Planning thumbs-up for warden's bungalow to be built on Norfolk site of intriguing ruff-breeding project

Ruff - conservation-minded  farmer is keen to establish a breeding presence in Norfolk and beyond 

THERE has been a boost for Norfolk-based Highland cattle farmer and wader enthusiast Andrew Crean.

He has this week been given the planning go-ahead to build a warden's bungalow and new bird-breeding aviaries on marshland near Brancaster in Norfolk in order to further his attempts to reintroduce breeding ruffs to this part of England.

West Norfolk council's planning officer for the case recommended refusal of the development because of the countryside location. She felt temporary accommodation, such as a caravan, would be more suitable.

But councillors on the planning committee gave the green light because of the conservation value of Mr Crean's project which he is funding out of his own pocket.

Also involved is the Max Planck Institute in Bavaria which is understood already to have supplied, via Heathrow Airport, almost 100 captive-bred ruffs for breeding purposes. These were quarantined for three months.

In a report, Mr Crean's planning agent,  Ian Cable, states: "A variety of release techniques will be developed and monitored with the University of East Anglia and will result in a series of ongoing PhD research and other studies.

"Further conservation habitat creation will also occur based on favoured breeding ‘lek’ dimensions and locations from core breeding sites in Finland. 

"Satellite tracking of a portion of  the birds released will provide valuable data on ruff migration.

"It is hoped that this tracking information will be available for wider educational purposes and local interest. 

"All released ruff will be individually identifiable (numbered leg rings) and a portion of these  birds will also be fitted with satellite trackers so that their movements can be followed on migration. 

"The Zoological Society of East Anglia  will also develop an exhibit connected to the project at Banham Zoo. 

"It is hoped that ultimately the project will also develop a suite of habitat management prescriptions that can be incorporated into breeding wader options in agri-environment schemes to provide suitable conditions for ruff. "

Mr Cable continues: "Andrew Crean has been privately funding nature conservation work for breeding waders and other habitat and species conservation works both at this site, Deepdale Marsh,  and beyond for more than  15 years and his commitment (along with that of  the Max Planck Institute) is ongoing.

"The concept of creating a Trust is being developed  to ensure that this  valuable conservation work is maintained and enhanced well beyond the applicant's  own lifetime."