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As
the Conservation Liaison Officer, during the past year I have tried to
respond to the various conservation issues raised that are affecting
birding in Hampshire. Some of them could be considered of national
importance whilst some are still important, but at the local level. My
role has covered:
-
advising on conservation issues and policy that may affect the
Society and influence our directions and activities
-
responding to enquiries from agencies regarding what HOS might be
doing or could do on particular issues or in specific areas
-
acting as the HOS point of contact for conservation-related
information and input from the various agencies
-
communicating to the HOS membership how we are making a difference
to bird conservation in Hampshire
My
position within HOS has been to act as a focal point for
conservation-related activities rather than as someone more proactive in
front-line conservation on HOS’s behalf. Public interest in the many
related aspects of wildlife conservation is steadily increasing, and to
continue responding to this movement I am pleased to welcome Peter
Thompson as my successor.
Some
of the issues that HOS participated in during 2008 are outlined below.
New Forest Plan
During October 2008 I prepared a HOS submission to the consultation
draft National Park Plan and Recreation Management Strategy. After
talking with Hampshire Wildlife Trust on the best approach I made the
following suggestions:
·
The protection given to the
existing SSSIs, SINCs, Ramsar sites, etc should be more greatly enforced
– this will protect the areas where increased human recreation is likely
to disturb bird populations
·
HOS support for designated
dog-walking car parks so that dog walkers can take their animals clearly
away from ground-breeding bird habitats
These
areas of concern were probably submitted with differing emphasis by
other organisations that had greater resources to respond to such a
lengthy and technical planning document. However, our Management
Committee’s view is that it is important that HOS did make its own
response to the National Park Authority to make them aware of our
concerns on the likely impact on bird habitat by the proposed changes.
Although we were not invited to participate in the further working
groups and workshops our views will be represented by the larger bird
organisations and conservation bodies.
HMS Daedulus
HOS
was invited to attend a stakeholder meeting to discuss the ecological
issues and how these may have an impact upon the proposed development
that is planned for Lee-on-the Solent at the former Royal Navy base at
HMS Daedulus.
I was
asked to provide some specific advice regarding dark-bellied brent geese
and the potential for them to use parts of the site as a feeding
resource (an area of open, improved grassland). A habitat survey that
locates the protected species has been prepared and identifies any
impacts and opportunities that the proposed development may have on
these species. The site, excluding the airfield, will occupy 82.4 ha/204
acres and the development will take a number of years before it is
complete.
Military aircraft activity
There can be nothing more frustrating to
a keen bird observer who is quietly watching a rare bird when suddenly a
low flying helicopter appears on the scene. This has happened several
times to our members during the past year.
In
response to this I contacted Defence Estates, the agency responsible for
managing Ministry of
Defence
property and who are able to intercede on our behalf with the military
authorities on air movements. South of the A31 is within the
Southampton Avoidance Area and there should be no military helicopters
operating below 500 feet over open countryside without the commanding
officer’s express approval. North of the A31 falls into Low Flying Area
1 and will routinely see helicopter traffic.
Defence
Estates would be happy to consider requests from HOS for temporary
avoidance if we wished to submit an application. Some applications have
been considered for specific areas for a limited time period in the
breeding season. Each request is considered in the light of training
requirements but currently there are no limitations in place around the
Salisbury Plain area where there are significant colonies of rare
breeding birds as well as winter hen harrier roosts.
Local intervention
Finally, amongst the larger conservation
issues that are briefly mentioned above it is easy to overlook the
valuable contributions that individuals can make in their area.
As a good example, one HOS member from
Ringwood has been monitoring for several years the changes in natural
habitat close to his home. His campaigning has addressed many
concerns. These include: proposals to increase mineral extraction;
rising water levels along the Avon valley; the steady encroachment of
weeds in lakes that affect breeding waders; and coarse fishing
interests. His accurate recording and photographs of the changes to his
local patch have been sent to the local authorities and environment
agencies. These have generated positive action resulting in improved
maintenance of the local wildlife habitat. |
