Feasibility Study for the Industrial Area - Part 1 (PDF 5 MB)

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5.2.3 The Newcastle Biodiversity Action Plan
(Oct 2001)
The Newcastle Biodiversity Action Plan was published in October
2001 and aims to protect, maintain and improve biodiversity or
wildlife within the city. The guidance provided within this Plan is
relevant to developing strategies for the Walker Riverside site, in
terms of providing advice on wildlife and biodiversity which could
be affected by its future development. The review of the UDP has
identified that part of the study area is a site of Local
Conservation Interest (SLCI)
Habitat Action Plans
A number of Habitat Action Plans are relevant to the Walker
Riverside study area, including: Industrial land; manmade
structures; Parks, Open Space and roadside verges; and the
Tyne Estuary and the Tidal Streams
Industrial Land
The action plan is concerned only with the management of ‘green
areas’ within the boundaries of: industrial estates and business
parks; other business premises; golf courses; vacant land;
derelict land and railway lines, used and disused.
The Plan notes that underused industrial estates within the city
provide a valuable habitat, due to the succession of vegetation on
vacant sites/underused sites and are classified as grassland or
scrub. It also encourages wildlife friendly management of green
space on all types of industrial land, audit council owned land
and introduce biodiversity management plans on appropriate
sites. All planning development briefs should include biodiversity
terms and encourage sustainable management practices.
Man Made Structures
Man made structures provide important habitats for wildlife,
principally for breeding and shelter. The plan aims to improve
local knowledge of species using man made structures, establish
mechanism to liaise with city ecologist, ensure that development
proposals will not impact on species using a building, and that in
new development, opportunities for habitat creation are taken.
Parks, Open Space and Roadside Verges
e.g. preventing salmon migration.
- Diffuse pollution (agriculture, urban/road drainage) - may
lead to toxic contamination and/or nutrient enrichment.
- Contaminated land - large stretches of riverside are
disused industrial sites (brownfield sites) and are affected
by past activities on the site. The land may be
contaminated requiring cleaning before redevelopment can
progress or before ecological improvements can occur.
Some sites are beneficial to wildlife, as they can be
relatively undisturbed in an otherwise highly developed area
- Estuarine sediment contamination – historical
contamination is present and can affect the water quality
or the interests of other river users
- Navigation - navigation rights exist in the estuary and
vessel activity may cause disturbance to wildlife and
indirect damage to estuary habitats. Sub-tidal dredging is
necessary to maintain navigation channels.
- Impoundments/barrages – plans for the regeneration of the
Lower Ouseburn include investigation of the impoundment
of the tidal stretch of the river. This will alter the
hydrophysical nature of the impounded stretch and
therefore the habitat.
- Development - the decline in traditional riverside industry
on the Tyne has made a number of development sites
available. Increasing intensification of land use in
- Newcastle puts pressure on these sites, with potential
loss of important riverine and associated habitat.
- Climate change - increased storminess and sea level rise
can affect the tidal heights within the estuary. The warming
of the water is likely to extend the range of some marine
fish species into the region’s estuaries.
- Recreational pressure – the improvement of water quality
in the Tyne will lead to an increase in recreational pressure
with the potential to increase disturbance to wildlife and
damage to habitat if not controlled.
- Tri-Butyl-Tin (TBT) contamination from ship building
industry and boating activities.
Parks,open space and roadside verges are comprised of a range
of habitats including trees and grassland, but also ponds and
wetlands in some cases. Walker Riverside Park is designated as
a countryside site and is managed by the Ranger Service.
Tyne Estuary and the Tidal Streams
The Tyne Estuary and the Tidal Streams provides a valuable
habitat for both marine and terrestrial wildlife. Watercourses fulfil
a variety of important socio-economic functions, including
transport, pollution dispersal, amenity and as a biodiversity
resource. The estuary is a very important habitat, incorporating a
wide range of species. The reduction in industrial activity has
improved the water quality of the River Tyne of the last 15 years
and possibility contributed to the reappearance of otters on the
Tyne. Issues to consider include the following:
- Point source pollution (sewage, trade, vessels) - can result
in a deterioration in water quality leading to poor ecological
health and may act as a barrier within the wildlife corridor
A number of objectives are identified including: ensuring that river
corridor and in-river development does not degrade the
conservation status of estuary, tidal streams and riparian
habitats, and ensuring that dredging and development within the
estuary does not degrade the conservation status of mudflats and
water quality amongst other things.
Species Actions Plans have also been developed for a number of
species including:
- Red Squirrel ( Sciurus vulgaris)
- Otter (Lutra lutra)
- Brown Hare ( Lepus europeus)
- Great Crested Newt ( Triturus cristatus)
- Barn Owl ( Tyto alba)
- Skylark ( Alauda arvensis)
- Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
- Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)
- Tree Sparrow ( Passer montanus)
Walker Riverside Feasibility Study Section 1 - p. 27