Developer Promises to Protect ‘Red List’ Skylarks on Construction Site

Published on: 15 May, 2021
Updated on: 17 May, 2021

Berkeley Homes sign goes up in front of former Effingham Lodge farmland.

By Chris Dick

Developer Berkeley Homes has pledged to protect the singing skylarks now ground-nesting on Effingham Lodge Farm’s grasslands, the projected site of the new Howard school and 159 houses.

Reassurance came from BH director David Gilchrist, in answer to a warning-cum-appeal from the parish council. “We are aware there may be ground-nesting birds on site,” he said.

“Our ecologist will be present full-time from when the initial works commence and any works will be strictly in accordance with his recommendations.”

Bob Holmes, the BH project director, said any enabling work would be kept away from possible nesting sites and the ecologist would advise on any grass-cutting.

Ground nesting skylark singing. Photo Malcolm Fincham

Residents have reported the unmistakable singing birds along lower Road, Effingham Common Road and the footpath along the Vineries.

The council warned the RSPB had confirmed the presence of the birds, on their endangered “red list”, and they raise several broods between April and August. They pointed out that a key piece of evidence at the Howard of Effingham/Berkeley Homes appeal concerned loss of habitat and an incident was reported by the Guildford Dragon (see: Complaints of Underhand Tactics Made at Effingham Planning Hearing).

Cllr Ian Symes

Any intentional interference with nesting birds is an offence under wildlife and countryside legislation and must be reported to the police. Effingham residents have been asked to keep close watch and photograph any on-site activities they think questionable.

Parish council chairman Ian Symes said: “The song of the skylark signals the beginning of summer. They used to be common but they’re now endangered. I do hope Berkeley Homes and the Howard of Effingham school allow them one final breeding season on the Farm.”

Cllr Liz Hogger

Liz Hogger, Effingham’s long-term Lib Dem borough councillor, said: “I’m very pleased the parish council drew attention to this.

“The new school, housing and playing fields will inevitably have a damaging effect on wildlife, so Berkeley Homes need to remember they must do their best to protect the skylarks and other wildlife for as long as possible before actual construction gets under way.”

Jack Thompson, an RSPB Conservation Officer, said: “The songs of skylark high in the sky typify the UK countryside and the farmland that support this incredible species.

“Unfortunately they have suffered severe population declines, with a 63% drop from 1967 to 2018. As such, the skylark is a red-listed species under the UK Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC).

“A lack of suitable breeding habitat through agricultural intensification is a major factor in the skylark’s decline, limiting its distribution to a much smaller pool of available sites. Housing development on greenfield sites where these amazing species reside will further impact populations of skylarks.

“We must ensure these habitats are bigger, better and more joined-up to achieve biodiversity targets set for 2030. This begins with safeguarding existing important sites; and protecting incredible birds such as the red-listed skylark.”

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