Flash Gordon

FLASH provides free (at the point of use) support to help London-based small and medium sized enterprises implement sustainable practices and seize the commercial opportunities arising from the low carbon economy. The programme is co-ordinated by the Institute for Sustainability and funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Working with a range of partners like the Royal Institute of British Architects and the University of East London, FLASH offers exclusive access to learning from practical demonstration projects as well as the most recent and credible analysis and industry best practice. Over 400 London based businesses are already benifitting from the scheme, and one of them is right here on our doorstep – Redbridge Lakes run by Gordon Bullock.

The University of East London Sustainability Research Institute has been down for a site visit with a view to identifying potential habitat alterations that could be made to enhance its capacity to support biodiversity (the variety of life on earth - plants, animals and other living things).

We are looking at Bird feeders in the vicinity of the Club House and a possible nesting habitat for Sand martins and Kingfishers. Both of these have suffered due to river channel management but there is a natural bank close enough to water or an artificial bank [below] could be used as both these species have been known to use them.

Redbridge Lakes is also in the “bat buffer zone” so we are looking here to maintain the tree and hedgerow line plus some bat boxes in the trees. Also shingle beaches, shallows and pools to promote high insect density.

As it is a wetland site you would also expect water creatures – like water voles. Plenty of recommendations on plant and ditch maintenance to assist these creatures in the report.

There are plans for a wildflower meadow which also helps with insects and butterflies plus a solitary bee bank and a bug hotel.

All in all some interesting suggestions for site enhancement to promote biodiversity on an already rich site, providing added value for the visitor experience through contact with biodiverse nature.