TEP was commissioned by Peel Holdings plc to carry out baseline ecological surveys of land between the Liverpool to Manchester Victoria rail line and the A572, between the M60 and Chat Moss. This was the area of a proposed Forest Park intended to provide excellent recreation facilities as well as being a haven for wildlife.
Ecological surveys undertaken included both breeding and winter bird surveys since there were a range of interesting bird habitats present on the site, notably extensive areas of woodland and farmland. A number of important species associated with these habitats were recorded including grey partridge, tree sparrow, skylark and barn owl. TEP ecologists formulated detailed management objectives to benefit birds, including alteration of farmland management practices to provide better wintering grounds for declining local populations of corn buntings, reed buntings and tree sparrows.