Sensitivity mapping of outdoor activity across Ynys Mon (Isle of Anglesey) coastal land & marine

Consultancy Brief Sensitivity mapping of outdoor activity across Ynys Mon (Isle of Anglesey) coastal land & marine environments Project Title Sensitivity Mapping of coastal outdoor activity and environmental designations, protected species, and habitats on and around Ynys Mon (Isle of Anglesey) Background Ynys Môn (Isle of Anglesey) is a nationally significant landscape with extensive coastal and marine environments, including the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and marine protected areas. The island’s natural assets underpin a strong visitor economy, with high levels of recreational use including walking (e.g. Wales Coast Path), cycling, water sports, climbing, coasteering and sea level traversing, wildlife tourism, sea fishing and informal access. Increased visitor numbers and changing recreation patterns are placing growing pressure on sensitive habitats and species, particularly in coastal and intertidal areas. RSPB Cymru, Isle of Anglesey County Council and NRW are jointly seeking to develop a robust, spatial evidence base to support sustainable recreation management, balancing environmental protection with access and economic benefits. Purpose of the Commission To commission a consultant to work collaboratively with the lead bodies, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), other conservation organisations, land managers, and outdoor activity stakeholders to produce an online GIS-based sensitivity mapping tool. This will identify areas where recreational use of coastal and marine environments presents higher environmental risk and supports responsible decision-making through a clear traffic light classification system through the year. Objectives The consultant will: Map environmental sensitivities across Anglesey’s designated sites (land and marine) Spatially represent recreational activity patterns and pressures (a “heat” map) Identify areas of potential conflict and cumulative impact Develop an objective, clear and consistent sensitivity assessment framework Produce accessible outputs to inform future planning, management, and policy Create a map that can be updated after the project (live) for existing and new locations of protected species and habitats so they can be avoided at sensitive times of year. To include species that are not listed within designations (e.g grey seals that pup form August to November). Scope of Work Stakeholder Engagement Engage with key Anglesey stakeholders, including: Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Local authority services Conservation NGOs (e.g. RSPB, North Wales Wildlife Trust, National Trust) Landowners and land managers Outdoor and marine activity providers (e.g. kayaking, sailing, jet ski/motorcraft, climbing, coasteering, Sea level traversing and exploring sea caves, mass participation walking/running events) Community and user groups This should include workshops and targeted consultation to ground-truth data and build consensus. Data Collection & Review Compile and review available datasets relevant to Anglesey, including: Designated sites: SAC, SPA, SSSI, Ramsar, MCZ where applicable Identify and collect data on habitats and species (including seasonal variations such as bird breeding/overwintering, seal pupping) that are sensitive to recreational activities from the presence of people/trampling. Using resources from organisations such as NRW, NWWT, RSPB, Cofnod, etc. Include data management agreements Wales Coast Path usage and other access routes Recreational activity hotspots (formal and informal) Existing visitor management evidence and studies Identify data limitations and propose pragmatic solutions where data gaps exist. GIS Mapping & Spatial Analysis Using GIS software, the consultant will: Overlay environmental sensitivities with recreational use patterns Identify spatial pressure points and potential/ existing conflict areas (considering displacement pressures) Consider cumulative and seasonal impacts Reflect both terrestrial and marine interactions (including intertidal zones) Note - Proposed GIS system is Mergin Maps: Collect, Share and Publish your Geo-Data Easily as this system is currently used by the local authority. Sensitivity Framework Develop a practical and transparent methodology tailored to Anglesey, considering: Activity type (e.g. low disturbance walking vs high-impact activities) Intensity and frequency of use Habitat/species vulnerability and condition Seasonal sensitivities Existing management measures Apply a traffic light system, for example: Red -High sensitivity (significant risk; avoid or restrict access/use) Amber - Moderate sensitivity (managed use with mitigation) Green - Low sensitivity (generally appropriate for recreation) (To include covering the different activities as some may be less impactful than others and therefore could be carried out with a simple code of practice) Dates Draft outputs: 29/