It was time for my first visit of the year to this site above, not exactly a local beauty spot but a hidden gem. This is Redheads landing and its a public right of way (for now) and has been for along time. The first thing I noticed when I pulled up here was that a few folk were cleaning up the old slipway here, this group are called Redhead landing public support group I learnt after having a chat with them. They told me about the future development planned for this site and the surrounding area.....and then I was told about the nesting ledges.
Promotion board on the entrance gate...I think a email will be sent!
And this is why-
http://www.portoftyne.co.uk/news/port-of-tyne/port-banking-on-renewables-for-jobs-and-growth
This was the sight that greeted me when I eventually walked further down the slipway. The port of Tyne have removed years of Kittiwake mounds from most of the ledges and put boards over them to stop the birds nesting here.....to say I am gutted is a understatement! No doubt the rest will go the same way.
Ringed bird here today, cannot get enough detail off it unfortunately. But its also been colour ringed so might be able to find some details from this.
So its looking like this sight will not be seen here this year. Over 50 pairs nested here last year, South Tynesides only inland breeding colony.... in the process of being evicted.
This is the first time Ive given the exact details of this colony on any web site etc. due to some of the nesting ledges being easy to access and also not wanting any low lifes to cause the birds harm.
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Never mind low-lifes causing the birds harm, looks like the authorities are doing a good job! Get it sorted Steve; I get sick of my local council f*cking-up my area, and I pay them for the privilege through council tax!!!
ReplyDeleteOn the case..emails sent.
ReplyDeleteGive Verity Ward a bell Steve, she's be only too glad to run a story and get some public backing behind this decision. Hopefully then the Port of Tyne will see the light and leave our little "gem" alone?
ReplyDeleteI've just flagged this up to RSPB Newcastle as they are in discussion with various parties about Kittiwakes in the Tyne generally.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will keep us informed Steve so we can add further support if and when needed. Thanks for highlighting the situation.
ReplyDeleteHi, just to let you know a few members of our group have also reported the matter.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.touchthetyne.co.uk/Touch_The_Tyne/Welcome.html
Please check out http://www.touchthetyne.co.uk for news and video. Further updates on our Facebook group. Link on website or go here http://www.touchthetyne.co.uk/fb We are regularly down there and will monitor. Also reported by members to authorities.
ReplyDeletegreat to see this more we keep on their case the better think we chatted on sunday I'll be watching and down there alternate days and will lett you know. the birds are distressed and go mad when i first appear and some of the were attempting to land on the angled black prevention boards and banging their heads. some have seem o be standing on the girders to be as near to the old nests as possible
ReplyDeleteSteve - you have generated some excellent support. If I can do any more, just let me know (put a comment on my blog). I am getting older, wiser and much more bolshy!
ReplyDeleteAs a Kittiwake ringer (in Cornwall) this is dire news and there must be better options than this! They must surely be oblioged in some way to provid emitigation and other artificial Kittiwake walls have been a great success, both for the birds and for PR as well.
ReplyDeleteAs for the colour-ringed bird, I reckon you might be able to get something off the ring, so if you want to send me a high-res version (to mark.grantham@bto.org) I can have a look...