Outcome NR2 Wading birds

The North Pennines holds internationally important numbers of wading birds including curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe (known as the in-bye suite of wading birds because of the importance of this land use type to their breeding success). Those who work in the North Pennines have a particular responsibility to look after these species, particularly given the population declines observed in other parts of their range.

Breeding waders use a variety of habitats in the North Pennines for breeding and feeding, many of which are not designated (or protected) for nature.

Healthy soils, functional hydrology and a relatively open landscape are key factors for breeding success for the in-bye suite of wading birds. Eliminating chemical inputs, minimising compaction, avoiding drainage, and adjusting grazing animal types and numbers to produce appropriate levels of rush cover for the different species, will all contribute to habitat with healthy soils, invertebrate abundance and optimal cover from predators.

Wherever possible, conservation objectives should be delivered without resorting to the killing of predators (e.g. through good habitat management or appropriate non-lethal means). Any predator control carried out to achieve conservation objectives should be justified through evidence of its need, targeted in its approach and scale, and regularly reviewed. As breeding wader populations are currently vulnerable, targeted predator is required in order to ensure that populations remain viable. Such control should be undertaken alongside other measures including habitat management, and the aim should be to facilitate sustainable populations of both wader and predatory species.

Outcome NR2 targets those, largely undesignated, areas that are important for a particular suite of wading birds which are most at risk from this lack of protection. The aim is to maintain and enhance large contiguous areas of habitat suitable for breeding curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe, and to minimise disturbance to ground nesting birds during the breeding season.

The North Pennines is also important in a national context for other wading birds such as Dunlin and Golden Plover. These species are not the target of this outcome, as they will benefit from the delivery of Outcome NR1.

The Outcome NR2 target map is broadly drawn to include all land below the moorland line, and existing grass moorland and allotment areas above it. In this way, action to improve and protect habitat for wading birds in these areas can be incentivised, and should be considered, wherever it is appropriate. This outcome overlaps and may compete with others, including Outcome NR1 which includes restoration of heathland on grass moorland, and Outcome NR3 which includes the establishment more trees and scrub. Decisions about which of these outcomes takes priority in areas where more than one outcome is indicated can only be made by considering the position on the ground. Presence of, or survey data for, breeding waders, the presence of priority habitats, priority species and peat, are all factors to take into consideration.