Achieving a better deal within the planning system

We are looking for mitigation measures which are suitable to use in developments where song thrush have been recorded. Part of the problem is that song thrush are never considered as field surveys are usually looking for protected species such as bats.

Aspirations are contained within the Richmond upon Thames Song Thrush Action Plan (SAP) include Action 2.4 ‘Lobby for safeguards within the planning framework to ensure that survey and mitigation are included whenever song thrush populations might be affected’. At the time of writing (1.7.07) the numbers of sites containing mitigation for songthrushes in the brough is precisely 0.

A meeting was convened to discuss how this might be achieved on 15.3.06. It was hoped to attain some recognition for ‘biodiversity’ or the web of life, within the planning framework and not just for statutory protected species. Below are the brief Minutes of this Meeting with Head of Development and Enforcement and Environment and Scrutiny Committee council member.

Issues

Lack of comprehensive surveys, only one protected species accounted for in surveys, no method statement / site management plans/Watching Briefs etc, no mitigation, no biodiversity gain etc.

What features do song thrushes depend on?

Basically, the research papers below assert that song thrush depend primarily on earthworms. Snails are a slightly inferior food, important for first winter birds, but long hot summers render both unavailable. Second and third broods rely on being fed spiders, with the consequent failure of the young to thrive. Farmland habitat now has little to offer song thrushes and urban gardens are becoming increasingly important, especially the urban fringe. Close canopy woodland, which has been further overgrazed by deer (so that it has no under-storey or scrub) is of little use to song thrushes. Woodland, (in these papers) is used to describe any small group of trees and scrub together.

Recent research:

• Habitat selection by song thrushes in stable and declining farmland populations W. J. Peach, M.Denny, P. A. Cotton, I. F. Hill, D. Gruar, D. Barritt, A. Impey and J. Mallord
• Demographic and environmental causes of the decline of rural Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos in lowland Britain W. J. PEACH, R. A. ROBINSON & K.A. MURRAY
• Summer diet and body condition of Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos in stable and declining farmland populations D. Gruar, W Peach & R Taylor
• Song thrushes now largely restricted to the built environment in eastern England? C. Mason

Application

So, we are looking for the retention of scrub, the retention of groups of trees and wetter areas. Open habitats for foraging, as predator free as possible. Ecological management plans, covenants restricting cats, are all mechanisms which can be used in the planning process. It is the task of the working group to develop these ideas. Additional suggestions are welcomed.