The Severn Estuary is designated for its wintering and passage wildfowl feature. Many species that contribute to this SPA/Ramsar feature rely on the wider Severn & Avon landscape that is not designated but is functionally linked to the estuary. The floodplain of the Vale is a critical habitat underpinning many bird species such as curlew, redshank, wigeon, teal, pintail, golden plover and lapwing. However, evidence of where these birds roost and forage on the floodplain is lacking and often inadequate for undertaking Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) within NE and by our partners.
This project is phase 5 of the identification of wintering roosts of the Severn Estuary SPA and Ramsar. Phases 1 to 4 have been published and are available online and in the Related Access to Evidence records at the bottom of the page.
The report will also be used to assist the local plans for Stroud District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucester City Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Cheltenham Borough Council and Wychavon District Council.
The findings from phase 5 will form with the earlier phases 1,2,3, 4 an evidence base to be used by Natural England to assess the benefits of any opportunities there might be to protect functionally linked habitat outside of this internationally important area, including impacts of any proposed developments.