Timothy Hajda

• BSc (Hons) Surveying and Mapping Science
• Assessment of habitat associations of threatened upland wading birds using remote sensing and GIS.

Habitat loss due to land management changes, overgrazing and afforestation is suspected to be one of the key threats to nesting wading birds in the U.K. Knowledge of a species’ habitat requirements is essential for identifying areas vital for its survival. This project aimed to explore the potential for using multispectral satellite imagery and GIS datasets to assess habitat associations of six upland wader species. Study sites were selected within the North Pennines AONB, a region particularly crucial for breeding waders. The sites were surveyed at the end of June to record the number of breeding waders present and to collect soil moisture measurements. Whilst no significant correlations were found when analysing the bird census data and the habitat variables in question, the project provided a useful baseline dataset and highlighted several important considerations for future research and conservation measures for breeding waders in the North Pennines.

Funded by: Newcastle University

Project Supervisor: Magdalena Smigaj