Wildlife Interest

Referenced from S.S.S.I information from the Countryside Council for Wales'(March 1985)"Between 1984 and 1989 the average winter peak  of waterfowl feeding on the abundant invertebrates and plants totalled 3,314 of which 1,693 wildfowl and 1,621 were waders. Teal are the most numerous with
almost a quarter of the Haven's total, whilst shelduck breed in small numbers, as well as overwintering with an average peak of 314 birds. Outside the winter months passage waders, especially curlew,
redshank, whimbrel and greenshank, frequent the shore. About 20% of the Haven's shelduck occur and studies have shown that their favoured winter feeding grounds are near the junction of the Cresswell and Carew rivers.

The high average peak for teal of 771 largely reflects the  abundance of good feeding territory along the extensive creak and river channel systems. Other average peak counts were 626 wigeon, 418 dunlin, 332 curlew, 304 lapwing, 272 redshank, 142 golden plover and 91 snipe. Goldeneye also
overwinter in low numbers and five pairs of shelduck bred successfully in 1992. Otters are also known to be present." As yet, an up to date bird count is not available.

The 1997/1998 WeBs report has carried out a low tide count in the Cleddau Estuary this equates the five year mean core counts are not dissimilar to the peak low tide count. The counts indicated 14,000 wildfowl and waders present during low tides, which compares to the core count data of 15000 (over a five year period). The usage of the estuary is wide spread by several species of wildfowl and wader
including bar tailed godwit, little egrets, dunlin as well as red shank on the Western Cleddau.

The indication of the above and figures presented in the Wetland Bird Survey (Pembrokeshire Count Results 1996-97) show the area has not seen major decline due to the "Sea Empress" disaster. This statement has been clarified with the caveat the weather conditions elsewhere could have an impact on the figures but the general indication of bird usage was positive.