Letter to River Community Council

The following letter I sent to River Community Council prior to last nights meeting :

RE : Nairn River Regeneration Project

Dear River Community Councillors,                                                   6  November 2012

I note that the above project will be discussed at the next meeting on the 13^th November.

While I appreciate any efforts to improve the riverside, I am also concerned with the welfare of the river wildlife, in particular the water birds. Over the years I have invested a great deal of my time and money caring for the riverside and local birds, these have proved to be a great attraction to locals and visitors alike.

I was therefore disappointed that I was not given the courtesy of any input to the riverside regeneration project. Having asked around I found out that the main purpose of the project was to extend the sewer overflow into the river, and the removal of fallen and broken trees, and the elimination of alien species, I also heard that a “light touch” would be used in this process.

Over the last 3 winters I have been feeding small birds within the project area, this is no longer possible because of the removal of cover which protected the small birds from larger species like crows. However what is done is done, but I would like to make some suggestions based on my observations of the lower river over the years.

The removal of any more trees in this area should be avoided. An unofficial riverbank path already exists between the road bridge and railway bridge, this should not be allowed between the road bridge and sewage footbridge. As you are probably aware this area is tidal and gets flooded monthly, but this could be used to good effect for the wildlife, and benefit people too.

Can I suggest the following be carried out, several sacks of daffodil bulbs could be planted right now at 5 metre intervals along the verge of the riverside path between the bridges. The lower area that gets flooded monthly could be planted with reeds and rushes, this would provide an area for the water birds to use when flood conditions apply, it would also allow frogs, toads and other small creatures to live for the benefit of the wildlife, like Herons etc.

On the sloping bank, bushes and shrubs like gorse / whins, broom , wild woodbine/ honeysuckle, brambles, and creepers like clematis could  provide cover, fragrance and food for the wildlife. Trees to compliment this, like Rowan / mountain ash, Hawthorn, and Elderberry could be interspersed on the upper flat area.

This sort of regeneration would be natural looking, fragrant, colourful, yet offer cover and feeding for the wild birds in the area, such as various finches, Wren, Robin, and Yellowhammer etc.

In addition it would help the adjoining duck roosting area by reinstating the cover and security they lose to alien species removal, and shrub clearance.

I believe these measures would enhance the area, and give a proper balance between human needs and wildlife conservation/ habitat.

Opening up the riverside too much to people and dogs will only drive away the wildlife that so many come to see and love.

It’s worth noting, that the only area currently available to the waterfowl in high water and flood conditions, is the swans Island and adjacent wild grass area beside the Seaman's hall. They need places to conceal their young, and also to forage for seeds and food during the summer time.

I hope the council members will endorse the above suggestions and regenerate a balanced habitat for wildlife and human needs.

Yours  Sincerely          Joe Telfer.