Severe Weather Monitoring Contract

Description

The Severe Weather scheme is designed to help with conservation of waterbirds (ducks, geese, waders). During prolonged periods of severe weather these birds struggle to feed as the ground becomes hard, or snow covered, and they have less energy to deal with any disturbance. The scheme was designed to manage the disturbance caused by waterfowl shooting during prolonged periods of severe weather, but, increasingly, has a role in minimising disturbance from other recreational activities such as bird ringing, walking, water-based recreation etc. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act Section 2 (6) the relevant Secretary of State(s) has power to impose a temporary close season of waterbird shooting during 'prolonged severe weather'. The Severe Weather scheme provides an agreed process as to what qualifies as 'prolonged severe weather'. In this scheme, England and Wales are dealt with together as one location, separately from Scotland. For more background information please see http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-2894.