Warslow Moors Estate Wader Protection Plan Project

The Authority has owned the Warslow Moors Estate (1902 Ha) since 1986 and aims to conserve its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. Large areas of the Estate cover Leek Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest, Peak District Moors (South Pennine Moors Phase 1) Special Protection Area and the South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (See Appendix 2 of the Invitation to Tender for designations in respect of project area). Of particular relevance to the Estate's work are the wading bird populations that the Leek Moors support. Population numbers of Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe and Lapwing were on a severe decline towards what were considered to be a dangerous level. A previous Wader Recovery Project and subsequent predator control has addressed this decline and together with a habitat restoration programme the number of breeding waders is in recovery. Previous predator control has aided the establishment of core breeding wader hotspot areas. The estate seeks to continue this work and continue the sustainable restoration of wader populations. Project Aim • To protect the breeding waders in the defined hotspot area through an agreed predator control programme between the 1st January and 30th June of each year of the contract on the terms set out in this Invitation to Tender ("the Services"). • The defined hot spot area for this project centres upon the Authority's land mapped at Appendix 1 of the Invitation to Tender and referred to as the Breeding Wader Priority Protection Area ("BWPPA") along with any privately owned land situated adjacent or within close proximity, exhibiting suitable breeding wader habitat (c.400ha) (subject to consent). Project Objectives • Reduce predation pressure on breeding populations of: Eurasian Curlew, Common Snipe and Lapwing. • Implement effective, humane and compliant control of key predator species including: Fox, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Stoat, Weasel and Mink. • Maintain full compliance with wildlife, firearms and Hea