AESME Lot 5: Winter use of agri-environment scheme options by birds

Tender description

To let a contract under the Lot 5 framework contract that investigates the use of AES options by birds during winter. Objectives: 1. Conduct monthly surveys during from November 2018 to March 2019, inclusive, across a representative sample of England characterised by arable and mixed farmland, recording bird (and brown hare) abundance, habitat characteristics and the extent/quality of relevant AES options at appropriate scales. 2. Compare densities of birds (and brown hare) in relation to habitat and AES option extent and quality at appropriate scales. 3. Assess the extent to which bird (and brown hare) use has been influenced by habitat and AES option delivery. 4. Make recommendations about how the design and operational delivery AES-type options designed to provide key habitats/resources for birds during winter might be improved.