London Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan

8/6/2019 London Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan

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Sustainability Report2008

How and whyLondon 2012will host the greenestGames ever

plan

Olympic Park Biodiversity Action PlanPDT submissionOctober 2008

Olympic Delivery Authority


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Contents Biodiversity Action Plan

01: Introduction & Policy

02: Habitat Action Plans2.1 Introduction

2.2 Built environment

2.3 Parks, squares & amenity space

2.4 Allotments

2.5 Brownfield habitats

2.6 Species-rich grasslands

2.7 Trees & scrub

2.8 Wet woodland

2.9 Rivers

2.10 Reedbed

2.11 Ponds

03: Species Action Plans3.1 Introduction

3.2 Black poplar

3.3 Terrestrial invertebrates

Brown banded carder bumble bee Bombus humulis

Toadflax brocade moth Calophasia lunula

A fungus beetle Cicones undatus

A tumbling flower beetle Mordellistenaneuwaldeggiana

A beetle Olibrus flavicornis

A ground bug Stictopleurus abultilon

A ground bug Stictopleurus punctatonervosus

3.4 European eel

3.5 Amphibians

Common frog

Common toad

Smooth newt

3.6 Reptiles

Common lizard

Grass snake

Slow worm

Contents


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Biodiversity Action Plan

3.7 Black redstart

3.8 Grey heron

3.9 House sparrow

3.10 Kingfisher3.11 Linnet

3.12 Reed bunting

3.13 Sand martin

3.14 Song thrush

3.15 Starling

3.16 Swift

3.17 Bats

3.18 Water vole

3.19 Otter

04: Management & Monitoring

Contents


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Olympic Delivery Authority September 2008

1. Introduction & Policy

In 1988, Edward O Wilson, editedBioDiversity, the proceedings of thefirst conference on the subject, therebyintroducing the word to the language.Biodiversity (biological diversity) is an

all-encompassing term which describesthe richness and variety of species and

habitats, from the upper reaches of theatmosphere to the ocean depths andeven subterranean rock formations.Although they have replaced morecomplex natural ecosystems, cities,including London, still support asurprising range of habitats and species.

However we can do more to improvecity life by attracting even more wildlifeto open spaces and built structures.Increases in biodiversity also bring

ecosystem services, which reduce surfacewater run-off, provide evapo-transpirativecooling and help mitigate for, and build

resilience to, climate change. Caring forbiodiversity makes cities more sustainableand more comfortable.

The UK Governments response to the1992 Convention on Biological Diversitywas to establish a steering group, whichis now known as the UK BiodiversityPartnership Standing Committee

(chaired by the Director of Wildlife,Countryside and Flood Management of

DEFRA). The committee supports the UKBiodiversity Partnership in implementingthe UK Biodiversity Action Plan andis advised by two support groups,namely the UK Biodiversity Reporting

and Information Group and the UKBiodiversity Research Advisory Group.The work of the Standing Committeehas been devolved to national level with

each of the countries that comprise theUK represented in the UK BiodiversityPartnership Standing Committee.

The UK Biodiversity Partnership has nowcompiled detailed descriptions of the

UKs biodiversity and has prepared aplan for its protection. By the year 2006,391 Species Action Plans, 45 HabitatAction Plans and 162 Local BiodiversityAction Plans (BAPs) with targeted actionshad been produced by the variouspartners. BAPs are now requiredthrough the planning process. Planning

Policy Statement 9 (PPS 9) on Biodiversityand Geological Conservation, statesthat: Local Development Frameworksshould identify any areas or sites for therestoration or creation of new priority

habitats which contribute to regionaltargets, and support this restoration or

creation through appropriate policies

This has been reinforced by the Natural

Environment and Rural Communities Act2006 (see Part 3, Chapter 16), whichplaces a responsibility upon every publicauthority to conserve biodiversity. TheAct also refers to the need to restoreor enhance populations of species orhabitats.

The Olympic Park will be a major new

asset for London and the nation and thecatalyst for large scale regeneration ofan area which has hitherto been oneof the most deprived in the UK. TheLondon 2012 Olympic and ParalympicGames will be a unique, shortlived,event, however, thereafter the area will

continue to develop into a significantsporting, social, economic, culturaland environmental hub for local,metropolitan, national and internationalvisitors. As envisaged in the OpportunityArea Planning Framework, the Olympic

Park is also part of a wider vision toregenerate the Lower Lea Valley, EastLondon and the Thames Gateway. Inthe long term, the Olympic Park willform part of an extended network ofinterconnected green spaces (greeninfrastructure) linking the Lee ValleyRegional Park in the north with the

Thames to the south and connectingwith new and existing parks in the newcommunities that will emerge to the eastand west. The new network of wildlife-rich parks will encourage more people

to use and appreciate these greenspaceswhich in turn will promote healthier,

more active livestyles. The extendedgreen infrastructure network will help

this part of London adapt to climatechange.

The Games phase proposals within theOlympic Park have been developedto allow a flexible approach to the still

evolving legacy plans for the area, byproviding infrastructure required forthe Games which can be utilised in

Legacy. Legacy conditions are currentlybeing considered as part of the LondonDevelopment Agencys (LDAs) LegacyMasterplan Framework (LMF) study.

The Olympic Park BAP takes accountof the objectives of the UK BAP, LondonBAP, BAPs of the Olympic Host boroughsand the Lee Valley Regional Park BAP.

It should be noted, however, that BAPsat both the national and local level are

subject to revision and change.

This document also takes account of anumber of other policy documents aswell as as the national policies alreadymentioned. They include the following:

- The London Plan (consolidated withalterations since 2004)

- Mayor of London Strategies andSupplementary Planning Guidance

Lee Valley Regional Park Plan (LVRP)2007

Green Grid Framework SpatialDevelopment Strategy for GreaterLondon Draft SPG (2007)

Lower Lea Valley Opportunity AreaPlanning Framework

East London Sub-RegionalDevelopment Framework (2006)

The London Borough of WalthamForest UDP (2006)

UK BAPA youngster spots a grey heron, anOlympic Park BAP species

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The London Borough of Newham UDP(2001)

London Borough of Newham LocalDevelopment Scheme (2007)

London Borough of Newham

Preferred Options for the CoreStrategy (2006)

The London Borough of Tower

Hamlets UDP (Saved policies, 2007)

Interim Planning Guidance: CoreStrategy and Development ControlPlan (2007)

The London Borough of Hackney UDP(1995)

The following Planning and Guidancedocuments have also beenconsidered:

- London 2012 Sustainability Strategy

- ODA Sustainable Development Plan

- London Thames Gateway DevelopmentCorporation Lower Lea Valley Vision

- East London Green Grid

- Water Framework Directive

Schedule 6 of the section 106 deedof agreement (dated 28 September2007) agreed as part of the planningpermission for the London 2012

Olympic and Paralympic Games

requires that the ODA prepares aBiodiversity Action Plan for the Olympicconstruction, games and legacytransformation hases and that the LDAcomplies with the approved BAP until

such time and to the extent that theBiodiversity Actin Plan is replaced withan alternative plan approved by theLocal Planning Authority relevant to theLegacy Communities Development.. This document is the ODAs OlympicPark BAP which takes forward the

principles outlined in the FrameworkOlympic Park BAP submitted with the2007 planning application.

Planning Condition OD.0.11 requiresthat before 30 September 2008, theBiodiversity Action Plan, which shall

be based on the Biodiversity ActionPlan Framework submitted with the

application, shall be submitted to theLocal Planning Authority for approval.

The condition goes on to state:This shall clearly identify the areasof recognised wildlife habitat to beprovided and the means by whichthese will be maintained and gives thereason for the condition as being: Tohelp achieve biodiversity objectives and

protect habitats and species.

The key aims of the BAP are to:

- Establish targets and provide guidanceon how to create habitats, encouragespecies and generally enhance

biodiversity through the Olympics

to Legacy Transformation phase in2014. (This will be underpinnedin the construction phase by theEcological Management Plan whichincludes measures to protect existinghabitats and species).

- Outline actions and set measurable

targets for the establishment andconservation of selected habitats andspecies of conservation concern; and,

- Provide the method and means for

monitoring, measuring and reportingon the action plans.

As already mentioned, the BAP is aresponse to key policy documents.

The London Plan (consolidated withalterations since 2004) encapsulatesinternational and national policy onnature conservation (e.g. PPS 9) onthe conservation of biodiversity as wellas the Mayors Biodiversity Strategy(2002). The London Plan states that

opportunities should be taken toachieve positive gains for conservation,including measures to create, enhance

Figure 1. TheOlympic Park (red)will, in effect, extendthe Lee ValleyRegional Park southtowards the Thames.Further initiatives inthe Lower Lea Valleybeing promotedby the LondonThames GatewayDevelopmentCorporation willcomplete the chainof green space

Figure 2. TheOlympic Park (red),River Lea catchmentand riparianauthorities

1. Introduction & Policy (cont.)

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and manage habitat and improveaccess to nature. In order to achievethis, the approach adopted by theODA is to ensure that there will be nonet loss in area of habitat at LegacyTransformation when compared to

the pre-construction baseline but alsoto ensure that the quality of habitatscreated will eventually merit designationby the GLA as Grade 1 Sites of BoroughImportance (SBI) for nature conservationor better.

Inevitably the area of habitat will fallduring preparations for and the staging

of the Games (2008-2012), howeversome areas of existing habitat are beingsafeguarded and some new habitat willbe created during this period. After

the games the Olympic Park will betransformed to include more habitat.The targets for minimum areas of

habitat to be created are explainedin the introduction to Section 2 of thisdocument.

This Biodiversity Action Plan will set thedirection for a long term programmeof habitat creation and managementwhich will be reviewed and refinedin association with partners andstakeholders. The BAP will give local

people an opportunity to be involved in

nature conservation and it will provideguidance to enable the designers,builders and future operators of theOlympic Park to maintain and enhancebiodiversity. The Biodiversity Action Planis one of a suite of documents produced

(and to be produced) by the ODAwhich also include the Urban Design &

Landscape Framework (UDLF) and itsappendices, the Waterspace Master Plan

and Lighting Strategy which will informthe design of the Olympic Park. Thesedocuments will, in combination with the

emerging Parklands and Public Realmdesign, provide a framework for theParklands and Public Realm Applicationpackage is which to be submitted in

2008.

Key stakeholders will continue to

be consulted as part of the designdevelopment process. The ODA iscommitted to working closely withvarious partners and stakeholdersto develop and implement the BAP.Representatives from the followingorganisations attended workshops to

inform this BAP:- British Waterways London

- Environment Agency

- Forestry Commission London Region

- Greater London Authority

- Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

- London Development Agency

- London 2012 Organising Committee

- London Wildlife Trust

- Natural England

- ODA Planning Decisions Team (PDT)

- Olympic Host Boroughs namely:

- Hackney

- Newham

- Tower Hamlets

- Waltham Forest

The first workshop was held inNovember 2007 to discuss theFramework BAP (which had been issuedin summer 2007). A second workshopwas held in March 2008 to discuss

the contents of a draft BAP and a thirdworkshop was held in August 2008 to

present the latest plans for the Park The

ODA will continue to hold meetings withstakeholders to discuss and monitorthe implementation of the BAP. It is

anticipated that the group that attendsthese meetings will be the precursorof an Olympic Park Biodiversity ActionPlan Working Group, which willcontinue its work through to the legacytransformation phase and beyond.

Some of the partners are landowners

(e.g. the British Waterways Boardowns the Bow Back Rivers). Otherpartners have a special responsibilityfor particular areas. For example theEnvironment Agency has a statutoryrole in flood risk management andmaintaining environmental quality.These and other relationships mean that

the implementation of specific habitator species action plans may involve theODA working closely with particularorganisations for those projects. Wherethe special involvement of a key partner

is anticipated, this has been indicatedin the appropriate Habitat Action P.lan

(HAP) Key partners are not indicatedfor Species Action Plans (SAPs), howeverthe ODA is looking forward to forgingnew partnerships which support bothindividual HAPs and SAPs as these are

implemented.

For an outline of proposals for

management and monitoring see

Section 4 of this document.

Beyond the wall is the Old Ford Nature Reserve, an area within the Olympic Parkplanning application site, owned by Thames Water and managed by the LondonWildlife Trust, which is being safeguarded during construction.


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Section heading goes here Biodiversity Action Plan



4

Figure 3. The Olympic Park willeffectively extend the Lee Valley RegionalPark south towards the Thames. ThePark can be interconnected with newgreen infrastructure to the east and westwhich will be created through urbanrenewal. The Olympic Park will be a newhub in the East London Green Grid.

Olympic

Park


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2.1 Introduction to the HAPs

The overarching objectives of the habitataction plans are to:

- Enhance habitat and species diversityin the area;

- Compensate for habitats lost in ground

remediation and remodelling;-

- Improve the conservation status of

species through habitat creation,enhancement and management;

- Increase habitat connectivity withinthe park and between the park and

neighbouring sites;

- Increase public access to naturalgreenspace and wildlife;

- Increase resilience to climate change;

- Ensure that an appropriate approachto management is adopted and,

- Indicate how managers will monitorthe effectiveness of the plans

The range of habitats included in thisBAP reflect the diversity of the sitebefore construction began but also thedesire to restore vegetation (like nativewoodland and species-rich grassland)which has largely disappeared from thearea. There is also a recognition that thewaterways need to be restored to includemore natural features.

In order to ensure that the development

of the Olympic Park meets the sharedinternational, national, London andlocal policy objective of achievingpositive gains in nature conservationvalue, it is essential that targets are setfor the creation of high value habitat.The Environmental Statement forthe Olympic and Paralympic Games

planning application has estimatedthat losses of existing sites of natureconservation value (sites designatedby the Greater London Authority asSites of Borough Importance or SBIs)

will be approximately 45 ha. This hassubsequently been measured at 42.47

ha. In view of this loss and the policyrequirement for compensation, the ODAhas adopted an overall target to create,

by 2014, at least 45 ha of new habitat

which will eventually mature to meeta quality standard of SBI Grade 1 (orbetter). Targets for each of the individualcategories of habitat to be created are

consistent with the Stage D (September2008) Parkland and Public Realm designand the latest information regarding

the design intent for the venues andinfrastructure (including roads, bridgesand utility buildings). Drawings showingthe proposed distribution of habitats in2012 and 2014 are presented in figures5 and 6 on pages 7 and 8. It maybe that the relative balance between

the various habitats may change to aminor degree as designs continue tobe refined, therefore the targets stated

for each of the habitat categories thatfollow and the locations shown on thedrawings are for guidance, however theoverall target of at least 45 ha of high

value habitat will remain fixed. Despitethe possibility of changes in the design,radical changes to the individual habitattargets are not anticipated at this time.There will be further opportunities forexamination of the detailed locationand distribution of habitats as detailed

designs are completed.

The area of wetland within the Olympic

Park is set to increase, largely because ofthe planned creation of new wetland inthe North Park and extension of the RiverLea in the Bully Point area. This wetlandcreation will occur in time for the 2012Olympics, however opportunities to

create terrestrial habitats by this time willbe, relatively speaking, limited by therequirement to provide facilities for andaccess to, venues. Therefore, deliveryof the full quantum of terrestrial habitatnecessary to meet the overall target willnot be complete until 2014. Despite this,

the designers of the Olympic Park havesought to maximise the area of habitatduring the Games, whilst acknowledgingthe need to provide adequate spacefor venues and concourse. Any habitat

creation that occurs after 2014, will

ensure that, in the long term, there wilbe a further increase in the area of sitesof nature conservation value.

The table overleaf lists relevant UK

Habitat Action Plans habitat types andrelates these to habitats and featuresthat will be created within the Park.Each of the habitat types in the left hand

column of the table are consideredin more detail in this section of thedocument. Within each habitat type

there will be variation, depending onthe location, aspect and nature ofadjoining habitats. For example, whilstmost reeds may be planted in densesingle-species stands next to the river,they will also occur in linear belts,

growing with other wetland species, indrainage swales some distance from theriver. In addition, in some situations,for example where woodland gradesinto tall grassland habitat or wherereed grades into wet woodland, the

boundaries between habitat types may

be indistinct. Such gradations between

habitats (known as ecotones) are

desirable because they have some of

they characteristics of both adjoining

habitats and therefore tend to increase

overall habitat and species diversity.

The HAPs are guides to ensure that allof the habitat types are created and thateach type is created in an appropriate

quantity in order to ensure that targetsare met. The HAPs do not include rigidprescription or detailed specifications.Therefore further development of habitatcreation specifications by the variousdesign teams is required. Collaborationand liaison between the various teams

and experts within each team involvedin the establishment of the habitats will

be coordinated by the ODAs DeliveryPartner in order to ensure connectivity,continuity and the creation of aharmonious combination of the variouscomponent projects.

Figure 4. Sections of the North Park illustrating how a full range of habitats and ecotones will be created

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2.1 Introduction to the HAPs (cont.) Biodiversity Action Plan

Olympic Delivery Authority March 2008

UK BAP Habitat Type Olympic Park Habitats or FeaturesTarget

(area of newhabitat inhectares)

Built environment Installations or modifications to man made structures andbuildings including bird boxes, bat boxes and voids, bee hotels,living roofs and living walls. (Target area is living roofs)

0.40

Parks, squares & amenitySpace

Species-rich lawns, ornamental trees and shrubberies establishedusing native species. Ornamental planting designed specificallyto benefit species identified in an Olympic Park Species ActionPlan.

1.67

Allotments Include native boundary hedges and trees with tall grasslandverges, species-rich grassy paths, compost heaps, fallow plotswith arable weeds, small ponds and other features to attractwildlife including bird boxes, bat boxes and bee hotels

1.04

Brownfield habitats Bare ground and cliffs, stony ground, pioneer communities, tallruderal, low scrub, vegetated gabions.

5.05

Species-rich grassland Species-rich grasslands established on a variety of low fertilitysubstrates, which may vary in soil pH from acid, through neutralto alkaline, maintained by a variety of cutting regimes whichmay result in swards of varying height.

23.69

Trees & scrub Native trees and shrubs with associated woodland ground flora 10.00

Wet woodland Groups of alder, willow and birch with associated ground florausually close to waterways with soils subjected to frequentwaterlogging.

0.90

Rivers All watercourses and waterways (target area is extension of RiverLea at Bully Point)

0.27

Reedbed Wetlands (including drainage features) dominated by commonreed, but which may be comprised of other locally appropriate,native wetland plants.

1.80

Ponds Ponds with shallow margins and native wetland vegetation

0.18

Minimum target of new SBI Grade1 equivalent habitat (2014)

45.0

6

Table 1. Proposed habitat categories


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Olympic Delivery Authority September 2008 7

Figure 5. Indicative plan of habitat distribution at 2012

Drawing is based on the latest

information at the time of writing

(September 2008). Distribution of

habitats is indicative and subject

to change following design

development.

Olympic Park

Habitats 2012

Trees and scrub

Wet woodland

Parks, squares & amenity space

Species-rich grassland

Brownfield habitats

Reed bed

Standing open water withassociated swamp and marsh

Mixed

Rivers

Key


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Olympic Delivery Authority September 2008 8

Figure 6. Indicative plan of habitat distribution at 2014

Drawing is based on the latest

information at the time of writing

(September 2008). Distribution of

habitats is indicative and subject

to change following design

development.

Olympic Park

Habitats 2014

Trees and scrub

Wet woodland

Parks, squares & amenity space

Species-rich grassland

Allotments

Reed bed

Standing open water withassociated swamp and marsh

Mixed habitats

Rivers

Key


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2.2 Built Environment

Description

The Built Environment urban sub-

category habitat type (now knownas Built-up areas and gardens inthe UKBAP) covers any man-made

structure. It includes the walls androofs of buildings and bridges. Thishabitat is home for a range of speciesincluding plants, mammals, birds and

invertebrates. Many species that onceonly used natural features such as caves,cliffs, rocks and bare ground haveadapted to use man-made sites. Manmade structures vary considerably incomplexity and orientation, providinga range of opportunities for species to

colonise. Examples of groups of speciesthat colonise buildings and walls include

lichens, mosses, ferns, wild flowersand birds (including swallow, housemartin and swift). Several species of bathabitually roost in buildings or otherman-made structures. Buildings can be

deliberately modified to provide wildlifehabitat. Examples include living (green)roofs, living walls and nesting androosting boxes for birds and bats, eitherintegrated into the structure or retro-fitted. The built environment is also thesetting for street trees and these play an

important role in bringing biodiversity

into the built environment. Large shadetrees will also be increasing importantin terms of future adaptation to climatechange.

Requirements

It is preferable to create featuresspecifically for targeted species ofwildlife rather than rely on accidentalcolonisation. Opportunities for installing

gabion walls, creating living roofs and

walls and installing nesting or roostingboxes or voids should be considered

at an early stage in the procurementof a building (i.e. potential features oropportunities should be identified in the

design brief). Reference should be madeto recent guidance on creating habitatson buildings (CIRIA 2007). Where streettrees are proposed adjacent building

foundations should be designed toanticipate and allow for the growth ofadjacent large and long-lived trees.

Distribution

National

The built-environment is widespread,dominates some lowland areas and isstill expanding. Features like roads and

railways connect almost all man-madestructures into a nationwide network.

London

As would be expected in a major city, thebuilt environment dominates, with someof Londons wildlife depending almostentirely on the built fabric (London BAP).

Olympic Park Site

The Olympic Park site includes a numberof existing road and rail bridges, bridgeabutments and other structures. Anumber of new roads, bridges, bridgeabutments, retaining structures, utilitybuildings and venues are planned

including many that will be permanent.

Legal Status

No building or structure is currently

protected by any statutory or non-statutory wildlife designation. Newbuildings and structures require detailedplanning permission and features toattract wildlife could be required byplanning condition. Some species

associated with buildings e.g. nestingbirds and roosting bats enjoy legalprotection. All existing bat roosts enjoylegal protection.

Conservation Status

The built environment habitat type hasno conservation status, however it is apriority habitat in the London BAP.

Factors Causing Loss or Decline

The main factors affecting the qualityand maintenance of this habitat are:

- Demolition or unsympatheticrenovation of old buildings can lead

to a loss of biodiversity

- Lack of effective management forwildlife

- Lack of information on the rangeof wildlife associated with the builtenvironment

- It is a common misconception thatbuildings and built features aredevoid of wildlife, or of any potentialto support it.

Desired Outcome

To ensure that the new built fabric withinthe Olympic Park incorporates measuresto create new habitats for wildlife, withspecial consideration for Olympic Park

BAP species (see related BAPs listedbelow).

Action

Action To-date

Advice has been given to venue and

bridge designers to take account of therequirements of species in the OlympicPark Framework BAP The requirementfor living roofs has been included in thedesign briefs for the Aquatic Centre, theIBC/MPC and the Primary Sub-Station.

Action & Targets

Implementation Guidance forProject Teams (IGPT) is to be issuedto ensure installation of biodiversity

enhancements (e.g. bird nest boxesand bat boxes) on permanent bridges,venues and other buildings. This workshould be completed by 2012 andmay be supplemented once venuesare transformed into their permanentconfiguration. Construction of at least

0.40 ha (4,000m2) of living roofs onselected buildings.

Key PartnersDesign for Biodiversity Partnership (DfB2007)

Londons SwiftsLiving roofs for wall lizard on platform canopy at Zurich railway station - example ofhabitat creation in an urban environment

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Related Action Plans

Olympic BAP

Brownfield Habitat

Black redstart

SwiftHouse sparrow

Bats

Other BAPs

UK BAP (Built structures)

London BAP (Built structures)

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Built up areasand gardens)

L B Tower Hamlets (Local Habitat: thebuilt environment and brownfield land)

References

DfB 2007. Design for BiodiversityPartnershiphttp://www.d4b.org.uk

CIRIA 2007. Building Greenerhttp://www.ciria.org/buildinggreener

London BAP, 2007, London BiodiversityAction Plan Priority Habitatshttp://www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.html#built

L B Tower Hamlets BAP (Local Habitat:the built environment and Brownfield

land)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.

aspx?id=538#6L B Waltham Forest BAP (Built up areasand Gardens)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=62

UKBAP Priority Habitats. http://www.ukbap.org.uk/PriorityHabitats.aspx

2.2 Built Environment (cont.)

Bat and black redstart/wagtail boxes installed in a new building near Oxford Street.

Living roof is to be included on Aquatics Centre

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2.3 Parks, Squares & Amenity Spaces

Description

Parks, squares and amenity spaces arean essential component of cities andtowns, primarily established to provideopportunities for relaxation, play and

socialising. They may be importantfor historic, cultural, horticultural and

landscape reasons. Parks tend tobe dominated by a relatively simplevegetation of amenity grassland withscattered trees and shrubberies. Olderparks may include ancient trees ofhigh ecological value which pre-datethe establishment of the park. Even

the most simple of urban parks willsupport wildlife, most notably birdsand bats, however urban parks usuallyhave unrealised potential for ecological

improvement.Requirements

In order to maximise the ecologicalvalue of parks the dominant lowgrassland sward should be species-rich to increase plant diversity and to

attract invertebrates. The use of nativespecies as ornamental or specimentrees also increases the value of parks.Appropriate management plans andchanges in maintenance regimes canbring about an increase in biodiversity

(CABE 2006). As with the urbanenvironment, large shade trees will alsobe important in parks and squares interms of adaptation to climate change,specially in places where people maycongegate in hot weather.

Distribution

National

Urban parks occur in virtually all urbandistricts in the UK. The total area ofurban parks is unknown. Estimates ofthe number of parks in the UK vary

between 34,000 and 123,000, althoughonly 5,500 of these are consideredformal (DTLR 2002).

London

There are about 17,000 ha of Parksin London. However, only a few parkscurrently have management plansorientated to promote wildlife (LondonBAP)

Olympic Park Site

There are currently no urban parkswithin the Olympic Park site. A total of

102 ha of open space wil be createdin the Olympic Park and all of thisopen space should be designed tomeet the criteria in the London Plan for

designation as Metropolitan Open Land

Current Status

Legal Status

There is recognition of the value ofurban parks and veteran trees in variouslocal authority plans. Many parks aredesignated as non-statutory wildlife sites

by county or metropolitan authorities.Some of the component habitats ofurban parks are biodiversity action planpriority habitats in their own right (UKBAP 2007).

Conservation Status

Parks, Squares & Amenity Spaces are aLondon BAP habitat.


The area of urban parks is not indecline, however urban parks oftenreceive management (e.g frequentcutting and removal of vegetation),

which reduces or limits biodiversity

Desired Outcome

In order to promote biodiversity in the

parks, squares and amenity spaces ofthe Olympic Park, trees planted willbe predominantly native. Whereverpracticable, amenity grasslands willbe established as species-rich lawns.Ornamental plantings will includespecies known to attract wildife.

Action

Action To-date

The ODA and its Delivery Partner areworking closely with the Parklands and

Public Realm design team to ensure thatthe conservation of biodiversity is fullyintegrated into the design

Action & Targets

A preliminary target (subject to reviewfollowing design development) is for

1.67 ha of habitat within this categoryto be created by 2014, with someareas established by 2012. Habitatswill include species-rich lawns and

ornamental plantings known to attractnectar feeding insects. Plantings ofornamental and specimen trees informal parks and avenues will includenative species of local provenance(e.g. common oak) which can matureinto important habitats in their own

right in the future. Bird and bat boxesand installations for invertebrates to

be erected in approriate locationsthroughout. Consideration should begiven to creating at least one sculpturalfeature within the formal areas of the

Olympic Park that gives shelter to birds,

bats or invertebrates.

Key Partners

None


Olympic BAP

Trees and Scrub

Species-rich Grassland

House sparrow

Song thrush

Starling

Bats

Invertebrates

Other BAPs

London BAP (Parks and Squares)L B Waltham Forest BAP (Lowland woodand Parkland)

L B Tower Hamlets (Park squares andburial ground)

References

CABE 2006. Making contracts work for

wildlife: how to encourage biodiversity in

urban parks

DTLR 2002. Green spaces: better

places (Department of Transport Local

Government and the Regions)

L B Tower Hamlets BAP (Parks, squares

and burial grounds) http://www.ukbap.

org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=538#6

L B Waltham Forest Biodiversity Action

Plan. http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.

aspx?ID=5

London BAP (Parks and Squares).

http://www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.

html#parks

Species-rich lawn with low growing

wildflowers

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2.4 Allotments

Description

Allotments (included within the Built-up area and gardens category in theUKBAP but considered separately inthis document) are where people can

rent land to grow their own fruit andvegetables. They are a familiar part of

life for many city dwellers. Althoughthe emphasis in allotments is on cropproduction there is space for wildlifein fallow plots, compost heaps, grassypaths and perimeter features, includinghedges and trees. Some allotments havesmall ponds. Like parks, allotments

usually have unrealised potential forecological improvement.

Requirements

In order to maximise the ecologicalvalue of allotments, permanentperimeter vegetation should includenative hedgerows and trees. Pondsshould be included. Allotment holdersshould be encouraged to use wildlifefriendly methods of cultivation, e.g.

where pesticide use is minimised. Grassypaths should be species-rich.

Current Distribution

National

Allotments occur in virtually all urban

districts in the UK. In 1996, the totalarea of urban allotments was 13,350 ha(a decline of 43% since 1970) NSLAG1997.

London

The exact area of allotments in Londonis unknown but available data for 20 ofthe 33 boroughs has identified 20,786plots covering approximately 480 ha

(London Assembly 2006)

Olympic Park Site

The Manor Gardens allotment was

situated in the northern part of theOlympic Park site. This will be replacedby a larger area after by 2014.

Current Status

Legal Status

Allotments receive no special protectionfor nature conservation.

Conservation Status

Allotments are occasionally designatedas non-statutory wildlife sites by countyor metropolitan authorities. ManorGarden allotments were part of a SBIGrade 1.


The area of allotments is in decline. Post

war abandonment of allotments wasfollowed by development of many plots.

There is now a resurgence in interest inallotments with waiting lists lengthening

Desired Outcome

In order to promote biodiversity inthe new allotments of the OlympicPark, boundary trees and hedges willbe predominantly native. Whereverpracticable, grassy paths will beestablished as species-rich lawns. Withthe agreement of the allotment holders,

it is hoped that a small wildlife pond canbe created. Allotment holders will beencouraged to practise wilidlife friendlygardening as espoused by NaturalEngland (2007). The target for thecreation of allotments is 1.04 ha.

Action

Action To-date

None

Action & Targets

To create 1.04 ha of allotments by2014. (Detailed plans will be providedas part of the plans for parkland andpublic realm transformation). Plantings

of ornamental or specimen trees willbe native species of local provenance(e.g. common oak) which can mature

into important habitats in their ownright in the future. To seek agreementwith allotment holders to construct asmall wildlife pond. Bird and bat boxes

to be erected in appropriate locationsthroughout.

Key Partners

Manor Gardening Society


Olympic BAP

Trees and Scrub

House sparrowSong thrush

Starling

Bats

Reptiles (slow worm)

Invertebrates

Other BAPs

None

References

London Assembly 2006.A lot to lose:

Londons disappearing allotments. Reportby Environment Committee of London

Assembly.

National Society of Leisure and Allotment

Gardeners and Anglia Polytechnic

University, 1997. English Allotments

Survey: Report of the Joint Survey of

Allotments of in England

Natural England 2007.

Wildlife on Allotments NE20. Leaflethttp://www.naturalengland.org.uk

Allotments include a variety of habitatsincluding fallow (ruderal or bramblecovered) areas, grass paths, boundaryhedges and trees, as well as cultivatedplots.

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2.5 Brownfield Habitats

v- Policy has put pressure on authoritiesto expedite building on brownfieldsites. This puts an emphasis onmitigation and compensation ratherthan avoidance of ecological impact.

- Although it can be initially beneficial,lack of management can allownatural succession to reduce habitatdiversity of brownfield sites.

- Invasive non-native species can reducebiodiversity over large areas ofbrownfield sites.

Desired Outcome

The overall objective is to re-createbrownfield-equivalent terrestrial habitatthroughout the park to provide steppingstones for species which have been

reliant on brownfield habitat to thriveand spread. Much of the brownfield-equivalent habitat in the Olympic Parkwill be delivered under categoriesother than brownfield (for examplespecies-rich grassland) as describedin the sections that follow. The targetfor brownfield habitat at Legacy

Transformation (which will consist oflargely of pioneer communities on stonysubstrates and tall herb vegetation) is5.05 ha.

Action

Action To-date

In 2007, as part of the Enabling Worksand for the purposes of early mitigationfor habitat loss, approximately 1 ha.of brownfield and grassland habitatwas created around the margins of the

football pitches on East Marsh. Worksnow underway on the Greenway willalso include brownfield habitat creation.

Action & Targets

To create 5.05 ha of brownfield habitatthroughout the Olympic Park by 2014,with some of this provided by 2012.

Habitats and features to be created mayinclude (but should not necessarily belimited to):

- Seeded and planted stone-filledbaskets (gabions) and earthreinforced slopes associated with

bridges, roads and paths.

- Sparsely vegetated pioneercommunities on recycled demolition/construction waste

- Native tall herb communities atwoodland edge (eg willowherbs,nettles, umbellifers)

- Dead wood habitat (log walls and

Description

Brownfield habitat (known as openmosaic habitats on previouslydeveloped land in the UK BAP and

sometimes called wasteland habitat

or urban common) is a general termused to describe self-establishedvegetation which has grown up onpreviously developed sites. This notonly includes neglected or temporarilyvacant sites in cities but also quarries,

pits, old railway lands and other post-industrial sites in the wider countryside.Brownfield sites can support avariety of habitats including pioneercommunities, ruderal vegetation, roughgrassland, scrub and in the case oflong abandoned areas, woodland,

although it is the mosiac of openhabitats (not woodland and scrub)which are referred to in this HAP. Manybrownfield sites support a mixture ofhabitats, which adds to their overalldiversity and interest. Brownfield sitesare often extremely rich in species and

support some of the UKs rarest plantsand animals, which, in some cases,have become dependent on theseareas since their natural habitats weredestroyed in the wider countrysidethrough agricultural improvement.

Species associated with brownfieldsites which have been found withinthe Olympic site in the past, whichare also in the Olympic BAP, includetoadflax brocade moth and blackredstart.

Requirements

Brownfield habitats occur in a widerange of conditions with varyingsoil types, topography, drainagecharacteristics and microclimates.

Some of the most interesting sites

have artificial substrates with low soilfertility that enables plants with poorcompetitive ability to thrive. Such sitesare often sunny and well drained.Re-creating this particular kind ofbrownfield habitat requires the use

of free-draining recycled constructionmaterials or inert industrial waste.Topography should be varied.

Current Distribution

National

In 2005 it was estimated that 63,500

ha of previously developed land wasavailable for development (CLG 2006).Much of this land supports brownfieldhabitat.

London

The exact current extent of brownfieldhabitat in London is unknown but islikely to be in decline following a post-war peak in the 1970s and 1980s and

subsequent large-scale redevelopment.Olympic Park

Before clearance works began, much ofthe Olympic site was considered to be

brownfield habitat. For example, someparts of the designated SBIs at EastwayCycle Circuit and Mill Meads had thetypical mosaic of brownfield habitat,with pioneer communities on rubble,tall ruderal vegetation on landfill,unmanaged grassland, scrub and young

woodland. Most of the habitat lost

through site clearanace and remediationworks, covering an area of about 44 ha,was classifield as brownfield habitat.

Current Status

Legal

Brownfield habitat rarely enjoys legalprotection, although there are sites thathave been designated as Sites of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSI) e.g. CanveyWick on Canvey Island. Brownfield sitesare occasionally designated by local

authorities as nature conservation sites

of county (metropolitan) or boroughimportance (as is the case with parts ofthe Olympic Park ). Brownfield habitatusually supports species which benefitfrom legal protection. Examples includebreeding birds and reptiles, both of

which have been recorded within theOlympic Park site.

Conservation Status

The area of brownfield habitat in theUK is in decline because governmentplanning policy encourages theredevelopment of these sites. For

example PPS 3 anticipates 60% ofall new housing to be located onbrownfield sites. Concern over habitat

losses has led to the formation ofpolicies (e.g. PPS 9) that require specialefforts by authorities and developersto incorporate habitats into newdevelopment where losses are predicted.This policy applies to brownfield habitatsas much as any other.


The following factors have been

identified as potential causes in thedecline of brownfield habitats:

- Their ecological and amenity value isoften underestimated.

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2.5 Brownfield Habitats (cont.)

loggeries)

- Biodiverse living roofs (brown roofs)

Key Partners

Natural England has taken a lead inadvocating the creation of brownfield

habitat at East Marsh. Further closecollaboration on the design ofbrownfield habitats within the OlympicPark is planned.

London Wildlife Trust is assisting withhabitat creation on the Greenway


Olympic Park BAP

Brown-banded carder bee Bombushumilis

Toadflax brocade moth Calophasia lunula

Flower beetle Olibrus flavicornisGround bug Stictopleurus abutilon

Ground bug Stictopleuruspunctatonervosus

Black redstart

Linnet

Common lizard

Other BAPs

UKBAP (Open mosaic habitats on

OLYMPIC PARK

_ _

East Marsh Wildlife Corridor:

Habitat Creation

, , ,

Source:

Log wall with earth bund

Log and rubble bund

Loggery

Compost

Species-rich neutral grassland(sub-soil)

Intermediate neutral grassland toearly successional habitat

Early successional habitat(crushed rubble)

Shaded widflower grassland

NTS

previously developed land)

London BAP (Broad Habitats: Urban/Wasteland))

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Urban Wasteland)

L B Tower Hamlets (The BuiltEnvironment and Brownfield Land)

References

Communities and Local Government,

2006.http://www.communities.gov.uk/

news/corporate/onemillionnew

LB Tower Hamlets BAP (The Built

Environment and Brownfield Land

http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

data/environment/download/

towerHabitats4.pdf

LB Waltham Forest BAP (Urban

Wasteland.

http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.

aspx?id=404#6

London Biodiversity Partnership (LBP)

2007, London Biodiversity Action

Plan, Urban Wasteland. http://

www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.

html#wasteland

Figure 7. Plans for brownfield habitat creation at East Marsh undertaken in 2007-2008

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2.6 Species-rich Grasslands

Description

Species-rich grasslands were oncethe dominant habitat in the Englishlandscape, managed as pastures orhay meadows, however agricultural

improvement during the twentiethcentury meant that by the early 1980s,

97% of England and Wales species-richgrasslands had been lost. Species-richgrasslands vary in species compositionaccording to the underlying geology(or build up of made ground) andhydrology. Calcareous grasslands, inparticular, can be extremely flower-rich,

with many associated invertebrates.(Species-rich lawns are considered inthe Parks, Squares and Amenity SpacesHAP.)

Requirements

Species-rich grasslands require carefulmanagement, with controlled grazingor cutting after flowering with cuttingsremoved. In order to create species-rich grasslands, low-fertility substrates

must be used (the use of topsoil mustbe avoided). Grassland seed mixturesshould be based on locally appropriatespecies based on natural associations(derived from National VegetationClassification or NVC categories),

wherever possible locally sourced andcarefully matched to substrates andhydrology.

Distribution

National

Species-rich grasslands are scarce butwidely distributed. It is estimated thatless than 60,000 ha remain in theUK. Species-rich grasslands can befound throughout the landscape, withcalcareous grasslands on chalk andlimestone hills, neutral grasslands on

valley clays and acid grasslands onlowland sands and gravels and wetgrasslands usually found in river valleys.

London

Species-rich grasslands are rare inLondon, and almost absent from innerLondon. They are largely found withinthe chalk and clay of the remainingagricultural areas of outer London. Mostof Londons acid grassland occurs on

golf courses and in some of the largerparks.

Olympic Park SiteThere are currently no remaining areasof species-rich grasslands within the site.

Current Status

Legal Status

The majority of the remainingunimproved, species-rich grasslands inEngland are now designated as SSSIs

or as County Wildlife Sites (NaturalEngland 2007)

Conservation Status

Lowland meadows, lowland calcareous

grassland and lowland dry acidgrassland are all identified as priorityhabitats in the UKBAP.


Destruction of sites is relatively rarenowadays - threats to remaining sitestend to involve gradual losses caused byneglect, soil enrichment, fragmentation,agricultural intensification, conversion tohorse paddocks and invasive weeds.

Desired Outcome

The objective is to create substantialareas of species-rich grassland,

throughout the Olympic Park. Thesegrasslands should vary in characterand should be created from a variety ofsubstrates with a range of soil pH andbe managed by varying cutting regimes.This habitat will constitute a signficantproportion of the overall target of

providing 45 ha of new terrestrialhabitat by 2014.

Action

Action To-date

Soils and substrates reclaimed from theOlympic Park site, with potential to bere-used in habitat creation, are currentlybeing stockpiled and chemicallyanalysed

Action & Targets

A preliminary target, subject to review

following design development, isto create 23.69 ha of species-richgrassland within the Olympic Park

by 2014. The final target should bewithin 20% of the preliminary target.A proportion of this habitat will bedelivered during the Olympic (2012)Phase, however it is anticipated thatthe majoritywill be created during theLegacy Transformation phase.

Key Partners

The GLA and London Wildlife Trustcan provide species lists for existing

species-rich grasslands in London, whichmay serve as models for species-richgrassland creation. The Lee Valley

Regional Park Authority have suitablesites where wildflower seed could beharvested.


Olympic BAP

Brown-banded carder bee Bombushumilis

Flower beetle Olibrus flavicornis

Tumbling flower beetle Mordellistenaneuwaldeggiana

Ground bug Stictopleuruspunctatonervosus

Ground bug Stictopleurus abutilon

A beetle Olibrus flavicornis

Swift

Other BAPs

London BAP (Chalk Grassland)

L B Waltham Forest BAP (NeutralGrassland)

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (Grasslandand Fen HAP)

References

GLA 2007. Specfication ofRequirements: Open Space and Habitat

Survey(

L B Waltham Forest BAP (NeutralGrassland) http://www.ukbap.org.uk/

lbap.aspx?id=404#6

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (Grasslandand Fen HAP) http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=375#6

London BAP 2007, London BiodiversityAction Plan, (Chalk Grassland) http://www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.html#chalkgrass

Natural England 2007. England HabitatNetwork, Briefing Note. http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/

UKBP, 2007, UK Biodiversity Action Plan UK List of Broad Habitatshttp://www.

ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=51

Species-rich grassland in public park

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2.7 Trees & Scrub

Description

This habitat includes native broadleavedwoodland, scrub, hedgerows and shelterbelts. It is equivalent to the woodlandcategory in the UKBAP. Scattered trees

are considered in the Park, Squares andAmenity Space HAP. Trees and scrub

provide a high diversity of habitats andsupport song birds, bats, other smallmammals and invertebrates.

Requirements

As the climax vegetation, woodland,if natural succession were to occur,could be expected to occur anywherein the Olympic Park site, however it islikely to be sited in areas where lessintensive use is envisaged, around the

perimeter of the site or the perimeterof the main sub-divisions of the site.Linear plantings are likely to bring mostbenefits in terms of providing edgehabitats and connectivity. Preparation ofa deep (>700mm) uncompacted soil isdesirable before planting. For long term

success in the establishment of a diversewoodland ground flora (which shouldbe an objective), the use of high-fertilitysoil (i.e. topsoil) should be carefullylimited to areas where more aggressiveplants (e.g. willowherbs at the woodland

edge) are wanted. In order to promotediversity, plantings should use a widevariety of native species which are suitedto specific locations. Plantings shouldbe at varying densities to promote longterm structural diversity.

Distribution

National

The total area of woodland cover inEngland is 1,097,000 ha (about 8.4% ofland area.) 54% of this is broadleavedwoodland and 30% of the total is

ancient (i.e. pre dates AD 1600).London

Few places in Greater London are more

than 2 km from a wood. Just under5% of Greater London is woodland,however much of this is non-nativewoodland of limited ecological value.Epping Forest, one of Londons mostvaluable woodland complexes, is about5 km to the north-east of the Olympic

Park (at its nearest point). Scrub inLondon is widely scattered and oftensmall in stature. It is mainly concentrated

along river valleys and railway corridors.

Olympic Park Site

Approximately 1.5 ha of broadleaved

woodland has been safeguardedwithin the Olympic site at Old FordNature Reserve. Recent plantings

associated with the A12 verge are alsobeing retained. A willow and poplar

dominated shelterbelt frames EastMarsh. There is a substantial communitywoodland just to the west of the OlympicPark at Wicks Field.

Current Status

Legal Status

Woodlands of the highest quality aredesignated as SSSIs. Woodlands oflesser importance usually enjoy non-

statutory designation. The ForestryCommission requires that landownersapply for a felling licence before cutting

trees in woods that are not managedunder plans already approved bythem. In local development plans, mostlocal authorities identify woodlands as

features to be conserved. Woodlandssupport many species (eg bats andnesting birds) that enjoy legal protection.

Conservation Status

Although the area of woodland in theUK is growing, there are relatively fewopportunities to establish woodland inurban areas.


Despite a significant increase inwoodland cover in recent years, UKwoodlands suffer negative effects fromthe following:

- Excessive tidiness (e.g. removal of

fallen leaves and dead wood) whichreduces biodiversity.

- Anti-social behaviour (e.g. uprooting ofnewly planted trees, litter, fly-tipping

etc)

- Continuing isolation and

fragmentation of sites- Invasion by non-native species

- A lack of young and veteran trees.

- Neglect and loss of traditional tree andhedge management techniques (e.g.pollarding)

- Inappropriate management

As a result of these factors typical UKwoodlands lack structural and speciesdiversity.

Desired Outcome

The objective is to create substantialareas of native broadleaved woodlandthroughout the Olympic Park. Thesewoodlands should vary in character with

a variety of native species combinations(to suit local conditions) and plantingdensities. This habitat will constitute asignficant proportion (about 20 %) of theoverall target of providing 45 ha of new

habitat by 2014.Action

Action To-date

Old Ford Nature Reserve, which consistsmainly of broadleaved woodland, has

been safeguarded to ensure that it isprotected throughout the constructionphase. Many other mature trees,particularly those associated with thewaterways, have also been safeguarded.

Action & Targets

A target based on the Stage D Parklandsand Public Realm design is 10.0 ha. ofnative broadleaved woodland, shelter

belts and hedgerows within the OlympicPark by 2014. This may be revisedfollowing design development, providingthe overall target of 45 ha of newhabitat is met, however the final targetshould not deviate from the preliminarytarget by more than 20%. A substantial

area of this habitat should be deliveredduring the Olympic (2012) phase.

Key Partners

The Forestry Commission has produceda report The Right Trees for London forthe Mayor. Reference should be made tothis important document and the ODAwill continue to work with the ForestryCommission in developing the Trees &Scrub HAP.


Olympic BAP

Parks, Squares and Amenity Space HAP

Song thrush

SwiftBats

Timber beetle Cicones undatus

Other BAPs

UKBAP (Woodland)

London BAP (Woodland)

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Broad Habitat:Broadleaved, mixed and yew woodland)

References

L B Waltham Forest BAP (BroadHabitat: Broadleaved, mixed and yew

woodland).http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=404#6

London BAP (LBP) 2007, London

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2.8 Wet Woodland

Description

Wet woodland or carr occurs onpoorly drained or seasonally wet soils,usually with alder, birch and willow

as the predominant tree species, but

sometimes includes ash and oak. Wetwoodlands often occur in mosaicswith other open wetland habitats anddrier woodlands. Wet woodlands areusually found on river floodplains,along streams or in peaty hollows. In

the UK they are usually unmanagedsecondary habitats which originatedon open ground where managementhad ceased. Ecologically, wetwoodlands are of great importancebecause they combine some of thecharacteristics of both dry woodlands

and wetlands and support a widevariety of species including many rareinvertebrates and Olympic Park BAPspecies, including otter.

Requirements

Wet woodlands need a high watertable, and can flourish in situationswhere there are fluctuations in waterlevel. They can be established on anysoil type.

Distribution

National

Less than 70,000 ha of wetwoodland remain in the UK (Forestry

Commission, 2003). Wet woodlandis most abundant in Cumbria, EastAnglia, Shropshire, Cheshire, the NewForest, Wales and Scotland, howeverit occurs in small isolated pocketsthroughout the country.

London

Wet woodland is scarce in London.It occurs in small pockets in the LeaValley and in a few locations along

the Thames, for example at Chiswick,Brentford and Isleworth.

Olympic Park Site

There are small pockets of wetwoodland in safeguarded areas onthe Old River Lea (near Old Ford).

Current Status

Legal Status

Many wet woodland sites aredesignated as SSSIs and SpecialAreas for Conservation (SACs) - sites

of European importance. As with drywoodlands, the Forestry Comissionrequires that landowners apply for

a felling licence before cutting trees

in woods that are not managed underplans already approved by them.The Environment Agency may takeinto account the special hydrologicalconditions required by wet woodlands

in issuing permissions or licences fordrainage, abstraction, impoundment orin approving water level managementplans.

Conservation Status

Wet woodland is a UKBAP PriorityHabitat associated with the BroadHabitat: Broadleaved, mixed and yewwoodland .


The following factors are amongst thosethat have been identified in the UKBAP

as causes of loss or decline of wetwoodland:

- Clearance

- Cessation of management whichmay encourage succession to drier

woodland

- Lowering of water-tables throughdrainage or water abstraction

- Inappropriate grazing levels

- River control and canalisation, resultingin the reduction in, or cessation of,seasonal flooding

- Poor water quality

- Invasion by non-native species

Desired Outcome

Although the scarcity of suitableconditions within the Olympic Parkmeans that large scale creation of wetwoodland is not possible, the objectiveis to create stands that will complementother wetlands and increase the overallarea of wet woodland beyond that

already being retained. The target isto create 0.9 ha. of wet woodland by2012.

Action

Action To-date

Wet woodland has been safeguardedwithin the Olympic site on the banksof the Old River Lea. The ODA havearranged for the collection of more than200 local native black poplar cuttingswhich are stored in a nursery.

Action & Targets

To plant 0.9 ha of wet woodland within

the Olympic Park by 2012. Allof thishabitat will be created in the North Park,close to the River Lea and at Bully Point.

Key Partners

The Environment Agency will continueto work closely with the ODA in thedevelopment of detailed plans for thecreation of this habitat.


Olympic BAP

Trees & Scrub

Rivers & Streams

Reedbed

Black poplar

Tumbling flower beetle Mordellistenaneuwaldeggiana

Amphibians

Grass snake

Kingfisher

BatsOtter

Other BAPs

UKBAP (Wet woodland)

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (Wet

woodland)

References

Forestry Commission 2003. TheManagement of Semi-natural

Woodlands. 8. Wet woodlands. Practice

Guide. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/

fcpg008.pdf/$file/fcpg008.pdfLee Valley Regional Park BAP (Wetwoodland). http://www.ukbap.org.uk/

lbap.aspx?id=375#6

UK Biodiversity Action Plan 2007. http://

www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=4

Wet woodland in winter

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2.9 Rivers

Introduction

Description

This is a broad habitat type which coversany flowing water, including rivers,

streams and waterways. In their natural

unmodified condition rivers are dynamicwith constantly changing morphology,shape, depth, size and gradient andwith differences in the material thatconstitutes the channel and banks.Rivers and streams therefore support

many habitats and a wide diversity offlora and fauna, some of which areonly associated with running water andsome which are unique to specific rivertypes. Rivers and streams provide vitalecological corridors in the landscapeand can be the only such corridors left

in some urban districts. Species in theOlympic Park BAP which are closelyassociated with rivers and streamsinclude black poplar, eel, kingfisher,sand martin, heron, water vole andotter.

Requirements

In order to maintain full ecologicalfunction, urban rivers should includea range of habitats including water

of varying depth, soft banks and anabundance of marginal emergent

aquatic vegetation. Care is requiredto maintain ecological connectivity (ofhabitats outside of the main channel). Afall in water quality can lead to losses inbiodiversity.

Distribution

National

Rivers and streams occur throughout theUK, however wholly unmodified natural

watercoursesare confined to a fewupland areas.

London

There are about 600 km of rivers andstreams in Greater London althoughmany of the Thames smaller tributaries(e.g. the Fleet) have been incorporatedinto the citys sewerage system. All ofLondons rivers have been modifiedand most sections have been heavily

channelised in order to promote rapiddrainage. Beginning in the late18thcentury most of Londons larger riverswere modified to allow navigation andconnection with the national canal

network.Olympic Park Site

The River Lea enters the Olympic Parksite from the north. A drainage channel,

(the Channelsea River which is to beculverted), joins the River Lea at BullyPoint. The River Lee Navigation marks

the western boundary of the westernedge of the northern part of the site. TheLee Navigation connects with the GrandUnion Canal system. To the south of thesite the River Lea splits into the Bow BackRivers (Old River Lea, City Mill River andWaterworks River) which are defunct

navigation and flood conveyancechannels which drain into Bow Creekand the River Thames. The River Leaand Bow Back rivers are currently tidaland brackish, however this will changewhen the Prescott Lock is reinstated byBritish Waterways to the south of the site.

The lock will reduce the tidal fluctuationof water levels and create freshwaterconditions.

Current Status

Legal Status

The rivers do not enjoy statutory natureconservation designation, however theEnvironment Agency has a statutoryduty to further conservation and controlpollution. British Waterways Londonowns the Bow Back Rivers and intends

to reinstate navigation in that part of thesite.

Conservation StatusThe Rivers & Streams broad habitat typeis a UK BAP Priority Habitat. The RiverLea and Bow Back Rivers constitutea Site of Metropolitan Importance fornature conservation.


According to the UKBAP (2007), riversand streams are vulnerable to:

- Pollution (from sewage, farming andurban run-off);

- Excessive ground water and surfacewater abstraction;

- Construction of dams and reservoirs;

- Insensitive flood defence and landdrainage works;

- Inappropriate bank management;

- Introduction of invasive plant andanimal species; and,

- Development within the floodplain

Desired Outcome

The goal, in accordance with theLondon River Restoration Action Plan,

is to enhance the ecological value ofthe rivers and to ensure that the RiverLea system is restored to functionas a continuous ecological corridor,

connecting the Lee Valley River Parkto the Thames. The watercourses willenhance the Olympic Park and providethe public with access. The restorationof the waterways must maintain water

quality and quantity, habitat structureand promote ecological and hydraulic

connectivitry with the floodplain TheODA will ensure that there is animprovement in the quality of River &Stream habitat within the Olympic Parksite and that water quality is maintainedthroughout construction and improvesin the long term. In order to ensure

connectivity along the watercourses,where full restoration is not feasible, atleast one bank will be vegetated. Thepackage of waterway improvement

works will be complete by 2012.Action

Action To-date

Since the 1990s a coalition oforgansiations, including BritishWaterways, the London Borough ofNewham, Lee Valley Regional Park

Authority, Lea River Trust (which waswound up in March 2008) and theInland Waterways Association havebeen cleaning up the Bow BackRivers, improving access and creating

wildlife habitats. In 2000-2001, BritishWaterways upgraded Bow Locks to

reduce flood risk and siltation on theRiver Lee Navigation. At the same timethe weir behind Three Mills (to the southof the Olympic Park site) was installedand a bund wall built to stop the tideovertopping the banks. Full restorationof the Bow Back Rivers has been a

national priority for British Waterwayssince 2002, supported by the MayorsBlue Ribbon Network (part of the LondonPlan). A programme to eradicate

invasive aquatic and waterside weeds isunderway. Construction of the PrescottLock (a British Waterways project) is due

to be completed in 2008.

Action & Targets

A detailed scheme of invasive species

control, bank remodelling, towpathconstruction and establishment ofmarginal emergent aquatic vegtationand bankside habitats is in preparation.The target for eradication of invasiveplants is 100% by 2012 (although monitoring and follow up treatment may be

necessary in case of re-invasion). TheRiver Lea will be extended in the vicinityof Bully Point to create a new backwater

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covering an area of 0.27 ha. Works willinclude the creation of nesting banks forkingfisher, emergent aquatic vegetationfor water vole and artificial holts forotter. The Waterspace Masterplan showsthat 2.3 km of new soft river bank is to

be created and this will be adopted as aminimum target.

Key Partners

The Environment Agency

British Waterways.


Olympic BAP

Wet woodland

Reedbed

Eel

Grey heron

Kingfisher

Sand martin

Bats

Water vole

Otter

Other BAPs

UK BAP (Rivers)

London BAP (Rivers & Streams)

London River Restoration Action Plan

L B Tower Hamlets (Local habitat:Canals, Rivers & Docks)

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Rivers &Streams)

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (Rivers &Streams)

References

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Broad Habitat:

Rivers and Streams)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=404#6

L B Tower Hamlets (Local habitat:

Canals, Rivers and docks)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=538#6

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (Rivers andStreams)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=375#6

London BAP (LBP) 2007, LondonBiodiversity Action Plan, (Rivers andStreams) http://www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.html#rivers

UKBAP 2007, UK Biodiversity ActionPlan - UK List of Priority Habitat

http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.

aspx?ID=59

L B Waltham Forest, Biodiversity ActionPlan Rivers and Streams.

2.9 Rivers (cont.)

http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/environment/land/biodiversity/bio-acid-rivers.htm

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2.10 Reedbed

Description

Reedbeds are wetlands dominated bystands of the common reed Phragmitesaustralis, where the water table is ator above ground level for most of the

year. They tend to be associated withadjacent open water. Wet grassland andcarr woodland may also be associatedwith them. Due to the dominance ofcommon reed, reedbeds tend to bebotanically poor (although they cansupport rare wetland plants). They are

naturally unstable habitats, sensitive tosuccession, pollution and changes inwater level (UKBAP 2007). Reed bedsare amongst the most important habitatsfor birds. They support a number ofbreeding birds including reed bunting

(an Olympic Park BAP species) andnationally rare species (e.g. bittern).They are also important roostingsites for some birds (e.g. starling, anOlympic BAP species) and feedingsites. Reedbeds are also important forthe otter and water vole (again bothOlympic Park BAP species). Over 700

species of invertebrate are associatedwith reed beds as well as some rarities.Large numbers of flying insects canoccur over reedbeds, attarcting aerialfeeders like bats and sand martin (again

both Olympic Park BAP species).Requirements

Reedbeds require management (cutting)to prevent them from turning intowoodland. For invertebrate diversity

and to allow access to fish, water levelsshould vary in some places from thetypical water depth of 30cm.

Distribution

National

The total area of reedbeds in the UK isabout 5000 ha across 900 sites. Onlyabout 50 sites are larger than 20 ha.Most of the important reedbeds arefound near the coast in eastern England.

London

In London, areas of reedbed occuralong the edges of lakes, flooded gravelpits, reservoirs, rivers and ditches. The

total area of this habitat in London is43.5 ha. The largest continuous areasoccur in the Roding Creek (LondonBorough Newham) and the IngrebourneValley (London Borough of Havering).

Olympic Park Site

Although not within the Olympic Park,0.5ha of reedbed occurs within the

railway triangle to the south of theStratford railway box. There is reedalong the western bank of the Old RiverLea.

Current Status

Legal Status

In the UK most of the large reedbedsare designated as SSSI, Ramsar sites orSPAs and managed as nature reserves.(UKBAP 2007).

Conservation Status

Reedbeds are a UK BAP Priority Habitatand are included in the London BAP.


In the UK it is estimated that 40% ofreedbed habitats were lost between

1945 and 1990 (DoE 1995). The maincauses of the decline were:

- Habitat loss caused by water extraction

and land drainage

- Nutrient enrichment from agriculturalrun-off

- Inappropriate management

- Invasive, non-native species

- Recreational pressure (boating)

Desired Outcome

The overall objective and target is to

create a total of 1.8 ha of reedbedhabitat within the Olympic Park by2014. A significant part of this will becreated by 2012 in the North Park.

Action

Action To-date

Reedbed habitat along the western bankof the Old River Lea is included withinan area that is shown as safeguardedfor development planning purposes.

Action & Targets

Substantial areas of reedbed habitat are

included in designs for new wetlands inthe North Park. Other reedbed habitat

will be created along the margins ofthe waterways in various locationsthroughout the Olympic Park. Theoverall target for the creation of reedbedis 1.8 ha. The ODA will work closelywith the proponents of the Stratford Citydevelopment to ensure that proposed

wetland under their control at Bully Pointand to the south of the Stratford railwaybox will also contribute towards theoverall aim of creating reedbed. Any

reedbed created in these latter areaswill be in excess of the 1.8 ha within theOlympic Park proper.

Key Partners

Environment Agency

British Waterways

Stratford City (Lend Lease)

Related Action PlansOlympic BAP

Rivers and streams

Wet woodland

Eel

Reptiles (grass snake)

Grey heron

Kingfisher

Reed bunting

Sand martin

StarlingBats

Otter

Water vole

Other BAPs

UKBAP (Priority Habitats: Reedbed)

London BAP (Reedbeds)

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Reedbeds)

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (PriorityHabitat: Reedbeds)

ReferencesLB Waltham Forest BAP (Reedbeds).

http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=404#6

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (Priority

Habitat: Reedbeds).http://www.ukbap.


London BAP (LBAP) 2007, LondonBiodiversity Action Plan, Reedbeds

http://www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.html#reedbeds

UKBAP 2007, UK Biodiversity ActionPlan UK List of Priority Habitat

http://www.ukbap.org.uk/UKPlans.aspx?ID=19

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2.11 Ponds

Description

This habitat includes natural as wellas man-made ponds and ditches withopen water for at least for the majorityof the year (UK BAP). Several vegetation

types can be found in association withstanding water, e.g. aquatic free-floating

or rooted in sediments, emergent ormarginal. Standing waters are classifiedaccording to their nutrient status andthis can change naturally over timeor as a result of pollution. Standingwaters provide habitat for a variety ofthreatened flora and fauna. Two thirds

of Britains aquatic macrophytes andaquatic macro-invertebrates are foundin ponds, with at least 40 UK BAPpriority species associated with them.

They support many rarities and are themain breeding sites for all amphibiansand most dragonflies. In the context of

the Olympic Park site, this habitat typewill be represented by ponds.

Requirements

Ponds wil be constructed in the OlympicPark primarily as a habitat for breedingamphibians. Such ponds are typicallyshallow (500mm deep) with gentlysloping sides with native emergentand floating aquatic vegetation. They

should be constructed in a place whererough vegetation is nearby to providecomplementary terrestrial habitat foramphibians. These ponds shouldbe hydrologically seperate from thewaterways.

Distribution

National

There is an estimated 3,344 km2ofstanding open water in the UK (DETR,1998), with around 95 % of this beingless than 1 ha in area (English Nature

1997). The JNCC (2000) estimates thatthere are approximately 400,000 ponds

in the UK.

London

Brooks et al(undated) report that 2873

standing-water bodies (excluding gardenponds, rivers, streams and canals)have been identified within the M25,86% of which are smaller than 0.5 ha(NHM undated). Regionally importantassemblages of aquatic insects andplants occur in the ponds at Epping

Forest and Wimbledon Common and in

the Lea Valley.

Olympic Park Site

There are currently no standing water

bodies in the Olympic Park site.

Current Status

Legal Status

Approximately 200 large standing waterbodies receive protection as SSSIs. Manyponds occur within SSSIs designated forother reasons. Smaller ponds tend notto have statutory protection. Ponds areoften designated as local (non-statutory)

wildlife sites by county and metropolitancouncils which gives them someprotection in local development plans.

Conservation Status

Ponds are included in the London BAP(Canals, Ponds, Lakes and Reservoirs)


In the UK, in recent decades, manyareas of standing water have been lostor degraded, particularly in the lowlands(Bardsleyet al., 2003). There is anestimated decline over the last century of75 % (English Nature 1997).

The factors affecting this habitat include:

- Water pollution, especially nutrientenrichment (eutrophication)

- Adjacent land-use changes leadingto loss of waterside vegetation andsiltation and fragmentation

- Loss of complementary terrestrialhabitat

- Water abstraction leading to drying outof ponds

- Infilling, tipping, draining and built

development

- Neglect and lack of appropriatemanagement (leading to siltation and

succession).

- Introductions and manipulation of fishstocks for angling

- Introductions of non-native plants and

animals

- Recreational disturbance

Desired Outcome

The overall objective and target is tocreate a total of 4 ponds within theOlympic Park.

Action

Action To-date

Amphibians which were discovered inthe Pudding Mill River and Bully PointPond (both subsequently lost because of

essential site-preparation works) wererescued and moved to the WaterworksNature Reserve in the Lee ValleyRegional Park. Spawn from this site

may be a source for re-introduction intothe Olympic Park when new ponds arecreated.

Action & Targets

4 new ponds, each at least 50m2 in

area, will created close to adjacentcomplementary terrestrial habitats by2012. The total area of the 4 ponds

shall not be less than 1800m2 (0.18ha)

Key Partners

Environment Agency

Lee Valley Park Authority


Olympic BAP

Amphibians (common frog, commontoad, smooth newt)

Reptiles (grass snake)

Other BAPs

UK BAP (Ponds)

London BAP (Standing Water)

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Standing OpenWater and Canals)

Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (StandingOpen Water and Canals)

References

Bardsley L, Eades P, Crofts A & Giles N.

2003. The Wetland Restoration Manual.The Wildlife Trusts, Newark.

Brooks, S., Goldsmith, B. and Battarbee,R., The Biodiversity of Londons Ponds,lakes and rivers. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/departments/botany/news-events/leaf/leaf-pdfs/assets/Biodiversity_London_Ponds_and_Rivers.

pdf

DETR 1998, UK Biodiversity GroupTranche 2 Action Plans.

English Nature 1997. W ildlife and

fresh water: an agenda for sustainablemanagement. English Nature.Peterborough.

Joint Nature Conservation Committee(2000), Habitats: Standing Open Waterand Canals. http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-3572

L B Waltham Forest BAP (Standing Openwater and Canals)http://www.ukbap.


L B Tower Hamlets (Canals, Rivers andDocks)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.

aspx?id=538#6Lee Valley Regional Park BAP (StandingOpen water and Canals)http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=375#6

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2.11 Ponds (cont.)

Ponds should be located close to terrestrial habitat which is suitable for amphibians to forage and hibernate in

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London BAP (2007), London BiodiversityAction Plan (Standing Water). http://www.lbp.org.uk/londonhabspp.html#standingwater


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3.2 Black poplar

Description

Native black poplar Populus nigrabetulifolia(the Atlantic form) is a largetree, with a characteristic lean. It cangrow to a height of 30 metres, with

a crown of 20 metres and a trunkdiameter of 2.5 metres or more. It has

rugged bark, arching branches andtriangular leaves.

Habitat

Native black poplar is a tree of the

floodplain forest but appears to favour

more open ground rather than dense

wet woodland. It is is often found along

riverbanks. It should be planted in the

open close to the riverbank.

Biology & Reproduction

Black poplar is dioecious (seperate maleand female plants). Female flowers are

wind pollinated in April.

National Distribution

The natural range of the native blackpoplar appears to be to be limited

to Britain, northern France and partsof western Germany away from highground (Milne-Redhead 1990). It iswidely spread across England andWales but is confined to relatively fewlocations. It can be locally abundant,

for example in the Vale of Aylesbury, theMarches and East Anglia.

London Distribution

In London this species is widelydistributed but few in number. In theLower Lea Valley a few specimenshave been recorded in LB Hackney(Springfield) and LB Waltham Forest(Walthamstow Marshes). HackneyMarshes, just to the north of the Olympic

Park is the most important site inLondon for this species, with 43 mature

specimens and 40 young trees (Hanson2004)

Olympic Park Distribution

Threre are no native black poplars on the

Olympic Park site. All 41 black poplars

recorded from the site are planted hybrids

of unknown origin.

Legal Status

Native black poplar does not receive

special protection as a species, however

individual trees of high value can be

protected by a Tree Preservation Order

(TPO)Conservation Status

Native black poplar is listed in the British

Red Databook (Vascular Plants) as

category LC (Least Concern) (Cheffings &

Farrell 2005). It is also one of the three

tree species included in the European

Forest Genetic Resources Programme. It is

a London BAP Priority Species.


Once common, there are now fewer than

7,000 individual trees of this species in the

UK, making it one of the rarest trees. 95%

are veteran specimens, 90% are male and

many are genetically identical. Female

trees are often too far from a male tree

for natural reproduction to occur (Sussex

Biodiversity Partnership 2005). Virtually all

remaining black poplars date from before

1850. The reason for the decline is largely

due to the destruction floodplain forest.

through drainage schemes. Hybridisationand widespread planting of hybrids is also

a factor in the decline of this species.

Desired Outcome

The objective is to establish a viable

population of native black poplar within

the Olympic Park.

Action To-date

Approximately 200 native black poplar

cuttings taken from Hackney Marsh in

2006 are stored in a nursery ready for

possible planting in the Olympic Park.

Action & Targets

100 native black poplars of both sex are

to be planted in suitable locations (close

to the waters edge) by 2012. Some of

these trees should be female. Any failures

should be replaced until 100 healthy

specimens are established. In

London Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan

Documents

Transcript of London Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan