Award for Grimsby's new mitigation site which is already proving a magnet for wetland birds

Not a place of beauty but newly created habitat is pulling in the birds

      
GRIMSBY'S new Novartis Ings wetland birds mitigation site has only been established for a few months, but already it has won an award.

It comes from the Humber Nature Partnership which has published this photograph on its website.

Says  the HNP: "the mitigation site  represents the culmination of many years of work by a range of organisations.

"It demonstrates that, with close partnership working between conservation bodies, local businesses and local authorities, economic development and wildlife can flourish together.

"The award recognises the commitment of all involved, in particular North East Lincolnshire Council which has developed the site. 

"The award also serves as a thank-you to phamaceutical company Novartis which donated the land and has always demonstrated a commendable approach to environmental issues on the Humber."

The tally of bird species is steadily increasing and, over the past two or three months, is reported to have included the likes of kittiwake, goosander, yellow-legged gull, golden plover, Mediterranean gull, spotted redshank and Iceland gull.                                                

Iceland gull (photo: Andrew Dove)

A statement from NELC says: "The main aim of the 20-acre site is to provide a haven for wildlife ahead of future potential industrial development in the area.

"Companies looking to expand or invest in the area would have previously been required to obtain land for wildlife to offset their developments as a planning requirement - an expensive process likely to delay development for months and can be hugely expensive. 

"Thanks to this mitigation project, the compensation land is ready and waiting for them."

Black-tailed godwits are among the birds that have come calling
 

This was one of several ruff seen in autumn

                                           

Ian Johnson (centre left), of Novartis, and council leader Philip Jackson with the award. Also pictured are representatives of supporting organisations plus site designer Roger Wardle (centre). Photo: HNP