Shore-based low tide counts and validation study of digital aerial survey methods at Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA)

Tender description

Natural England is seeking a contractor to complete three tasks under this contract. Task 1) To deliver a programme of 4 (four) once monthly (November 2023 - February 2024) standardised shore-based surveys of the abundance and distribution of all waders and waterfowl within the Leven, Kent, Lune and Wyre estuaries and the South Walney & Piel Channel Flats in accordance with the current WeBS Low Tide Counts scheme methodology. Task 2) To deliver a single, ground-based survey (possibly entailing repeated counts through the day) of the abundance and distribution of all waders and waterfowl within selected low tide count sectors within XXXXX, according to a bespoke methodology set out in this RfQ, and to coincide in time with the overflight of a digital aerial survey aircraft. Task 3) To process and analyse the survey data from tasks 1 & 2. Task 4) To produce a single report, using a Natural England template and following relevant guidance (see: Natural England publishing standards for commissioned reports - NECR000) outlining all methods and results, accompanied by all relevant output files, and other specified deliverables. Additional information: To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) (published when this opportunity goes live). Your response must be sent to [TBC] by 12 midday on [deadline date TBC]. If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to [email address TBC]. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.