NATURAL ENGLAND SAYS ILLUMINATED 'TREE' COULD DISPLACE TURNSTONE AND OTHER SHOREBIRDS

Higher than The Angel of the North - artist's impression of the proposed replica palm tree

A WARNING has been sounded that a proposed seaside sculpture could scare off  uncommon shorebirds.


Grimsby-based North East Lincolnshire Council is keen to install an artificial  palm tree  - at 72 ft, taller than the Angel of the North - on the seafront in Cleethorpes.


The authority believes the ‘tree' - to be made from recycled materials gathered from the tideline - would  be a tourist attraction and help regenerate the resort.


But Natural England has reminded the council that, like all local authorities, it "has a duty to have regard to conserving biodiversity as part of its decision-making". 

It says the artwork - which would be illuminated and ‘may sway in the wind’ - risks displacing turnstone, redshank and other wading birds in a special  protection area.

Another factor is that a rock armour sea defence groyne may have enhanced the location as a feeding habitat - especially for rare species such as purple sandpipers.

                                       

This groyne may be favoured by purple sandpipers as well as turnstone

The nature watchdog is calling for a full habitat regulations assessment. before any decision to grant planning permission is made.


“If birds are disturbed, there could be a significant impact on the Humber Estuary site of special scientific interest," comments its regional spokesman, Liam O’Reilly.

Below: Turnstone feeding near the site of the proposed artwork