not statistically significant, however this is partly explained by the degree of variation in the changes within the 31 squares surveyed. Between and, there was an increase in 13 squares, a decrease in 8 and no change in The increases in numbers of lapwings in the survey sites may be owed to the burning and cutting programme carried out by the Forestry Commission. In and around all of the 17 squares containing lapwing pairs, considerable areas have been managed in this way during the last decade. As Tubbs and Tubbs () indicates, this produces an ample area of potential breeding habitat, only a small proportion of which is occupied by the lapwing population in any season A search for management or habitat links between sites showing major declines and sites with major increases in lapwing numbers revealed that those squares exhibiting the greatest increases since, and holding the highest lapwing populations, had experienced not only considerable controlled patchy burning of humid and dry heath, but also contained large amounts of edge habitat. Crockford Bridge (west), for instance, held several pairs of lapwings on a large area of lawn, and more pairs on recently burned ground. All these nesting sites were within chick walking distance of grazed mire edges, which remained wet throughout the breeding season and were likely to be ideal places for young birds to feed and to hide. Similar parameters were found at Rush Bush and Hilltop, though these seemed to dry out considerably as the summer progressed These three squares were popular lapwing breeding sites, in spite of being used as regular dog-walking areas during surveying hours. Dogs were often off the lead and were sometimes seen disturbing nesting birds. Although site selection by lapwings may not be affected by such activity, breeding success, which was not measured during the survey, could be reduced by such disturbance Breeding lapwings at Leaden Hall, the square showing the greatest decline, were centred on the old bombing range there. In, this had been an area of shattered rubble providing breeding habitat for 4-5 pairs of lapwings and a pair of ringed plovers. Most of the rubble was removed soon after, leaving an area of mud,

15 with shallow pools after rain. The 2-3 pairs that were present in were generally seen in the muddy area and on the dry heath near the site, burned in the 1999/2000 winter. Young birds access to damp edges, so characteristic of the better-populated squares, was judged to be made difficult by zones of tall heather. No human disturbance was noted during survey periods, perhaps because the barrier at Black Gutter car park remained closed. This was one of four carparks listed in Tubbs and Tubbs (), the use of which led to high levels of disturbance to breeding waders. 4.2 Snipe, Curlew and Redshank Snipe, curlews and redshanks, those species more dependent than lapwings on mire habitats, all showed declines in the squares surveyed in both years. These declines were not significant at a Forest-wide level but, as with lapwings, there was a lot of geographical variation in the population change. It should also be noted that a number of the squares surveyed were unoccupied in both years for all four species. This was particularly true for redshanks: 58% of the squares had no redshanks in both years Squares showing population reductions were evenly scattered throughout the sample. Appendix 9, which deals with these three species combined, shows that 12 squares suffered declines in mire-breeding wader species, nine of them by 50% or more ( major decline ). Eight showed increases, five of which were by 50% or more ( major increase ). Only two of these squares showed both declines and increases in a mire species: Decoy Pond Farm, where snipe numbers were much reduced but curlews increased, and Fernycroft, where curlew numbers fell and redshanks increased. The fact that the great majority of squares exhibiting declines or increases did so across all three species, suggests that there may be changes in habitat quality or disturbance in these areas worthy of further investigation During the present survey it was impossible to come to any clear conclusions about possible causes of the apparent change in status of the mire-breeding waders. All the squares showing the most marked declines in populations seemed, to the fieldworkers, to contain typical valley mire habitats well suited to breeding waders. Kingston Great Common and Strodgemoor Bottom, for example, held very extensive areas of bog that remained wet throughout the season, yet they had lost most of their snipe and curlews. There had, however, clearly been some extensive recent fencing work there, which may have put some birds off the site Harvest Slade Bottom held no snipe or curlews either, though two chipping snipe were recorded there only on the third visit and therefore could not be counted. Survey work in this square, like some others, was affected by traffic noise which may have

16 made birds hard to hear at times; although the observers felt that this was not so much of a problem to them as it seemed to be to the fieldworkers in. While it was beyond the scope of this survey to record any effects of noise disturbance on wader populations, research elsewhere (Reijnen et al, 1997) has shown that traffic noise can suppress breeding bird populations in the surrounding area, and this may be a factor leading to low wader numbers at sites in close proximity to the main A Latchmore Bottom, Decoy Pond Farm and Cowleys Heath also showed major declines, and may have suffered from high levels of recreational disturbance. These comments, though, are based solely on brief observations of relatively high numbers of dogs and their owners during the dawn or dusk survey periods Those squares showing increases were almost all in the eastern part of the New Forest, between Beaulieu Road Station and Beaulieu Heath. Gurnetfields, Beaulieu River (east) and Beaulieu Heath all held more redshanks than in. These birds territories were associated with areas of pools in each case; clearly an important habitat feature. Most of the squares showing major increases seemed to be relatively undisturbed by people, at least during survey times Reasons for apparent changes in wader population sizes in the New Forest remain unclear and are undoubtedly complex. The present survey s objective was to gain an up-to-date perspective of breeding wader numbers and not to study factors affecting them. However, it is recognised that breeding waders prefer mosaics of open habitat such as those created in the New Forest by controlled burning and by differential grazing by stock. With the possible exception of lapwings, the wader species surveyed are all birds closely associated with wetland habitats. In the New Forest, lapwings and curlews may choose to nest on drier ground, but these, as well as snipe and redshanks, utilise wet ground on which to raise young. Maintaining and probably increasing the water-holding capacity of the Forest s valley mires is therefore crucial for each species The ever-growing use of the New Forest for human recreation poses many questions for conservationists. One relates to the effects on breeding waders of disturbance, particularly by people and dogs. Although incidents were witnessed where uncontrolled dogs appeared to cause clear disturbance of waders in their breeding habitat, it was beyond the scope of this survey to gather sufficient evidence in order to determine the significance of such events. Further fieldwork to study site selection by waders, and their breeding outcomes in relation to the positioning of car parks and to human activity would help to complete the picture of the Forest s use by these birds.

17 5. CONCLUSIONS 5.1 The survey confirmed that the New Forest mires remain extremely important for breeding snipe, curlews and redshanks. However, the results indicate that between and, their numbers have each been reduced by 29%, 25% and 22-26% respectively. The number of breeding lapwing pairs increased by 34-39% between and. These changes were not found to be statistically significant when extrapolated to provide total population estimates for the entire New Forest valley mires, but may be indicators of a trend. 5.2 In a wider context, the breeding wader populations in the New Forest are of considerable significance. The population of snipe represents nearly 6% of the English population. The curlew population represents 15% of the southern England regional population; and, beyond the coastal locations where the majority of redshanks in southern England breed, the New Forest redshank population represents 1.5% of southern England numbers. 5.3 Although no regional population estimate currently exists for breeding lapwings, the number breeding in the New Forest is also likely to be of regional importance. The Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows Survey (2002) results (paper in press) recorded 1503 pairs of lapwings in the South East England Government Office Region, a decline of 30.2% in those sites surveyed in both 1982 and In the face of continuing and significant declines in breeding wader populations and their ranges in lowland Britain, it is more important than ever to maintain and enhance those sites, such as the New Forest mires, which still hold large numbers. Therefore, further work is suggested to study the long-term trends of the New Forest wader populations, the effects of people-pressure on numbers and productivity, and to gain a better understanding of the changing conditions of the wetland habitat. The continuation of targeted grazing by commoners stock to maintain the necessary mosaic of habitats in and close to the mires is also essential. 5.5 The LIFE 3 Sustainable Wetland Restoration in the New Forest project will help to provide important new wetland habitats suitable for the four wader species. It is hoped that the restoration of such areas of former mire habitat will help buffer the effects that may be currently impacting on wader populations in the New Forest, and ensure their continued presence into the future.

18 6. REFERENCES O Brien, M. & Smith, KW Changes in the Status of waders breeding on wet lowland grasslands in England and Wales between 1982 and Bird Study. 39, Reijnen, Rien; Foppen, Ruud; Veenbaas, Geesje Disturbance by traffic of breeding birds: Evaluation of the effect and considerations in planning and managing road corridors. Biodiversity and Conservation 6: Tubbs, CR The New Forest. New Naturalist Series. Collins, London. Tubbs, CR. & Tubbs, JM.. New Forest Waders : A Survey of Breeding Waders in the New Forest Valley Mires, Hampshire. RSPB, South East Regional Office, Brighton. Westerhoff, DV The New Forest Heathlands, Grasslands and Mires: A Management Review and Strategy. English Nature, Lyndhurst. Wilson, A.M., Vickery, J.A., Brown, A., Langston, R.H.W., Smallshire, D., Wotton, S.& Vanhinsbergh, D. in press. Changes in the number of breeding waders on lowland wet grasslands in England and Wales between 1982 and Bird Study. APPENDIX 1 Habitats comprising the unenclosed land of the New Forest (adapted from Westerhoff, 1992) Habitat Area (ha) Main component or indicator species Dry heath Calluna, Erica cinerea, Agrostis setacea, Ulex minor Humid heath Calluna, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea Wet heath Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Sphagnum tenellum, S. compactum; shallow peat Valley Bog complex zonation of plant communities on deep, wet peat Acid grassland Lawn Reseeded Agrostis setacea, Molinia, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Pteridium, Ulex europeaus Agrostis capillaris, A. canina, Festuca ovina/rubra, Trifolium repens and numerous rosette-forming herbs A. capillaris, Hypochoeris, Plantago lanceolata, and a rich assemblage of prostrate herbs Part improved Similar community to reseeded grassland Woodland Quercus, Fagus, Ilex, Alnus (carr), Pinus sylvestris colonisation of open heathland communities Artefacts Former runways and other wartime installations etc. Total

19 APPENDIX 2 (adapted from Tubbs and Tubbs ) Estimates of breeding waders in the New Forest during 1960 Lapwing Locally dense aggregations of breeding pairs numerous during the period c , e.g: pairs in 196ha, , (Jackson & Jackson, 1975); 47 pairs in 3100ha study area, 1981 (Tubbs & Tubbs, unpublished). Estimated population 1981: pairs, but decline subjectively evident then and noticeable since c In a population of pairs was estimated for the 93 x 1km squares in the New Forest containing at least 15 ha of wet heath and/or bog. This is considered to be an underestimate for the whole New Forest area, since, of all the wader species surveyed, Lapwing is least tied to wet heath and bog habitats. Snipe Breeding numbers small in the 1960s: increase evident c pairs (= drummers, chippers, nests, young) in This level of population appears to have been sustained until at least The estimated population in the New Forest in had fallen to pairs. This figure is likely to be an underestimate of the total New Forest population because a small amount of suitable breeding habitat is found outside the 93 x 1km squares included in this survey. Curlew Estimated 55 pairs, 1960 (unpublished collaborative survey); 29 pairs in 50% of heathland/bog 1996 (= Forest population of 58 pairs). Noticeable increase from late 1960s; 120 pairs estimated from (unpublished) survey in In the estimated population in the 93 wet heath and/or bog 1km squares had risen to 132 pairs. This is likely to be an accurate reflection of the whole New Forest area population. Redshank 60 pairs found in survey in 1961 and a further 14 pairs found in 1962 in localities not searched in 1961 (=74 pairs); only pairs found in 1963 following severe winter; 42 pairs 1966 in what was believed to be a comprehensive search; pairs The estimated population in the New Forest s 93 wet heath and/or bog 1km squares was pairs. This is likely to be an accurate reflection of the whole New Forest area population.

20 APPENDIX 3 List of 1km squares selected randomly from all 1km squares containing 15ha or more wet heath or valley mire vegetation. Reference 1km 2 National Number Grid Reference Name 1 SU1802 Kingston Great Common 2 SU1803 Strodgemoor Bottom 3 SU1903 Church Moor 4 SU1912 Latchmore Bottom 5 SU1913 Hampton Ridge 6 SU2106 Harvest Slade Bottom 7 SU2112 Ragged Boys Hill 8 SU2015 Leaden Hall 9 SU2207 Backley Bottom (south) 10 SU2208 Backley Bottom (north) 11 SU2212 Rakes Brakes Bottom 12 SU2301 Clay Hill Bottom 13 SU2308 Bolderwood 14 SU2700 Hincheslea Bog 15 SU2701 White Moor 16 SU3209 Ashurst 17 SZ3499 Crockford Bridge (west) 18 SU3504 Rowbarrow 19 SU3505 Stephill Bottom 20 SU3507 Decoy Pond Farm 21 SZ3599 Crockford Bridge (east) 22 SU3605 Fernycroft 23 SU3606 Yew Tree Heath 24 SU3607 Beaulieu River (west) 25 SU3705 Gurnetfields 26 SU3805 Beaulieu River (east) 27 SU3806 Rush Bush 28 SU3905 King s Hat 29 SU4003 Hilltop 30 SU4004 Beaulieu Heath 31 SU4102 Cowleys Heath APPENDIX 4 Average Temperatures for SE and Central South Region of England, and Rainfall Records for Hampshire, March June and. (Data supplied by the Met Office) Crown Copyright Month Max Temp o C Min temp o C Mean temp o C Rainfall (mm) March April May June

21 APPENDIX 5 NEW FOREST BREEDING WADER SURVEY OBSERVER NAME: SITE NAME: DATE: VISIT NUMBER: 1KM SQUARE START TIME LAPWING Total birds bog dry heath SNIPE Drummers/ chippers dry bog heath REDSHANK Total birds bog dry heath bog CURLEW Pairs dry heath bog OTHER Pairs dry heath COMMENTS

22 APPENDIX 6a Numbers of Lapwings found during three visits to 31 randomly selected 1km squares in the New Forest, April June, with population estimates for these squares (with figures for comparison). 1km 2 ref. Visit1 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 3 (individuals) (individuals) (individuals) Population Estimate (pairs) Population Estimate (pairs) Total

23 APPENDIX 6b Numbers of Snipe found during three visits to 31 randomly selected 1km squares in the New Forest, April June, with population estimates for these squares (with figures for comparison). 1km 2 ref. Visit1 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 3 (displaying birds) (displaying birds) (displaying birds) Population Estimate (pairs) Population Estimate (pairs) * * * * * * * * Total * Birds drumming in May

24 APPENDIX 6c Numbers of Curlews found during three visits to 31 randomly selected 1km squares in the New Forest, April June, with population estimates for these squares (with figures for comparison). 1km 2 ref. Visit1 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 2 Visit 3 (pairs) (pairs) (pairs) Visit 3 Population Estimate(pairs) Population Estimate(pairs) Total

25 APPENDIX 6d Numbers of Redshanks found during three visits to 31 randomly selected 1km squares in the New Forest, April June, with population estimates for these squares (with figures for comparison). 1km 2 ref. Visit1 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 2 Visit 3 Visit 3 (individuals) (individuals) (individuals) Population Estimate (pairs) Population Estimate (pairs) Total

26 APPENDIX 7a Numbers of 1km squares in which each species of wader was recorded during three visits to each of 31 randomly selected 1km squares in the New Forest, April June and April - June. Ringed Plover Lapwing Snipe Curlew Redshank Visit Visit Visit APPENDIX 7b 1km squares in which waders were not registered on one or more survey visit. km 2 Name Visit 1 1 Kingston Great Common 2 Strodgemoor Bottom Visit 1 3 Church Moor A Latchmore Bottom Hampton Ridge Harvest Slade Bottom Ragged Boys Hill Backley Bottom (south) Backley Bottom (north) Rakes Brakes Bottom Waders Absent (A) Visit 2 Visit 2 A A Visit 3 A A A A A A A A A A Visit 3 A A A A A A A A A 13 Bolderwood A A A A 16 Ashurst A A A A A A Yew Tree Heath Beaulieu River (east) A A A A A 28 King s Hat A A Beaulieu Heath Cowleys Heath A A A A A

27 APPENDIX 8 Changes in breeding wader status between and 1km 2 Lapwing Name ref. pairs Status change Snipe pairs Curlew pairs Redshank pairs Status Status change change 1 Kingston Great Common Strodgemoor Bottom Church Moor 1 1 Status change 4 Latchmore Bottom Hampton Ridge Harvest Slade Bottom Ragged Boys Hill 8 Leaden Hall Backley Bottom (south) Backley Bottom (north) 2 11 Rakes Brakes Bottom 12 Clay Hill Bottom Bolderwood 14 Hincheslea Bog White Moor Ashurst 17 Crockford Bridge (west) Rowbarrow Stephill Bottom Decoy Pond Farm Crockford Bridge (east) Fernycroft Yew Tree Heath Beaulieu River (west) Gurnetfields Beaulieu River (east) Rush Bush King s Hat Hilltop Beaulieu Heath Cowleys Heath TOTAL % % % % =increase = decrease = stable

28 APPENDIX 9 Changes in mire-breeding wader populations in surveyed squares 1km 2 ref. Name Numbers of breeding Snipe, Curlew and Redshank (pairs) Status 1 Kingston Great Common 2 7 major decline 2 Strodgemoor Bottom 1 4 major decline 3 Church Moor 1 1 stable 4 Latchmore Bottom 0 8 major decline 5 Hampton Ridge 5 5 stable 6 Harvest Slade Bottom 0 5 major decline 7 Ragged Boys Hill 0 0 stable 8 Leaden Hall major decline 9 Backley Bottom (south) stable 10 Backley Bottom (north) 0 2 major decline 11 Rakes Brakes Bottom 0 0 stable 12 Clay Hill Bottom 4 2 major increase 13 Bolderwood 0 0 stable 14 Hincheslea Bog 3 3 stable 15 White Moor 3 4 decline 16 Ashurst 0 0 stable 17 Crockford Bridge (west) decline 18 Rowbarrow increase 19 Stephill Bottom increase 20 Decoy Pond Farm 2 6 major decline 21 Crockford Bridge (east) 4 3 increase 22 Fernycroft 3 4 decline 23 Yew Tree Heath 3 0 major increase 24 Beaulieu River (west) stable 25 Gurnetfields 9 3 major increase 26 Beaulieu River (east) 4 1 major increase 27 Rush Bush major decline 28 King s Hat 3 3 stable 29 Hilltop stable 30 Beaulieu Heath major increase 31 Cowleys Heath 0 5 major decline Major decline and major increase = changes in number of breeding pairs by 50%