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Endangered species thrive on brownfield land |
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2 Sep 2009, 11:07 AM
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Rare and endangered species are thriving on brownfield land, according to a review of the Land Restoration Trust’s spaces. Former colliery sites, an old brickworks and a coke works that was once the most contaminated site in Europe, are now home to many uncommon species which struggle to survive elsewhere.
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The Land Restoration Trust, an organisation which secures the long term future of public spaces and ensures they are managed for community benefit, owns many of these sites. Unfortunately, however, government housing policy stipulates that brownfield sites are the first choice for building new homes, so even on these marginal lands, the wildlife may not be safe.
Euan Hall, Chief Executive of the Trust, comments, “Nationally the loss of many traditional habitats has led to decline of some of the country’s most loved species. However, brownfield land is providing a viable alternative home for a diverse range of wildlife. The skylark is a classic example; one of our most iconic birds is declining nationally, yet visit almost any of the Trust’s spaces in springtime and the sight and beautiful sounds of the skylark are virtually guaranteed. Similarly Lapwings are also common on the Trust’s spaces, water voles are resident on a number of our sites and yellowhammers are frequently spotted.”
Other red list species such as turtle dove, song thrush, reed bunting, yellow wagtail, bullfinch, willow tit, great crested newts, otter and brown hare are resident or regular visitors to the Trust’s spaces, whilst rarities such as marsh harrier, long eared owls, peregrine falcons and little egret have also been spotted. Additionally because many of the Trust spaces have meadow grassland, endangered butterflies like the grizzled skipper are thriving.
One particular brownfield site that the Trust is working to acquire, Canvey Wick on Canvey Island, is thought to be the most bio diverse space in the country. The 100 hectare site is reckoned to have more biodiversity per sq ft than anywhere else in the UK. In total 30 Red Data Book (RDB) species and 3 species previously thought to be extinct in Britain have so far been found on the site.
Euan continues, “There are three key reasons why brownfield land and in particular the Trust’s sites are rich in biodiversity. Firstly, brownfield land, because of its former use can often provide diverse habitats such as shallow pools, margins, hedgerows, meadow and wetland".
"Secondly, nature is an innate regenerator; it often only needs light touch restoration to allow nature to thrive".
"Thirdly the Trust provides sustainable management and takes an informed approach that enables the preservation of existing habitats. The Trust also aims to find a balance between people and nature, providing areas for people to play and protecting sensitive areas, but still providing sufficient access for people to fully experience nature.”
Euan concludes, “Basically when it comes to wildlife if you’re looking for red (list) then brown is the new green.”
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