Tees SPA Intertidal Mudflats and Sandflats Biotope Mapping

The Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area (SPA), located in north-east England, encompasses a diverse mosaic of coastal and estuarine habitats. Despite historic land loss due to industrial reclamation during the 19th and early 20th centuries, substantial areas of intertidal sand and mudflat, saltmarsh, freshwater grazing marsh, saline lagoon, sand dune, shingle, rocky shore, and shallow coastal waters remain. These habitats support a range of nationally and internationally important bird species.

Originally classified in 1995 for its European importance in supporting breeding little tern, passage Sandwich tern, wintering red knot, and passage common redshank as well as an assemblage of over 20,000 waterbirds. The SPA was updated in 2000 and extended again in January 2020. The most recent extension added breeding avocet, breeding common tern, and non-breeding ruff as protected features, along with additional areas of coastal and wetland habitat, the River Tees channel, and the shallow waters of Tees Bay.

The estuary's intertidal mudflats are critical feeding grounds for SPA bird species, particularly waders. Seal Sands is the largest area of intertidal mudflat on the east coast of England between Lindisfarne and the Humber Estuary to the south (Figure 1). It supports high densities of invertebrate prey, especially for overwintering redshank and shelduck. However, ecological condition has declined in recent years due to the growth of opportunistic macroalgae [Opp Mac], which may be reducing food availability for key wader species.

Smaller areas of intertidal mudflat occur elsewhere within the estuary, notably at Greatham Creek and Seal Sands (Figure 2), North Tees Mudflat (Figure 3). Sandy beaches such as North Gare Sands (Figure 4) and Bran Sands (Figure 5). These areas provide valuable foraging and roosting grounds for species such as red knot and sanderling and are integral to the SPA's ecological function and bird assemblage.

To better understand the condition and ecological value of these habitats, we are seeking a contractor to carry out the following:

A Phase 1 and Phase 2 biotope survey, including sampling of sediment, including infauna and contaminants

Reporting