Jimbo
21st July 2006, 15:42
Harbour plan to suit birds
By Diana Henderson (diana.henderson@bournemouthecho.co.uk) Bournemouth Evening Echo
BAYS in Poole Harbour could become undisturbed refuges for the area's thousands of over-wintering birds under proposals in a new draft management plan.
The Poole Harbour Steering Group is also proposing new anchorage sensitive areas, to join the quiet area, and recreational activity waterski, personal watercraft and windsurf zones already in existence.
These suggestions are included in the 100-page Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan 2006, which goes out for six-weeks' consultation today.
"There are no statutory powers to say you can't go in these areas," said project officer Will Drake, whose work at Poole Harbour Commissioners is funded largely by Crown Estates, who own most of the harbour bed. "We are saying this is potentially the problem if you do go in and it's better to keep clear of them if you can," he said.
The proposed refuge areas include the top of Holes Bay, part of Lytchett Bay, area south of Keysworth Point, bays at Arne, Middlebere and Wych Lakes, Ower Bay, Newton Bay and Brand's Bay.
The environmentally sensitive harbour supports waterfowl and waders from around 60 different species and is a nationally and internationally important site for 17 species of breeding and overwintering birds.
It carries a fistful of protections including SSSI, Special Protected Area and Ramsar wetland site status and is a haven for around 1,000 oystercatcher and more than 1,000 avocet, 2,000 black-tailed godwit, greenshank and a variety of other waders and ducks which winter in the harbour.
Two anchorage sensitive areas between Lilliput and Sandbanks have been outlined where rare eel grass habitat thrives and shellfish beds are also zoned.
The draft plan now goes out to council and agency bodies and for consideration by 250-300 individuals and organisations. The consultation document can be obtained from www.pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk (http://www.pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk/) by calling 01202 440200 or email info@pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk (http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/poolenews/mail%20to:info@pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk)
By Diana Henderson (diana.henderson@bournemouthecho.co.uk) Bournemouth Evening Echo
BAYS in Poole Harbour could become undisturbed refuges for the area's thousands of over-wintering birds under proposals in a new draft management plan.
The Poole Harbour Steering Group is also proposing new anchorage sensitive areas, to join the quiet area, and recreational activity waterski, personal watercraft and windsurf zones already in existence.
These suggestions are included in the 100-page Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan 2006, which goes out for six-weeks' consultation today.
"There are no statutory powers to say you can't go in these areas," said project officer Will Drake, whose work at Poole Harbour Commissioners is funded largely by Crown Estates, who own most of the harbour bed. "We are saying this is potentially the problem if you do go in and it's better to keep clear of them if you can," he said.
The proposed refuge areas include the top of Holes Bay, part of Lytchett Bay, area south of Keysworth Point, bays at Arne, Middlebere and Wych Lakes, Ower Bay, Newton Bay and Brand's Bay.
The environmentally sensitive harbour supports waterfowl and waders from around 60 different species and is a nationally and internationally important site for 17 species of breeding and overwintering birds.
It carries a fistful of protections including SSSI, Special Protected Area and Ramsar wetland site status and is a haven for around 1,000 oystercatcher and more than 1,000 avocet, 2,000 black-tailed godwit, greenshank and a variety of other waders and ducks which winter in the harbour.
Two anchorage sensitive areas between Lilliput and Sandbanks have been outlined where rare eel grass habitat thrives and shellfish beds are also zoned.
The draft plan now goes out to council and agency bodies and for consideration by 250-300 individuals and organisations. The consultation document can be obtained from www.pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk (http://www.pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk/) by calling 01202 440200 or email info@pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk (http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/poolenews/mail%20to:info@pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk)