YMCA ecology report says plans for kayaking on Balderton Lake would not harm wildlife

The YMCA has released an ecology report that it says shows kayaking on Balderton Lake would not harm wildlife.

It plans to use a section of the lake at select times of the year for kayaking and canoeing with small groups of young people.

Protesters are campaigning over the proposal, which they claim will destroy wildlife habitats.

More than 100 people attended a protest, organised by Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN) at the site last month.

In response, YMCA Newark and Sherwood has published an independent ecology report, completed in 2018.

An additional ecology report and breeding birds survey have been commissioned to take place from April to June of this year.

The original report concluded there would be no harm to species living at Balderton Lake if the plans were executed correctly.

It found evidence of bat roosts on the site, as well as 14 species of birds.

Four of the bird species are either protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, appear on the Birds of Conservation Concern list as declining or are identified as species of national importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act.

A number of reptile habitats were also recorded within 1km of the site boundary, including the grass snake and slow worm.

“The proposals do not result in the loss of any of the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan habitats present,” the report said.

“Furthermore, the inclusion of kayaking activities will not impact on the ability of this lake to meet the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Plan criteria.”

The report also said there would be no loss to individual trees or woodland areas if the plans were to go ahead.

“Recommended enhancements will serve to increase the biodiversity value of the site by increasing the floral species diversity,” it said.

“No protected or notable species will be impacted by the proposed development given adherence to the precautionary working procedures and provision of appropriate mitigation.”

Emma Oldham, who organised a petition against the plans, said: “We are relieved to hear that YMCA will be conducting a full new ecological survey, given their original report is out of date.

“Residents around the lake already have a comprehensive list of wildlife not cited in their original report. Over the last two years, Balderton Lake has become home to a real wealth of wildlife that is not captured by this report including egrets, grebe and kingfisher.

“Given the strong strength of local opposition against the YMCA plans, we encourage them to conduct much fairer ecological surveys this time around — visiting the site for more than just one day — to give a fairer representation of the scope of wildlife using and depending on the lake.”

Ecologist Sara Chadd said: “I am also concerned about safety on the lake.

“Last month, there was still a by-law on Balderton Lake to prevent boating, including model boats. If this by-law is revoked for YMCA, what is to stop members of the public using boats on the lake illegally or at random times?”