Victory for wildlife as Thames Estuary airport idea rejected

The much-debated decision on whether to build a new airport on the Thames Estuary has concluded with the Airports Commission ruling that the development will not go ahead, spelling relief for some, but leaving tensions high for supporters of the expansion.

The Thames Estuary was seen as a wholly unsuitable location for airport expansion by those opposing the proposal, who called the plans ‘environmental vandalism’. Wildlife organisations RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust, and Friends of the North Kent Marshes were vocal in their criticism, arguing that the Estuary is an important location for wildlife, and in particular for migratory bird species. The Estuary, they argue is so large and unique that it would be impossible to create it anywhere else in Europe, spelling disaster for migrating birds. In addition, they state that a massive increase in aviation capacity cannot fit within the UK Government targets to reduce emissions.

In light of this, the RSPB called the decision to shelve the plans in the area ‘common sense’, believing that no further expansion of aviation capacity should take place in the UK until the Government can demonstrate that any such plans would fit within the country’s legally binding climate targets.

Continued ...

Bird relocation plan could cost millions

Last updated Tue 22 Jul 2014

The debate is continuing over plans to build a major new airport in the Thames Estuary. Today a new report says the cost and effort required to move waterbirds that use the estuary would run into millions of pounds. But airport supporters say it's got to be done.

David Johns reports, speaking to Labour Councillor Vince Maple from Medway Council, Paul Outhwaite from the RSPB, and Daniel Moylan, the Mayor of London's Aviation Advisor.

Source

RSPB to oppose windfarm plan in Thames estuary

A proposed extension to a giant wind farm between Essex and Kent could be blocked over fears it would drive away a species of sea bird.

The area is the winter home of about 6,500 red throated divers - more than a third of the UK's population.

The consortium behind the London Array windfarm wants to build phase two of the project, which will eventually boast 341 turbines.

But the RSPB fear more turbines will disturb the birds.

The wind farm was given the green light in 2006 on condition that phase two would only go ahead if the red throated divers were protected.

The RSPB said the population of the birds in the outer Thames estuary could be displaced by the extension.

Richard Rigg, project director at London Array, said: "Since receiving its original consent in 2006, London Array has been working alongside Natural England and the RSPB to collect, analyse and review information on the red throated divers that winter in the Thames Estuary.

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20083602

Take a gander at wildlife spectacle

HAVE a gander at one of the Thames Estuary's most impressive wildlife spectacles over the coming weeks as thousands of brent geese descend on the river.

You can get a great view of the incoming wildfowl with the RSPB at The Peterboat in Leigh-on-Sea where telescopes will be set up on the pub's patio area.

The mudflats at Leigh come alive as the UK's smallest goose arrives from northern Russia and Siberia to feed on the eelgrass in the estuary.

The Thames Estuary is one of the best places in the country to see such large numbers of brent geese as they descend and feed and you may also glimpse other wildfowl and wildlife from the RSPB's vantage point.

Alan Shearman of the RSPB said: "The brent goose watch is a brilliant chance to get close to an amazing wildlife spectacle.

"The Thames Estuary is vitally important for wildlife and is one of the most biologically productive habitats on the planet – even rivaling tropical rainforests! And there's not a better moment to really see this than when watching the autumn geese and waders arrive."

Continued: http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/gander-wildlife-spectacle/story-17030136-detail/story.html