Black Grouse and Wading Bird Population and Habitat Study

This direct award opportunity supports a comprehensive conservation research programme focused on Black Grouse and wading bird populations. The project includes: (1) Black Grouse population surveys to establish current size and distribution, with comparison to national survey data; (2) Grouse foraging and habitat utilisation studies using bird tagging to investigate brood rearing habitats and inform management practices to improve breeding success; (3) Wading bird population surveys and habitat condition assessments. The work directly supports Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities including biological recording for nature recovery, securing and expanding Black Grouse populations, mapping and monitoring known lek sites, and expanding wader distribution through appropriate breeding and wintering habitat management.