Olympic Park:
Kingfisher and
Sand Martin Surveys 2008
Prepared for the Olympic
Development Agency
by
Land Use Consultants
November 2008
43 Chalton Street
London NW1 1JD
Tel: 020 7383 5784
Fax: 020 7383 4798
[email address]
CONTENTS
1. Introduction ........................................................................................ 3 Background...................................................................................................................................................3
Legislation .....................................................................................................................................................3
2. Kingfisher survey ................................................................................ 5 Survey methodology...................................................................................................................................5
Results ...........................................................................................................................................................6
Conclusions and recommendations........................................................................................................6
3. Sand martin surveys........................................................................... 9 Survey methodology...................................................................................................................................9
Results ...........................................................................................................................................................9
Conclusions and recommendations......................................................................................................10
4. References......................................................................................... 13
i
TABLES
Table 2.1: Dates and areas covered by kingfisher surveys ..................................................6
Table 3.1: Size of sand martin colonies 2004-2008........................................................... 10
FIGURES
Figure 2.1: Kingfisher survey area 2008 ................................................................................ 15
Figure 3.1: Sand martin nest sites 2008................................................................................. 17
Appendix 1 Method statements for construction of artificial sand martin and
kingfisher nests at Waterworks Nature Reserve
ii
Olympic Park
Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
1. INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
1.1.
As part of a term commission to provide call-off ecological consultancy services to
the Olympic Development Agency (ODA), Land Use Consultants (LUC) was
requested to carry out kingfisher and sand martin surveys of the Lower Lea Val ey
Olympic development in 2008. The aim of these surveys was to identify current
kingfisher/sand martin nest hole locations and the location of potential breeding sites
within the development area, and to update previous surveys undertaken in 2004-
2007. This report presents the results of the 2008 surveys.
LEGISLATION
1.2.
All UK species of wild bird and their nests and eggs are protected by law (for the
whole or part of the year) by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (as amended
and strengthened by the CROW Act, 2000). This makes it an offence with certain
exceptions, to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take any wild bird and damage
or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.
1.3.
Kingfisher is afforded protection by special penalties at all times under Schedule 1 of
the Act. This makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb a bird while it
is at, near or constructing a nest.
1.4.
The UK’s leading governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations
have reviewed the conservation status of birds in the UK to keep track of changes in
bird abundance and range. Of the 247 species subject to review, red list status (high
conservation concern) has been assigned to 40 species, amber list status (medium
conservation concern) to 121 species, and green listed (no conservation status) 86
species. Sand martin and kingfisher are both amber list species (see Gregory
et al.
(2002) for more information).
1.5.
The conservation status lists contribute in part to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
(BAP) process, and 26 BAP bird species are identified as ‘priority’ BAP species at the
national level. At a local level sand martin are subject of individual Biodiversity
Action Plans (BAPs) for London and Waltham Forest. Kingfisher has individual
species BAPs in the Waltham Forest BAP and the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority
BAP.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
2. KINGFISHER
SURVEY
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Summary of 2004-2007 survey results
2.1.
No nests were identified during the 2004 and 2005 surveys. However several areas
were identified for their potential to support breeding kingfishers. The surveys also
highlighted the requirement for further boat based survey during the 2006 season,
with specific reference to construction area 2b.
2.2.
Terrestrial and boat based surveys carried out in 2006 identified areas of high
kingfisher potential. These areas were subsequently subject to vantage point surveys.
A kingfisher nest site was located at the middle section of the River Lea, near to the
junction with the City Mill River.
2.3.
Terrestrial surveys were carried out in 2007. Two kingfisher nesting sites were
identified. Nesting behaviour was recorded in close proximity to the previous 2006
nest site at Carpenter’s Lock while a second pair was recorded displaying nesting
behaviour along the Channelsea River.
2008 surveys
2.4.
Due to increased site security and restricted accessibility, transect surveys along the
River Lea (middle and lower), Bow Back River and City Mill River were conducted by
boat in 2008. Boat surveys involved travelling slowly along the river corridor,
scanning ahead for kingfisher activity whilst inspecting the river walls for indications
of nesting activity.
2.5.
Terrestrial transects were conducted along the Waterworks and Channelsea Rivers.
These involved walking along rivers and recorded any sign of kingfisher activity,
including visual and audio records as well as areas of potential for nesting. Areas
suitable for vantage point survey were also identified. Surveys were conducted
during calm weather to maximise visibility.
Figure 2.1 shows the areas covered by
boat and terrestrial transect surveys, and the location of vantage point surveys.
2.6.
Binoculars were used to scan overhanging vegetation for the presence of kingfisher
whilst the river bank wall was inspected for signs of nesting kingfisher, including
suitably sized holes and effluent staining from the nest. High visibility protective
clothing was required for all surveys which may have reduced the success of the
surveys.
2.7.
Survey visits were conducted between mid May and June to coincide with heightened
kingfisher activity associated with the latter part of nesting when adult birds supply
fish to the nest with increased frequency.
Table 2.1 details the dates and types of
survey visits. Surveys were conducted during the morning to minimise the likelihood
of disturbance prior to the survey.
2.8.
Areas identified as strategic vantage points during transects were subjected to a
minimum of three hours survey effort.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
Table 2.1: Dates and areas covered by kingfisher surveys
Date
Survey Type
Area
15/05/2008
Boat
River Lea (middle and lower), Bow Back River,
City Mill River
04/06/2008
Terrestrial
Waterworks River, Channelsea River, River
Lea (middle and upper)
25/06/2008
Terrestrial
Channelsea River, River Lea (upper)
RESULTS
2.9.
No signs of kingfisher were recorded during the 2008 surveys.
2.10. A nest location was identified in 2007 along the Channelsea River whilst ground
works were underway in the vicinity. As soon as the nest was identified, works were
halted and a watching brief established to determine nesting activity. The watching
brief identified that nesting activity was abandoned and ground works were therefore
continued, including culverting this section of the Channelsea River. Therefore no
opportunities for nesting existed in this area in 2008.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
2.11. No kingfishers were recorded during the 2008 surveys. Given the onset of
construction activity throughout the Olympic site and the loss of potential nesting
banks along the Channelsea River and the River Lee, it is probable that kingfisher
territories within and adjacent to the site have been displaced or lost.
2.12. Given the territorial nature of kingfishers, with population densities being largely
dependent upon resource availability (fishing areas, food density and suitable nest
sites), the reduction in suitable habitat as a result of construction activities within the
Olympic site is likely to result in lower breeding densities of kingfisher within both
the Olympic site and the wider area. Such losses can be mitigated through the
installation of artificial nest sites as described in paragraph 2.16 below.
2.13. Kingfisher, like all birds, can find novel approaches to nesting in less than suitable
habitats. They have been known to nest on ledges, in roots of fallen trees and sand
pits, occasionally up to 250 m from water. Whilst every effort has been taken to
identify areas suitable for nesting, these types of behavioural modification should be
considered during the construction works.
2.14. It is important that any construction activities do not inadvertently create suitable
nesting sites, such as the creation of vertical earth banks in areas programmed for
further works. This is especially important during February and March when
kingfishers are patrolling territories and searching for suitable nesting sites.
2.15. Works in areas of high kingfisher suitability during the nesting season (March-
September) should be preceded by and incorporate a watching brief by a suitably
qualified ecologist.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
Artificial nesting banks
2.16. There is a significant opportunity to retain and possibly strengthen the kingfisher
population within the area by providing artificial nesting banks. It is recommended
that such artificial kingfisher banks be sited a sufficient distance from the development
to al ow construction to occur without disturbing the birds. On the basis of the
2006 surveys and the predicted loss of the Carpenters Lock nest site during the
construction of the Olympic Park, it was recommended that an artificial kingfisher
nesting bank be constructed along the River Lea adjacent to the Waterworks Nature
Reserve.
Appendix 1 shows the method statement produced by LUC for the
construction of kingfisher and sand martin nests in the Waterworks Nature Reserve.
The kingfisher nesting bank has yet to be constructed, but it is anticipated that it will
be completed in time for the 2009 breeding season.
2.17. The discovery of a second pair of kingfishers and potential nest site along the
Channelsea River during the 2007 surveys indicates that the construction of a second
artificial kingfisher nesting bank is required. In the long term it is recommended that
opportunities should be identified to incorporate nesting sites within landscape
proposals in order for the site to support the kingfisher population densities the river
network is able to support.
2.18. If possible, artificial nest sites should be instal ed during winter 2008/09 and be ready
to provide an attractive alternative nesting location in time for the birds ‘pairing off’’
and nest building period in February/March 2009.
2.19. Artificial nests should be sited in a location, preferably controlled by locks in order to
maintain water clarity and depth, that is subject to relatively low levels of disturbance.
Appropriate vegetation planting for screening, as well as footpath diversion, should be
incorporated to afford appropriate seclusion for nesting kingfisher.
2.20. In addition to the nesting banks described in
Appendix 1, there may be the
opportunity to provide ‘soft’ nest sites through the regrading of existing soft river
banks, for example at Hackney Marshes. This would need to be discussed further
with the Environment Agency.
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Olympic Park
Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
3. SAND MARTIN SURVEYS
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Summary of the 2004-2007 survey results
3.1.
Sand martin surveys were carried out by LUC in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. These
surveys identified three, four, five and seven sand martin colonies respectively.
• Nest 1: River Lea (TQ 376833)
• Nest 2: Waterworks River (TQ 384838)
• Nest 3: Three Mile Wall River (TQ 383830)
• Nest 4: Three Mile Wall River (TQ 383834)
• Nest 5: Waterworks River (TQ 382834)
• Nest 6: Waterworks River (TQ 380841)
• Nest 7: Waterworks River (TQ 383836)
3.2.
Table 3.1 shows the size of each colony when surveyed for the last five years.
3.3.
Nest sites 3 and 4 which were previously surveyed by boat, were not surveyed in
2007 due to restricted accessibility. These nest sites are outside the area affected by
construction proposals.
3.4.
In terms of groups of flying birds, the maximum group sizes recorded were 22 in
2004, 10 in 2005, 12 in 2006, and 8 in 2007.
2008 surveys
3.5.
The transect surveys in 2008 were carried out in parallel with the kingfisher transect
surveys. Nest sites 3 and 4 which were previously surveyed by boat, were not
surveyed in 2008 due to restricted accessibility. These nest sites are outside the area
affected by construction proposals.
RESULTS
3.6.
During the 2008 surveys, previously used nesting sites with continued use comprised
(
Table 3.1):
• Nest 2: Waterworks River (TQ 384838) – 7 occupied holes in 2008
• Nest 5: Waterworks River (TQ 382834) – 4 occupied holes in 2008
3.7.
New sand martin nesting locations recorded during the 2008 surveys comprised:
• Nest 8: Waterworks River (TQ 382834) – 2 occupied holes in 2008
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
3.8.
In addition, sand martin were recorded nesting within the artificial sand martin
nesting tower which was installed at the Waterworks Nature Reserve in March 2007
(see separate monitoring note to be issued).
3.9.
In terms of groups of flying birds, the maximum group size recorded in 2008 was
around 12 birds.
3.10. The location of the nest sites are shown in
Figure 3.1.
Table 3.1: Size of sand martin colonies 2004-2008
Colony size (number of occupied holes)
Nest
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
1
5-10
6 2 0 0
2
2-8 1 6 9 7
3
2
1
0
No access
No access
4
No record
1
0
No access
No access
5
No record
No record
6
1
4
6
No record
No record
No record
1
0
7
No record
No record
No record
1
0
8
No record
No record
No record
No record
2
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.11. Sand martins continue to nest in new and old sites along the Waterworks River. The
colony at Nest 2 in 2007/08 is one of the largest recorded during the last four years
of surveys in this area. Every effort should be made to ensure that these birds are
not disturbed during their breeding season.
3.12. It is recommended that construction activity within 50 m of confirmed sand martin
breeding areas is avoided during the bird breeding season if practicable. If this is not
possible, all suitable holes should be rendered inaccessible to the birds outside their
breeding season, and alternative nest sites should be provided in adjoining
undisturbed areas in advance of construction.
3.13. Sand martins will nest in a variety of locations including those inland from the river
corridor. If potential inland sites are identified, a pre-construction survey or
watching brief prior to works would be required.
3.14. There is a significant opportunity to contribute to local BAP targets for this species
through the provision of a number of artificial nest colonies at various river wall
locations throughout the development site. An artificial sand martin tower was
erected in March 2007 at Waterworks Nature Reserve and has proven a major
success with approximately 12 breeding pairs recorded in 2008. The method
statement for the construction of the sand martin nesting tower is included in
Appendix 1 and monitoring results will be reported.
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Olympic Park
Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
3.15. The requirements for sand martin nesting are less specific than those of kingfisher as
they will tolerate a higher degree of human disturbance. Therefore placement of
artificial nesting banks is less critical. It is recommended that nest sites are included
within the Olympic Park in landscape design proposals. In addition, if site preparation
and construction work may lead to loss of nesting sites, further artificial nest sites
will be required in the short term as mitigation.
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Kingfisher and Sand Martin Surveys 2008
4. REFERENCES
Boag, D. (1990) The Kingfisher. Blandford Publishing, London.
Gregory, R.D., Wilkinson, N.I., Noble, D.G., Robinson, J.A., Brown, A.F., Hughes,
J., Procter D.A., Gibbons, D.W. and Galbraith, C.A. (2002) The population status of
birds in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man: An analysis of conservation
concern 2002-2007.
British Birds 95. London.
HMSO (1981) The Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. HMSO, London.
HMSO (1994) The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations, 1994. HMSO, London.
Hopkins, L. (2001) Artificial Bank Creation for Sand Martins and Kingfishers. The
Environment Agency.
Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterstrom, P., Grant, J. (1999) Bird Guide. Harper
Collins, London.
RSPB, NRA and the Wildlife Trusts (1994) The New Rivers and Wildlife Handbook.
RSPB.
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November 2008
±
0
200 m
Figure 2.1: Kingfisher survey 2008
Date Prepared: 23/07/08
Vantage point survey locations
Open water
Boat transect survey
Terrestial transect survey
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Control er of Her Majesty's Stationery Of ice, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265
S:\4000\4065 Olympic Park Ecology\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4065_kingfisher_surveys_080723.mxd
River Lea (middle)
6
Waterworks River
2
City Mil River
7
8
River Lea (lower)
5
4
Three Mile Wal River
1
Bow Back River
3
±
0
200
400 m
Figure 3.1: Sand martin survey 2008
Date Prepared: 23/07/08
Sand martin Colonies
Open water
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Control er of Her Majesty's Stationery Of ice, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265
S:\4000\4065 Olympic Park Ecology\GIS\Themes\ArcGIS9\4065_sandmartin_nests_080723.mxd
APPENDIX 1
Method statements for construction of artificial
sand martin and kingfisher nests at
Waterworks Nature Reserve
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial sand martin and kingfisher nests
23 March 2007 Version 3
Method Statement
PROJECT: SAND MARTIN ARTIFICIAL NEST TOWER
•
To supply and erect 4 x concrete chambers 100cm diameter by 100cm height.
Proposed location is shown in Figure 3.
•
Approximately 400cm x 300cm scrub vegetation to be cleared from filter bed
margin to allow mechanical access (to be completed by LVRPA staff).
•
Concrete chambers to be treated to encourage bryophytes (the chambers are
grey to match the filter bed sides).
•
Rows of holes approximately 4cm and 6cm in diameter (exact size dependent on
diameter of available pipes) to be bored through at regular intervals within two
of the chambers (within a section comprising two thirds the circumference of
each tower). These will form the top nesting section of the tower.
•
Rows of entrance holes to be approximately 40cm apart vertically, with holes
50cm apart horizontally – see Figure 1. This will give 20 holes per tower.
Figure 1: Chamber and hole alignment
‘Back’
‘Front’
Approximate
Approximate
100cm of
200cm of
Note: In this figure the
circumference
circumference
chambers have been
‘opened-out’ to illustrate
30cm
hole spacing. Diameter
Top
chamber
40cm
of chambers = 100cm
30cm
Front facing hide
50cm
2nd chamber
if required
Water level (estimated)
Bottom
chamber
Filter bed floor
1
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial sand martin and kingfisher nests
23 March 2007 Version 3
•
Concrete chambers to be stacked in final location by 360 excavator to the
required height.
•
Excavator will access location by tracking across the filter bed floor. If access is
hampered due to stability of the floor, excavator will work from the filter bed
edge (hurdling removed to allow access) and chambers lowered in to place.
•
Base chamber (without holes) to be placed first. Once in place the water and
sediment will be removed and a layer of cement laid to prevent seepage
and provide secure footing for the cement:sand mix. Chamber then to be fil ed
with 15:1 sharp sand:cement mix and compacted.
•
The height of the chamber wil be assessed and another undril ed chamber added
if required. This will be filled as above.
•
The first drilled chamber will then be added, positioned with the section with
holes facing the hide (Figure 1). The chamber will be filled with the sharp
sand:cement mix, with this compacted to the level of the first row of entrance
holes. Sections of pipe (same diameter as entrance holes and varying between
35-60 cm in length) to be placed within the chamber, with the ends inserted in to
the entrance holes – these may need to be placed at an angle to provide
adequate space between nesting tunnels. A process of trial and error will be
used to maximise the number of nesting sites, with any redundant holes closed
off with cement. Take care to ensure that plastic piping does not slope down
from the entrance.
•
A further layer of sand:cement mix wil be added up to the next row of entrance
holes, this will be compacted and the pipes added as previously. The process will
be continued until the chambers have been fil ed to approximately 30cm from
the top. A 10cm cap of cement may be added, and this capped with soil.
•
Pipes to be half fil ed (in cross section) with sand, and a plug of 15:1 sharp
sand:cement mix added at the entrance, again only half filling the pipe in cross
section (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: Cross section of entrance hole and pipe
15:1
Chamber
Sharp sand: cement
wall
mix
Pipe
Cement
plug
Sharp sand
2
Figure 2: Waterworks Nature Reserve: Sand martin artificial nest, proposed location (Approx. TQ360868
)
Flood relief channel
Waterworks Nature
Lea Bridge Road
Reserve
River Lee
River Lee
Navigation
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Control er of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial kingfisher nest
4 February, 2008 Version 5
PROJECT: KINGFISHER ARTIFICIAL NEST BANK
SPECIFICATION
Item 1: Kingfisher bank
•
See LUC kingfisher bank specification drawing 4065/01 REV B. Proposed
location is shown in Figure 1.
•
Access route is to be determined with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority as
shown on Figure 3 REV A. Access is to be through land owned by the LVRPA,
with proposed works on land owned by the Environment Agency.
•
Fence off working area with heras security fencing.
•
Level area for the proposed kingfisher bank and excavate shal ow foundation 400
cm long x 150 cm breadth x 15 cm depth.
•
Construct a concrete base foundation within excavation 400 cm long x 150 cm
breadth x 15 cm depth. Leave to dry.
•
Construct a rectangular base of concrete blocks on foundation, 400 cm long x
150 cm breadth x 750 cm depth.
•
Infill base with well compacted hardcore/sand/material excavated for the
foundation. Cap with reinforced concrete.
•
Construct a three course wall along the back and sides consisting of concrete
blocks to height of approximately 750 cm above the base.
•
The frontage is to be shuttered with wooden boards and then in-fil ed with soft
sand to a depth of 20cm, which is to be saturated, and then topped with a 10:1
sharp sand: cement mix to a depth of 5cm. Leave for 48 hours to dry.
•
Repeat the layers/process twice more (creating three layers soft sand with 10:1
mix cap).
•
Top with reinforced concrete ensuring a 30cm overhang at the front.
Item 2: Type P4 Guardrail
•
Immediately fol owing construction of the nest bank, a Type P4 Guardrail is to be
installed. The specification as per the existing bankside fence (example provided
Figure 2).
1
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial kingfisher nest
4 February, 2008 Version 5
•
Guardrail to be fixed via appropriate concrete footings – contractor to provide
detail for approval.
•
A single removable panel (bolted) is required to enable access to the kingfisher
bank and river bank.
•
The contractor is to provide detailed specification and installation
details for fencing for approval prior to commencement of project.
•
Following completion of works, heras fencing is to be removed.
Item 3: Other requirements
•
Contractor is to provide a full risk assessment for approval prior to contract
being awarded.
•
Contractor is to provide method statement and details relating to works and
environmental protection during works for approval prior to contract being
awarded.
•
Contractor is to complete a
Permit To Work from the LVRPA prior to start
of works.
2
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial kingfisher nest
4 February, 2008 Version 5
Figure 1: Waterworks Nature Reserve: Kingfisher artificial nest, proposed location (Approx. TQ366865
)
Flood relief channel
Waterworks Nature
Lea Bridge Road
Reserve
River Lee
River Lee
Navigation
3
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial kingfisher nest
4 February, 2008 Version 5
4
Waterworks Nature Reserve:
Artificial kingfisher nest
4 February, 2008 Version 5
Figure 2: Type P4 Guardrail
5
Figure 3 REV A: Waterworks Nature Reserve: Kingfisher artificial nest access and protective fencing
Access routes
Heras fencing
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey information with the permission of The Control er of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, Crown Copyright, Land Use Consultants, Licence Number 100019265
