Local residents show support for Wallasea Island Wild Coast restoration

~ RSPB invites more feedback on wetland creation plans ~

Plans for the RSPB’s Wallasea Island Wild Coast project have been put to the public for the first time, and have received a positive reception.

Local door-to-door market research showed that almost eight out of ten of those polled were interested in the RSPB’s plans, and over three-quarters (78%) felt that the development of Wallasea Island as a nature reserve would improve the local area. And of the 625 people surveyed, half felt strongly that the RSPB’s ambitions would give Essex another thing to be proud of.

The RSPB announced its intention to buy a large part of Wallasea Island in October last year. The project – which is the most ambitious ever attempted by the conservation charity – could see wetland habitats developed over 750 hectares, an area two and a half times the size of the City of London. Saltmarsh, mudflats and saltwater lagoons would become home to a vast array of wildlife, including wading birds, ducks, geese, otters and saltmarsh plants.

The RSPB also hopes to include more than 15km of new access routes, including footpaths and cycleways, so that people can visit the site.

Mark Dixon, the RSPB’s project manager for the Wild Coast Project, said, “We have asked local people what they would like to see included in the plans for the new nature reserve, and we’re really pleased with the positive response we’ve had. But this is just the beginning. We are inviting anyone who has any thoughts on what they would like to see included in our plans for the island to get in touch.

“Perhaps they have a memory of how Wallasea Island used to be in days gone by? Or perhaps they’d be interested in seeing how Essex man has a tradition of living with one foot on the land, and one foot in the sea? Whatever the idea, we would be interested to hear it.

Of those questioned, 48% intend to visit Wallasea Island, and one in three already have visited. Access is already possible along the sea wall on the River Crouch side of Wallasea Island, following a Defra scheme in 2006 which saw a small part of the island turned back to mudflat and saltmarsh, for the benefit of wildlife.

Those surveyed were asked what features they would find attractive about the proposed site. A variety of ideas were supported and among these, riverside walks (63%), a variety of paths (59%) good car parking (54%), wildlife watching areas (51%), and picnic and BBQ areas (48%) polled highest.

“This information is vital,” continued Mark, “as it helps us develop a design for the island based on what people want. Wildlife will benefit substantially from this project, but we want to include social benefits for local people too.

“We’re going to do what we can to incorporate local ideas into this project. We want it to become something that local people will visit and enjoy, to enthuse them about conservation, and to give them some spectacular encounters with wildlife that will stay with themfor a long time.”

If you have any thoughts on the Wallasea Island Wild Coast project, you can get in touch with Mark Dixon at mark.dixon@rspb.org.uk, or by writing to him at Threshelfords Business Park, C/O Environment Agency, Inworth Road, Kelvedon, Essex, CO5 9SE.

You can donate to the project, or find out more information, at http://www.rspb.org.uk/wallasea, or by writing to Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project, RSPB Eastern England, Stalham House, 65 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UD.

What is the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project?

• This is a landmark conservation and engineering project on a scale never before attempted in the UK, and the largest of its type in Europe.
• It is a visionary response to the challenges that climate change poses to the wildlife and landscapes of England’s low lying coastline.
• The result will be a phased transformation of 736 hectares of arable farmland, back to the coastal marshland it once was. This equates to an area two and a half times the size of the City of London.
• The restored landscape will be a wetland mosaic of mudflats and saltmarsh, shallow lagoons and pastures. They will be crossed by low lying bunds along which visitors can access much of this new Wild Coast.
• Wallasea lsland lies in the heart of an internationally important estuary, close to the Thames Gateway. For many, it will be the closest accessible area of Wild Coast.
• This landscape will support nationally and internationally important bird populations. We hope to re-establish lost breeding populations of birds such as spoonbills and Kentish plovers.
• This project will develop innovative ways of creating and managing coastal habitats using regulated tidal exchange. Pipes or culverts will allow limited and very shallow amounts of tidal water onto and off the site. The existing sea walls will remain in place.
• The existing properties and businesses on Wallasea lsland will not be adversely affected by our plans, and we will work closely with all interests in developing the project.
• This new scheme lies adjacent to the 115 ha Wallasea Wetlands Creation project, set up by Defra in 2006, and now managed by the RSPB. Our project will provide complementary inter-tidal habitats on an enormous scale.
• This is a partnership project conceived by the RSPB, in agreement with the owners (Wallasea Farms) that the RSPB will purchase most of the island. This will be dependant, over the next two years, on obtaining consents for the project and securing the funding needed.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

It is all about birds and wildlife this weekend, as we gear up for the Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday and Sunday and get outside in the fresh air to explore other forms of wildlife in Essex.

The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world's biggest bird survey.

Thanks to its simplicity and the small time it takes to do, the Big Garden Birdwatch has always had great support, providing a vital snapshot of the UK's birds each winter.

In 2007, more than 400,000 people took part by counting the birds in their garden for an hour. Together they spotted 6million birds across 236,000 gardens, helping reveal the winners and losers in the garden bird world.

Over the past three decades participants have made a significant contribution to monitoring garden bird numbers and helped highlight that some garden birds are in need of help.

The survey has recorded the huge declines in some of our most familiar birds. Since 1979, the number of house sparrows counted has fallen by 52% and the number of starlings by a staggering 76%.

However, it isn't all bad news - chaffinches and great tits have both seen their numbers increase since 1979 by 36% and 52% respectively. Scientists can then use these patterns in bird numbers to help prioritise bird conservation work.

You really don't need to be an expert to take part. Whether you're young or old, an 'expert' or a beginner, there really is no better place to start than the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch.

By joining hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and counting the birds in your garden, you really are helping to save wild birds. Spend an hour spying on your bird neighbours over the weekend and help the RSPB discover who is top of the pecking order in UK gardens.

If your garden doesn't usually attract some feathered friends or you don't have a garden to sit in then head to your local park. You could visit Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea, Gloucester Park, Basildon or wander around Priory Park in Southend and choose a spot.

The Big Garden Birdwatch, January 26 and January 27, http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/index.asp

How to take part:

Taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch is simple and fun. All you need to do is watch your garden or local park on either Saturday or Sunday. Simply spend an hour counting the birds, recording the highest number of each species seen in your garden (not flying over) at any one time.

It's important you don't count all the birds you see because some birds will return to your garden many times in the hour. Seeing the same blue tit come back 10 times does not make 10 blue tits!

You can do your Birdwatch in your garden or a local park. Either way it's best to decide on a place where you can see the birds well and where you can sit quietly so they are not disturbed.

Download the counting sheet (from the website http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/) to help you keep track of how many birds you've seen. The sheet has pictures of the commonest birds seen in gardens and space to cross off how many of each species you have seen together. This is just to help you record your counts. Then submit your results online where the online form will be open from January 26 for you to enter your counts. The results will be collated and published in March.

What to look out for:

• Blackbird: The male blackbird is black with a bright orange-yellow eye-ring and bill, while the female is brown.


• Blue tit: A colourful mix of blue, yellow, white and green make this agile bird one of our most attractive resident garden visitors.


• Carrion crow: This all-black crow is one of the cleverest, most adaptable of our birds. They are fairly solitary birds, so are usually found alone or in pairs.


• Chaffinch: The UK's second commonest breeding bird, chaffinches are arguably one of the most colourful of our finches.


• Collared dove: Distinctive with buffy-pink plumage, black neck collar and long, white tail with a black base, collared doves are usually seen singly or in pairs.


• Dunnock: A small brown and grey bird with a slender beak, dunnocks are easily overlooked as they creep around under bushes in a mouse-like way.


• Goldfinch: Goldfinches often feed in small flocks, and its twittering call, red face and black and yellow wings draw attention to it.


• Great tit: Great tits are green and yellow with striking glossy black heads, white cheeks and a distinctive two-syllable song.


• Greenfinch: The male greenfinch is a green bird with yellow patches on the wings, a forked tail and a stout beak, while the female is browner.


• House sparrow: This noisy and gregarious bird is one of our most familiar and is affectionately recognised as being a cheeky and loveable rogue with a promiscuous nature.


• Long-tailed tit: The long-tailed tit is easily recognisable with its distinctive black, white and pink colouring, a tail that is bigger than its body, and undulating flight.


• Robin: With its bright, orange-red breast, brown back and dumpy shape, robins are a familiar garden bird.


• Starling: With a short tail, pointed head and triangular wings, a starling looks black at a distance but when seen closer it is very glossy with a sheen of purples and greens.

Picture credits:

goldfinch - Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com)

Curvy Essex birds prove their pulling prowess

The chance to seek out the enigmatic corn bunting at Burnham Wick Farm in Burnham-on-Crouch has proven irresistible to many across Essex. RSPB guided walks on the 20 January to look for these special birds were booked up within days of being advertised.

Farmland bird species such as the corn bunting have declined by a massive 88% over the last 30 years. Essex remains as one of the last strongholds of these nationally scarce birds.

Agnes Rothon, People Engagement Officer for the RSPB said, ‘The corn buntings rotund appearance was actually the reason that the famous character Billy Bunter was named as he is. Even though these birds are of the rounder variety, a single male corn bunting has been known to hold court over harems of up to ten females! It must be the characterful buntings key-jangling song and spitting chip-pan call that woos the ladies.’

The increase of intensive agriculture over recent years has meant that there is little room for corn buntings to flourish nationally. A combination of a lack of safe nesting habitat, food for chicks throughout the breeding season and seed food for hungry adult birds in the winter has caused a dramatic loss of this species from many of its former strongholds.

Nevertheless, farmers such as Martin Smith of Burnham Wick Farm in Essex are making positive steps to ensure that corn buntings are provided for on their land and try to halt the decline of this rarely seen species.

Simon Tonkin, RSPB Farmland Advisor for the region said, ‘It’s great to see farmers like Martin taking steps to ensure habitat is created for farmland birds and witness the results of the imaginative work that is already being done on his farm. Simply planting special nectar rich crops to entice insects for corn bunting chicks in the spring and leaving plots of unharvested crops for adults to feed on in winter has seen great results at Burnham Wick farm.’

Alex Nichols, spokesperson for Natural England has further praise for Martin’s work to improve his farm for wildlife, ‘The farm at Burnham Wick has been in an agri-environment scheme for over 15 years. The schemes have provided financial support and advice to protect and enhance the diversity of wildlife and the rich historic environment at Burnham Wick farm.’

Alex continued, ‘Birds such as the corn bunting have been a key focus in these schemes. Mr (Martin) Smith has been a superb participant in our schemes and has carried out the management on his farm with great attention to detail and regular monitoring of success.’

Farmland bird friendly land management practices to help birds like the corn bunting can be funded through the governments Environmental Stewardship Schemes whilst the RSPB directly assist and support farmers like Martin who wish to incorporate this type of management.

For more information about the RSPB, future events in your region and how to become a supporter of the charity please visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/ or call 01603 697581.





Notes:

1) For more information and interviews please contact: Agnes Rothon on 01603 697 581.

2) High resolution images of corn buntings and wildlife friendly farms are available for use.

3) Two guided walks are being held on the 20 January. The first starts at 10.30 am and the second starts at 2 pm. To reserve a place on a guided walk please phone 01603 697520 and state whether you would prefer to attend in either the morning or the afternoon.

4) Burnham Wick Farm is home to over 50 species of bird. Visitors will be in with the chance of seeing birds of prey such as merlin and marsh harrier, watching wetland waders on Martin’s specially designed ‘scrape’ and finding out about the many other farmland bird species that can be seen.

5) Directions to Burnham Wick Farm:
From the centre of Burnham on Crouch turn right on to Orchard Road then take a left on to Wick Road. Turn right on to Ramblers Way. The farm is called Burnham Wick Farm. Once at the farm please follow signs for car parking.

A train station serves Burnham on Crouch. The farm is a 1 mile walk from the station.

6) The walk shall follow footpaths but this terrain can be uneven. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing suited to winter weather.

7) These walks are part of the RSPB’s Aren’t Birds Brilliant initiative. This scheme offers people the chance to see and learn about birds close to them at free events run by RSPB experts. In the East of England, this scheme is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Image - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

RSPB South Essex reserves update

South Essex Reserves

10 January 2008
This is the ninth of a series of regular newsletters on progress at the RSPB’s South Essex Reserve network.

Vange Marsh North

Fresh water is now being abstracted from the river on Vange Marsh and is being fed into the moat system and onto the freshwater marsh. The water will be abstracted between the months of November and March. This water management will encourage wintering water birds to use the site and help control some of the vegetation across the marsh.

Species records
Bearded tits have been reported in small numbers on the Vange Marsh reedbed. A male showing on the 5 of January was a pleasant surprise for the visitors that turned out for the wardens walk. Wigeon and teal numbers have grown steadily,with 110 and 140 respectively in early January. Water rails have been regular on Vange Marsh, their presence being given away by their squealing call. A flock of 150 fieldfares were recorded feeding on the reserves hedgerows on the 1 December 2007. Other birds of interest recorded on Vange marshes include, snipes (8 on 9 January), jack snipe (1 on 22 November), marsh harrier (1 male on 24 December), green sandpiper (1 on 24 December), bramblings (2 on 22 November), grey wagtails and kingfishers.

Reserves habitat management
It’s been a busy time on Vange Marsh! Livestock will be introduced to manage the grassland on Vange Marsh. To do this fencing has been installed to control the animals and stop them venturing onto neighbouring land or the railway track.

Following the acquisition of the reedbed area on the marsh, works have been carried out on the habitat. Excavator machines have been on site and created pool areas in the reedbed. Reed-edge habitat is beneficial for many specialist birds including bearded tit. This rare species winters on Vange Marsh but does not breed. Studies have found bearded tits like dry areas but close to open water within reedbeds. The new habitat structure will hopefully encourage these beautiful birds to breed.

A bund has been constructed across the reedbed. This will be the route of a footpath and will also enable the control of water levels. On the eastern side of the bund, the water levels will be higher and will be a freshwater system. The western side of the bund will remain a drier, saline habitat. This drier habitat has benefits for many non-avian species including invertebrates.


Marc Outten South Essex Reserves – Warden

Contact details: 01268 559158 / 07703749727 Marc.Outten@rspb.org.uk
Newsletter No 9

Canvey nature reserve proposals – the RSPB seeks your views

The RSPB is looking for the public’s comments on proposals for its new West Canvey Marsh nature reserve.

At 256 hectares (640 acres), West Canvey Marsh is Canvey Island’s largest area of open green space. The marsh was purchased in March 2006 with support from Veolia ES Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust, the East of England Development Agency and the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Thames Gateway Programme.

In June this year, the RSPB held the first phase of a public consultation for developing a nature reserve with public access. Ideas offered then have built into the latest proposals, and the Society is now seeking further public comments.

Response to the first public consultation showed 99 per cent of those responding to be in favour of a nature reserve managed with wildlife in mind. New access for people featured strongly in feedback, with many people asking for nature trails and cycle paths as well as environmental education for youth and school groups, and these ideas have been included in the RSPB’s plans.

Dave Hedges, RSPB site manager says “We see West Canvey Marsh as a valuable wild space for the people of Canvey Island, Castle Point and all of south Essex to come and enjoy in the future. People’s enthusiasm for the new nature reserve was very encouraging and we will work to create a great green space for wildlife and for people.”

Displays are being set up to explain the proposals that will be going in a planning application to be made to Castle Point Borough Council. Dates for the exhibitions are:

• 7 – 14 January - Castle Point Library (unmanned display)
• 15 – 18 January - Benfleet Railway Station (unmanned display)
• 20 January - Oysterfleet Hotel, Canvey (manned display, 11 am to 5 pm)
• 22 January - Knightswick Shopping Centre (manned display)
• 26 – 27 January - Morrisons Supermarket, Canvey (manned display)

Anyone unable to make the events but who would like to discuss the future of the marshes with the RSPB is invited to contact the South Essex Project Team Office on 01268 559158.

Notes:
1. About 80 per cent of the coastal grazing marsh in Essex has been lost since the 1930s, due to a combination of conversion to arable, building and landfill sites. However, a large and valuable area remains on the northern shore of the Thames, with this area on Canvey linking with grazing marsh at Pitsea, Vange and Fobbing. The RSPB’s purchase of West Canvey Marsh to create a wild green space will help to ensure that the land is protected from future development. The bulk of the land, bought from William Morrison Supermarkets plc in 2006, is grazing marsh that lies to the west of Canvey Way, with limited public access. There is also an area of saltmarsh in Benfleet Creek.

2. Thames Gateway: South Essex became part of the Thames Gateway in 2001, with a population of 650,000 people in the area covered by the Councils of Thurrock, Basildon, Castle Point and Southend-on-Sea. The Thames Gateway is a government Growth Area – the largest economic regeneration zone in the UK. The RSPB is working with many partners within the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership to ensure that any development is sustainable – especially through collaboration in the Greengrid. The Greengrid sets out to make sure that there is green space – rich in wildlife and accessible to people – throughout the South Essex sub-region and that these areas are connected together. The RSPB plans to create new nature reserves here and to introduce many people – both local and new visitors – to the wealth of wildlife and landscape. The RSPB believes that its role as a green developer will protect and improve our natural resources, set the scene for sustainable economic growth and create a healthy and vibrant fabric for work, rest and play.

3. Progress on the RSPB’s new nature reserves can be followed by visiting the Greengrid website www.greengrid.co.uk Information on local activities and the RSPB’s work in South Essex is on www.southeastrspb.org.uk

RSPB South Essex events January 2008

Healthy living walk at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon, Essex
Every Monday 12.30 – 1 pm
Come for a lunchtime walk on a regular basis to improve your fitness in the peaceful surroundings of Wat Tyler Country Park. Walks to suit all abilities. Please register at 12pm on your first walk. Free event, call 01268 559158 for more information

Saturday 5 January, RSPB Vange Marshes walk 10 am. RSPB Vange Marsh, Basildon Essex
Join our monthly walk with the warden around the RSPB’s new nature reserve in Vange. Learn about how we are managing the reserve for people and wildlife and see what’s about. £3 adults and £1.50 children (with a £1 discount for RSPB members)
Booking essential, call 01268 559158.

Saturday 12 January, 10 am – Explore South Essex at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon, Essex
South Essex contains a wealth of wildlife and beautiful places to take a stroll. If you need convincing or want to discover these areas, then join us for a walk every Saturday as we explore a different area and look out for birds and other wildlife. £3 adults and £1.50 children (with a £1 discount for RSPB members)
Booking essential, call 01268 559158.

Saturday 19 January, 10 am – Explore South Essex at Hockley Woods, Hockley, Essex
South Essex contains a wealth of wildlife and beautiful places to take a stroll. If you need convincing or want to discover these areas, then join us for a walk every Saturday as we explore a different area and look out for birds and other wildlife. £3 adults and £1.50 children (with a £1 discount for RSPB members)
Booking essential, call 01268 559158.

Saturday 26 January, 10 am – Explore South Essex at Hullbridge, Essex
South Essex contains a wealth of wildlife and beautiful places to take a stroll. If you need convincing or want to discover these areas, then join us for a walk every Saturday as we explore a different area and look out for birds and other wildlife. £3 adults and £1.50 children (with a £1 discount for RSPB members)
Booking essential, call 01268 559158.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January, 10 am – 4 pm – Big Garden Birdwatch weekend at Wat Tyler Country Park, Basildon, EssexTake part in the UK’s biggest garden bird survey this weekend. It only takes an hour and you don’t have to be an expert! You can also visit the RSPB’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at Wat Tyler Country Park for information, games and to see our garden birds. Free admission, though small charge for some activities.

DON’T FORGET WILD BIRDS DURING COLD SNAP

RSPB ISSUES FEEDING TIPS FOR THE WINTER

With snow and freezing temperatures forecast to arrive in some parts of the country this week, the RSPB is appealing to people to feed the birds in their gardens during the winter.

The reminder comes as the Met Office forecasts cold and snowy weather, with temperatures predicted to fall below freezing in some regions and snow showers expected.

When temperatures fall below freezing, our birds struggle to find the food they need to survive the winter in healthy condition, vital for breeding in spring.

David Hirst, of the RSPB's Northern England Region based in Newcastle, where the cold snap is expected to be particularly severe says: “The mild winter so far has provided relatively easy pickings for many birds that visit our gardens. However, if the forecasters are correct and winter arrives with a vengeance this week, then our garden birds could be in for a nasty shock. Insects become harder to find and seeds and berries can be locked away by snow and frost.

“Freezing weather is a potential death sentence for many birds but by feeding the birds in your garden, people can help them survive the worst of the winter weather. Just a little water, food and shelter can turn your garden into a vital haven for birds in the freezing winter months.”

The RSPB is asking people to follow a wild bird winter survival plan that will help wildlife during the harshest weather.

1. Put out feed regularly, especially in severe weather. Set up a bird table and use high calorie seed mixes. This can also be used to put out kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and soaked dried fruit.

2.Put out hanging feeders for black sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, sunflower-rich mixes or unsalted peanuts.

3.Ensure a supply of fresh water every day. If it is very cold use tepid water but DO NOT use any antifreeze products.

4.Put out fruit, such as apples and pears, for blackbirds, song thrushes and other members of the thrush family.

5.Food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers, goldcrests and many other species.

6.Put up nest boxes to provide roost sites for the smaller birds. They will then be used for breeding later in the year.

Leftovers from Christmas or New Year meals can also provide a welcome boost for wildlife - cake crumbs, pastry and cheese are all readily eaten by wild birds.

More information about helping garden wildlife is available at www.rspb.org.uk/hfw

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2008
The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch – the world’s biggest bird survey – will take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January 2008 to discover more about how birds are faring in the nation’s gardens. Visit https://webmail.rspb.org.uk/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch for more information or call 0870 6007108

Images

Robin - Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com)

Birds on feeder - Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)

Hanging birdbath - Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com)