Olympic Delivery Authority starts ecology action plan

12/04/2007 00:00:00 The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has started a 5 point Ecology Action Plan to protect, preserve and relocate wildlife currently living on the 2.5 sq km Olympic site as they work to create the largest urban park in Europe for 150 years. The area has suffered from decades of neglect, characterised by derelict buildings, overhead pylons and areas of contaminated land. However, the wetlands, waterways and woodland areas are also natural habitats for several species of fish, birds, bats and newts which will be protected during the construction phase.

This work has already started with the capture and relocation of fish from Pudding Mill River, the site of the Olympic Stadium.
Other projects will include newt and reptile surveys and relocation; the creation of artificial Kingfisher and Sand-martin nests and surveys to check for Black Redstarts as well as bats.

David Higgins, Chief Executive of the ODA said: ‘The ODA's next phase of work will see the site cleaned up and cleared and bridges and roads built. As this activity on the ground moves up a gear, we will ensure that sustainability remains at the heart of the project. We are creating the largest new urban park for 150 years, restoring ponds and waterways and creating new wetland habitats. As we do this we must protect the wildlife and biodiversity of the site. The work over the next few weeks will be carried out sensitively and under expert supervision.’ Capture and relocation of fish: Aquatic experts will clear and prepare the Pudding Mill River before gently electrifying the water, momentarily stunning the fish and making them float to the surface. The fish can then be retrieved without being harmed and will be relocated in the nearby River Lea. Pudding Mill River is not a healthy spawning ground but it may host fish such as eels, tench, bream and pike.

Newt and reptile surveys: Survey work to date has found smooth newts and other amphibians but no other species of newts on the site. However, as part of an ongoing monitoring process, ecologists will be laying bottle traps in areas of the Park where newts may inhabit. Newts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and it is illegal to catch, possess or handle great crested newts without a licence. If any newts are found they will be relocated to the Waterworks Nature Reserve close by in Leyton. Surveys will continue through April with completion in early May.

Creation of artificial Kingfisher and Sand martin nests: Sand martins are migratory birds and are expected to return to the area this spring to nest along the banks of the waterways. As there will be building work in this area that may disrupt this, the ODA will use mesh to prevent nesting here and create alternative nests in the Waterworks Nature Reserve. Although none have been spotted on the site recently, there have been Kingfishers in the area in the past. The ODA will be creating artificial nests in the Waterworks Nature Reserve and is currently discussing nest design with the Environment Agency. Surveys to check for Black Redstart birds and bats: The Black Redstart is a small thrush-sized bird whose population is concentrated in urban centres and they are known for loving derelict building and construction sites. In London their population surged after the Blitz, but as bombsites and dockland have been regenerated, their numbers have diminished. Surveys will be conducted through April to monitor any presence. If monitoring confirms presence of nest, a buffer zone will be created around the nest site until young have fledged the nest.

Insect translocation: Discussions are on-going about creating alternative habitats that can support protected species of insect such as the Toadflax Brocade Moth and species of Solitary Bee which could be present in the north of Olympic Park. Translocation is planned to take place in May.

The ODA is also working to incorporate ecology into the Park design. A team of ecologists have identified the areas which will need to be safe-guarded as refuges for the local habitats. Bully Point Pond (near stadium site) will be reinvigorated to enhance ecological opportunities, for example by installing log walls ideal for habitats for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates instead of using fencing.

A lot of work will also be done to restore the waterways, with 3.5km of riverbank to be remodelled and 3.8km of canals to be dredged and green and brown roofs will also be considered for some venues as well as incorporating habitat opportunities such as swift bricks and nesting cavities.