Spare a thought for the toads! Ecologists warn Pleasure Island project could put amphibians at risk

                                            

OS Ecology has included this photograph of the Pleasure Island lake in its comprehensive report 

A WARNING has been sounded that amphibians could be put in jeopardy by proposed redevelopment of the former Pleasure Island theme park in Cleethorpes.

The firm, OS Ecology, was commissioned by redevelopment consortium partner Lidl to investigate  the park's expansive lake for the possible presence of Great Crested Newts.

The survey, carried out on Tuesday of last week, found none.

However, the firm notes that its research in previous years have thrown up records of  Common Toad, Common Frog and Smooth Newt.

The toad is of special significance because it is classified by Natural England as a "priority species" in the wake of its decline in recent years.

Says OS Ecology'sreport: "The likely impact, without appropriate avoidance measures mitigation and/or a compensation scheme, is risk of harm to amphibians, including the national priority species common toad, during site clearance and construction works."

Although  the firm was not briefed to survey the birds, fish and plants living in the 140-metre x 30-metre lake, it notes: "The waterbody is fringed by common reed and great willowherb. 

"The water quality appears to be good. The lake supports coarse fish and large numbers of waterfowl."

The likelihood, of course, is many of the amphibians are falling victim, very early in their lives, to the fish and the birds.

What should be done to allow development to proceed without eliminating the wildlife?

OS Ecology proposes the following:

• Retention and enhancement of sections of the lake on site for biodiversity, if possible. 

• Retention of areas of suitable terrestrial habitats for amphibians within the development if possible.   

• If retained, measures should be undertaken to protect sections of the lake from increased disturbance following the development. 

• No surface water drainage to be allowed to flow into the lake on site. 

• Appropriate pollution prevention controls to be implemented during the works on site. 

It also calls for the landscaping scheme for the site to include areas of scrub and grassland.

                                   

The Common Toad is no longer common so safeguarding their habitats is vital if they are to survive