Wildlife surveys of the Walton backwaters are resuming as the autumn migration season gets underway, as part of a national initiative.

Tendring District Council (TDC) supports volunteers carrying out the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) for the British Trust of Ornithology (BTO), which monitors numbers of non-breeding birds around the country.

The Walton Backwaters are part of the Hamford Waters Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and provide a significant over-wintering area for thousands of migratory bird species, as well as summer breeding grounds for others.

Volunteers survey the area monthly to record bird and species numbers, providing valuable data for conservationists to monitor changes. The surveys are carried out with the help of TDC and its boat, the Limosa, as well as by volunteers on foot walking adjacent sea walls.

Adrian Smith, TDC Cabinet Member for Environment, said working with partners such as the BTO, Bird Aware Essex Coast and the Essex Wildlife Trust was important to help protect vital habitats such as Hamford Waters.

“We are lucky to have on our doorstep such significant habitat, and it is our duty to protect it as best we can,” Councillor Smith said.

“Monitoring wildlife helps us to understand how places such as Hamford Waters are doing; swings in species numbers can indicate wider challenges, such as changes to water quality or salinity, erosion and loss of breeding grounds, or disturbance and predation.

“My thanks go to the BTO volunteers for their efforts, which will help to preserve these beautiful areas in the heart of Tendring for years to come.”

Species found around the Walton Backwaters include Little Tern, Brent Goose, Avocet, Bar- and Black-Tailed Godwits, among many others.

WeBS builds on a tradition dating back to 1947, and takes place year-round though with a particular focus from September to March.

Anyone interesting in volunteering to support the WeBS, in particular along some sea wall areas, should contact openspaceenquiries@tendringdc.gov.uk.