The tracking data from Lesser Black-backed Gulls from the Bowland Fells SPA in 2017 and 2018 were consistent with previous findings for 2016 and highlighted the importance of terrestrial habitats. There was some individual variation in the extent and pattern of birds’ foraging ranges. However, for all birds, home range analyses indicated that key foraging areas were outwith the SPA. The most frequently visited habitats tended to be urban areas and landfill sites to the south and south-east of the SPA, but regular use of nearby agricultural land was also seen. As in 2016, marine environments were only sparsely used in 2017 and 2018. 

The additional years of tracking data confirm the previous assessment that the SPA provides an important breeding site for Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but that their key foraging sites are outside the SPA. While many individuals were consistent in their foraging site preferences across years, there were examples of birds shifting sites. It is likely that as some favoured areas, especially landfills, become less profitable for foraging in the future, birds will shift more towards more urban or agricultural foraging, depending on individual preference and stage of breeding.