Birdwatching at East India Dock Basin
East India Dock Basin is the last remaining section of the once grand East India Docks, famous for transporting spices from the Far East in the 1880’s. Now the site is a nature reserve and attracts birds such as Black Redstart and Kingfishers. There is a section of salt marsh which is a habitat not seen anywhere else in this stretch of the Thames. A stones throw away from Canary Wharf, the site provides breathtaking views of the Thames and the impressive O2 (Millennium Dome).
We are currently working with the London Thames Gateway Development Agency, Design for London and a range of other partners exploring opportunities for enhancing visitor facilities at East India Dock Basin, as part of the first phase of the Lea River Park. The Lea River Park is a long term initiative to deliver a network of new open space extending along the River Lea to link the Lee Valley Regional Park and Olympic Park to the Thames. For more information visit
www.myleariverpark.org
East India Dock
In January
WILDLIFE AND HABITATS
The second warmest Christmas on record has encouraged buds to come early and spring bulbs to show their heads.
There were over 300 Teal counted in East India Dock Basin during December and 5 Common Sandpipers around Bow Creek Ecology Park. This makes both Bow Creek and East India Dock significant roost and feeding sites for these two birds in east London. The king fisher has also been seen many times in the last month. Look out for this secretive bird particularly standing on the metal ladders around the dock walls at EIDB.
A brief update for Reubens Bridge at Bow Creek; the contractors are presently quoting for the works to the extension path and fencing. The works should commence early in the New Year, making Bow Creek a circular access route.
The Heritage Conservation Management Plan for East India Dock Basin was presented to residents and interest groups on Wednesday 7th December 2011 at the EIDB & BC User Forum. The feedback from the plan was very positive and residents were encouraged that plans are being undertaken. Residents were keen to see which steps LVRPA would take next to execute the plan.
Contractors have been at East India Dock Basin clearing some of the pits and working mechanisms under the grills on the dock front. Although difficult work as you can see some of the mechanisms are in not bad order. The plan is to expose these pieces of historic heritage, for all to see and appreciate.
The tree planting session on 7th February will be at Bow Creek Ecology Park. All are welcome. LVRPA will be teaming up with Thames 21 to plant the hedge running along the DLR. If you are interested in this event or any events please contact the Ranger base on the contact below.
USER FORUM MEETING
The next User Forum meeting will be held in early April. Date & Times TBC.
The Rotunda Virginia Quay Jamestown Way, Tower Hamlets, E14
Contact: Andrew Vaughan on 020 8988 7565 for information and copies of the minutes.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
Volunteer in the Park on:
• 7th February 2012, Bow Creek Ecology Park - Tree Planting Volunteer Day - 10 – 3pm
If you would like to volunteer in the Lee Valley Park, please contact our Volunteer Officer, Karen Wood, on 01992 709867
Sand Martin
The Teal are up to over 300 in the dock area and still increasing in numbers. A Sparrow Hawk has also been swooping down over the dock area. Also Sand pipers have been spotted around Bow Creek. The King Fisher has been seen many times also over the last month.
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Arctic Tern
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Magpie
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Barred Warbler
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Mallard
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Black Redstart
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Mediterranean Gull
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Blackbird
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Moorhen
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Blackcap
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Mute Swan
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Black Headed Gull
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Nightingale
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Black Redstart
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Oystercatchers
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Blue Tit
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Peregrine Falcon
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Canada Goose
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Pied Wagtail
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Chiff Chaff
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Pintail
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Collard Dove
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Pochard
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Common Gull
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Redshank
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Common Redstart
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Redwing
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Common Sandpiper
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Reed Bunting
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Common Tern
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Reed Warbler
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Coot
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Ring-Necked Parakeet
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Cormorant
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Rock Pipit
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Crow
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Sand Martin
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Curlew
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Sandwich Tern
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Dunnock
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Sedge Warbler
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Firecrest
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Shelduck
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Goldcrest
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Siskin
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Goldfinch
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Song Thrush
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Great Spotted Woodpecker
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Sparrowhawk
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Greater Black Backed Gull
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Spoonbill
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Green Finch
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Snipe
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Greylag Goose
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Starling
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Grey Wagtail
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Stock Dove
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Herring Gull
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Swallow
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House Martin
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Swift
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Jay
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Teal
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Kestrel
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Tufted Duck
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Kingfisher
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Water Rail
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Lesser Black Backed Gull
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Wheater
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Lesser Whitethroat
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Whimbrel
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Linnet
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Whitethroat
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Little Egret
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Willow Warbler
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Little Grebe
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Woodcock
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Little Ringed Plover
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Wren
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Long-tailed Tit
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