Bowland Ecology was commissioned by Natural England to map potential areas of Functionally Linked Land used by water birds in the North West. The aim of this project is to collate evidence from existing bird records to create maps showing important supporting habitats and improve understanding of which bird species are using these sites. This report will help to ensure the current geographical spread of supporting habitats across the north west are maintained and enhanced to ensure the integrity of the SPA sites are protected in the long term. Identification of Functionally Linked Land supporting Special Protection Areas (SPAs) waterbirds in the North West of England – NECR361 (naturalengland.org.uk)

Following this study Bowland Ecology was commissioned by Natural England to undertaken surveys during winter to assess the status of parcel of land in terms of bird use in relation to the FLL study.