Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Associated Species Action Plans Orchids Associated Habitat action plans Canals Lowland wet grassland Rivers and streams

The most recent Breeding Atlas has shown the decline of snipe to be particularly serious over the last 20 years throughout much of lowland Britain. 'Birds of Conservation Concern' has the snipe on the 'Amber' list of birds showing a 'moderate' decline, between 25-49% decline in the UK breeding population or range over the past 25 years. Current status in the West Midlands is that they are present in reasonable numbers throughout the winter, though most of these are likely to be continental migrants. Breeding is restricted to 3-4 pairs in Sutton Park NNR. Wintering snipe (largely made up of continental migrants) are commonly found on a number of sites. Snipe are dependent on wet grassland for both feeding and nesting.

• Land drainage and low summer water table levels causing degradation of suitable habitat.
• Inappropriate land management, extensive agriculture and urbanisation have led to habitat loss.

Nest predation and physical disturbance also affect the species

3.1 Legal status

The snipe is not fully protected by Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is listed on Schedule 2 (part1) as a bird which may be killed or taken outside the close season (1 February - 11 August).

3.2 Management, research and guidance

Projects to reduce nest disturbance and management of some sites to favour snipe have been undertaken in Sutton Park NNR

West Midland Bird Club have been carrying out recording and research on the species since the mid-1960s. The Birmingham and Black Country Breeding Birds Survey will provide more information, when published.

ACTION	Potential Deliverers		YEARS							Meets Objective No.
	Lead	Partner	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2011
5.1 Policy and legislation
Seek the inclusion of effective measures which protect snipe and their habitats in the preparation of Unitary Development Plans and/ or other policy documents.	LAs	EN, WT	As UDPs and other policy documents are prepared							1,2
5.2 Site/species management and protection
Encourage the appropriate management of key areas for snipe via agri-environment schemes.	FWAG	LO, LAs, RSPB, WT								2
Identify areas where habitat could be improved for breeding snipe.	EN	FWAG, RSPB, WMBC, WT, ER								2,3
Undertake large-scale wetland restoration projects to favour a range of species including snipe.	EN	RSPB, WMBC, LAs, LO								3
Extend nest protection schemes such as that on Sutton Park NNR if found to be breeding elsewhere	EN	WMBC, LAs, LO, RSPB								2
5.3 Advisory
Provide advise and information for those involved with this species and its conservation	EN	ALL								2,4
5.4 Future research and monitoring
Set up group to co-ordinate implementation	ALL									1,2,3,4
Determine breeding and visiting populations and study nesting success.	EN	WMBC, LAs, ER, WT								1
5.5 Communications and publicity
Raise awareness of the plight of snipe as a breeding species in the plan area	EN	ALL								4
5.6 Links to other action plans
Lowland wet grassland, canals, rivers and streams

This Biodiversity Action Plan will be implemented over 10 years with a first review after 5 years. A group will be set up to co-ordinate implementation and to report to the Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group. This group will meet at a minimum on a yearly basis.

Review will be carried out in conjunction with related Habitat and Species Action Plans as appropriate and will consist of measuring achievement of targets. The group will, with the support of the Steering Group, develop and implement appropriate monitoring methods, which will inform the review process.

The Action Plan will be revised and updated in the light of review results and any relevant changes in circumstances and / or additional information which becomes available during the review period.

In line with national guidance, the Steering Group will report to the UK Biodiversity Steering Group.

Biodiversity Action Plan for Birmingham and the Black Country © 2000

Printing of this publication for educational purposes is permitted, provided that copies are not made or distributed for commercial gain, and the title of the publication and its date appear. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires specific permission from the Steering Group.