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| On the prowl for something to eat - a Curlew on Cleethorpes beach |
A CURLEW could be adopted as the "mascot" if the proposed redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park goes ahead.
The idea has been put forward by Lichfelds, the agents acting on behalf of the scheme's applicants, as part of an initiative to keep planners and conservationists sweet.
Among the latter are Natural England and the RSPB who have expressed concerns that Curlews and other declining shorebirds could face increased disturbance if the Cleethorpes coastline becomes target destination for thousands of boisterous holidaymakers.
Another proposal is for the redeveloped site to have its own dedicated Coastal Ranger "for the lifetime of the lodge development".
Subject to the organisation's agreement, the appointee would be employed by the Humber Nature Partnership who would receive a financial contribution of approximately £22,264 per annum - to be increased in line with inflation - to subsidise the role.
The intention is for the Ranger not just to monitor the shorebird bird population, plus incidents where they are disturbed, but also (good luck with this!) to "educate" holidaymakers about the importance of conservation.
The draft job description for the role outlines the main responsibilities thus:
1. To undertake programmes of ornithological and disturbance monitoring in accordance with agreed monitoring and reporting protocols.
2. Monitoring and reporting any disturbance events or issues to stakeholders to enable continual review of the role and findings.
3. To provide advice to holiday park and recreational users concerning the value of the coast to wildlife and how they can undertake their activities while avoiding disturbance.
4. To support with effective public engagement programmes, including guided walks, educational programmes and help deliver compelling social media campaigns.
5. To support holiday park engagement activities which may include the coordination of partners, local recreational groups, local industry and community groups to share the message about the importance of the Humber Estuary and connect people to the natural environment.
6. Participate in the delivery of informative, engaging, inclusive and participative engagement programmes that connect people and place through storytelling, participation and learning, inspiring and helping to build capacity.
7. Support the work of the partners, local community groups, the community and recreational user groups to share understanding of ecological issues and the place.
8. Support with the delivery of important initiatives to conserve important wintering and breeding bird populations and their habitat.
9. Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected at this level.
The site's redevelopment will be recommended for approval at a meeting on Thursday, but it is unclear whether any of the above will be included as a formal planning condition of consent.
Ornithological note: Probably fewer than a dozen pairs of Curlews nest in Lincolnshire, but none anywhere near Cleethorpes. A few non-breeders linger in the Humber Estuary over summer, but most depart our shores in spring to nest in Scandinavia, chiefly at sites in Finland, thereafter to return to our beaches in autumn and winter.
The Grimsby News says: Cynics might see the Curlew mascot idea as an attempt at "greenwashing". It reflects what has happened widely across increasingly built-up North East Lincolnshire where housing estates have been given names which include the words "fields", "forest" or "meadows" and where new streets have been named after birds, trees or wildflowers. It is uncertain if the applicants have the slightest interest in the welfare of Curlews, but, to give them their due, the idea of one being one used as a logo is bright. In addition, the appointment of a Coastal Ranger would certainly (assuming the duties are fulfilled) do no harm.
