ExCAL are currently carrying out, in conjunction with BHP Billiton, a long term land management conservation programme at Point of Ayr. This site, which lies on the outer reaches of the Dee Estuary, is designated as a SSSI, and is an internationally important wetland due to the significant number of waders and wildfowl it supports. The operation of a gas terminal in this environmentally sensitive area requires assessment of the likely impacts on local wildlife as well as much consultation with various environmental organisations.

We currently provide the following services: - Habitat surveys (NVC ) Species work to include birds, reptiles, amphibians & mammals Species Habitat management work/advice Natterjack toad management is carried out in consultation with the Herpetological Conservation Trust.

Our land management contract at Point of Ayr requires a sensitive approach as the land falls into one of two SSSI’s; a rare coastal habitat featuring mobile & fixed dunes along with dune slacks and also internationally important wetland that attracts significant numbers of waders and waterfowl through the winter months.

Warren Farm is a 60 acre working arable farm that is managed specifically to attract target wader species from the estuary mudflats at high tide when the feeding grounds are flooded. As mitigation for the building of the gas processing plant Warren farm was re-landscaped to include two large fresh water lakes that feed an underground irrigation system which is used from October to March to flood specified fields in order to create wetland habitat suitable for feeding and roosting birds such as Curlew, lapwing, Oystercatcher and Black-tailed godwits.

The day to day management by the farmer is guided by a legally binding Land Management agreement developed with CCW & RSPB which is reviewed at regular intervals and includes such prescriptions as reduced stocking levels for sheep & cattle, maintenance of a taller grass sward during winter, reduced levels of fertiliser and chemical use, late hay crops and reduced disturbance at certain times.

To ensure management objectives are being achieved year round ornithological monitoring and recording is carried out. Not only is the managed farmland monitored but adjacent coastal fields and estuary land is surveyed as a comparison. Data is also compared with nearby RSPB Dee Estuary reserves and national numbers to get a bigger picture for the species we are concerned with.

Data collected also contributes towards Local Biodiversity action plans and County Recorders as well as being openly available to any interested parties. The land Management plans for Warren Farm and the Dune system include provision for education and tourism. A purpose built bird hide on the farm provides visitors with a vantage point over the fields which lends itself to use by guided school parties and public alike. Interpretative signage and notice boards are used around the sites to keep visitors informed on management projects and events.