New Natural England habitat mapping project

We have recently been awarded a contract with Natural England to study saltmarsh habitat change on the River Ribble in relation to breeding birds. The work is collating a variety of data sources including mapping, aerial photography, LiDAR and historical vegetation and bird species data. Andy Murdock commented “We are delighted to have been awarded this project which seeks to further understand what are so far anecdotal changes to the marsh and its birds. It is particularly gratifying for me as I grew up bird watching on the Ribble Estuary”.  Our analysis will inform the future management of the site with regard to grazing issue and habitat management.