Biodiversity Performance
We own a large amount of land throughout our 21 ports, much of which is close to areas of very high conservation value. Consequently, the management of biodiversity is an important issue at our ports. We work in conjunction with Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to maintain the nature-conservation value of our land assets. We have set targets to facilitate further progress towards improving our management of biodiversity over the coming years. The table below shows the targets we have set so far and our progress against those targets:
|
Biodiversity Commitments |
Progress to Date |
Action |
| Continue to work with Yorkshire WIldlife Trust to enhance the important wildlife reserve at Spurn Head on the Humber | We will continue our collaboration with Yorkshire WIldlife to identify future opportunities | N/A |
| Work with Humber Industry Nature Conservation Association (HINCA) towards the implementation of actions identified for the Port of Immingham | Hedge and tree planting, and the siting of a nesting box for peregrine falcons, which are increasingly seen and welcomed at ports, has been undertaken | N/A |
|
Other initiatives - Continue partnerships with NGOs and introduce further biodiversity initiatives |
Ongoing |
Port of Silloth - The Silloth Dunes & Mawbray Bank SSSI, which is part owned by ABP, is managed as a nature conservation site under an agreement with Solway Rural Initiative and Natural England. The site is deemed to be in good condition and is used, with ABP's permission, by visitors. Port of Grimsby & Immingham – The port has been working closely since 2003 with the local Wildlife Trust organisation with the objective of improving areas of the port estate for use as ecological habitats. In 2004, over 1000 trees and shrubs were planted been planted on a dedicated conservation site on the port estate Port of Grimsby – Is represented as a corporate member on the Board of HINCA. The group aims to promote nature conservation projects in the Humber area Port of Hull & Goole – The ports work closely with the RSPB to manage the nearby Blacktoft Nature Reserve. A site owned by ABP and managed by RSPB for its important bird life |
|
Biodiversity projects at other ports |
Ongoing |
Port of Ipswich – In order to encourage the use of the area for bird species ABP has installed a number of nesting platforms and rafts in quiet areas of the docks. The platforms have been well used by wetland bird species and have raised the awareness of port employees as to the presence of birds in the docks
Port of Lowestoft – Prior to the demolition of part of the port, a small nesting wall was built by ABP to accommodate a colony of kittiwakes which nest in the area. More than 200 pairs of kittiwakes now use the nesting wall and it has become a recognised bird watching area for local interest groups and schools.
Port of Southampton - Southampton Pilots and Gosport-based launch crews, in support of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust agreed to take part in a marine mammal research programme, gathering information on the use of Solent waters by dolphins, porpoises and seals Port of Cardiff - The port has given a number of allotments to the Swan Rescue Centre in Barry. Port volunteers carry out work between Cardiff and Portcawl tending sick, orphaned and injured birds and help raise awareness about their presence |
|
Condition Assessment Study of all our SSSI land-holdings |
Complete |
The assessment showed that the majority of the 12,236 ha of SSSI designated ABP land-holdings were assessed to be in a favourable condition by English Nature (now Natural England) |
The table will be updated as progress continues against each commitment