Objectives of the Atlas

The purpose of the Cheshire and Wirral Bird Atlas was formalised as to:

• Provide a permanent and comprehensive record of the bird species within the county.
• Provide baseline data for monitoring future changes in bird populations.
• Assess habitat needs of species and document species diversity.
• Provide comparisons with historical studies such as the 1978-84 Cheshire and Wirral Breeding Bird Atlas.
• Complement existing or on-going avian monitoring programs at county and national level.
• Enable use as a conservation tool and help in land use planning by local authorities.
• Assist rECOrd, the local records centre, in providing data for preparing environmental impact assessments.
• Promote camaraderie within the birding community.
• Recruit and educate birders young and old into recognising the value of recording for conservation purposes.