North Thames Estuary & Marshes Breeding Bird Survey

EMEC Ecology were instructed by Natural England to complete a breeding bird survey to advise on the proposed enlargement of Mucking Flats & Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognised for its national importance for birds. The survey area included post-industrial habitats including restored landfill sites and quarries, flooded pits and historic grazing marsh, with some arable farmland.

Seven visits during suitable weather conditions were undertaken between April and July. Surveys for diurnal species commenced before dawn and were completed before noon. Evening visits for crepuscular and nocturnal species were undertaken at dusk and continued a couple of hours following. Transect routes were planned to achieve overall coverage of the site and habitats, these involved two surveyors covering large areas. All species were recorded across the site, and particular note was made to target species, listed within their specific habitat assemblages e.g. scrub, lowland farmland and open water.

GPS enabled devices were used to record all assemblage species which were then transferred onto QGIS, to extrapolate key information regarding breeding status and territory locations.

The survey was required to allow Natural England to designate the survey area for its breeding bird assemblages. Notable species included significant populations of pochard and Cetti’s warbler, Breeding Black Redstart, Long-eared Owl, Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warbler and a variety of other species associated with mixed habitats and wetland habitats. The outcome of the designation process is still ongoing, however as a number of different assemblage thresholds were met, it is highly likely that the site will be successfully designated as a SSSI.