Yellow wagtails

[wendyspeariett]

Last year to yellow wagtails nested on a disused mill lodge. At the same site smooth newts and great crested, songthrush. Bats each evening in summer and up until 2 years ago dragonflies used the site for breeding purposes.Daily the lodge has diesel washed into it the overflow of which goes into the river Darwen. For over 2 years I have tried to get help with clearing up and saving the lodge (which is of vital importance to the areas wildlife) from being filled in. Suggests and help needed.

[bigdave60dog]

If the deisel is going into a stream, that is illegal and can easily be stopped.
If Crested Newts are affected, that will put the blocks on any plans for development. I have and main drain from motorway moved just because I found a few in smelly little pit on my land.
Just ring you local County Council explain the problem at reception and they will put you through to the right people.
"Simples".
Dave

[Adam Cheeseman]

If you have any concerns that the site contains protected species, such as GC Newts and bats, and if the site is under threat from redevelopment of any kind you should inform the planning officer of the Borough or County Council straight away. They should then make anyone wishing to carry out works have an Ecological Impact assessment carried out on the site beforehand.

I suspect from what you describe that your Yellow Wagtails may actually be Grey Wagtails, which are also very yellow.

Cheers,

Adam

[aeshna5]

Sound like Grey Wagtails to me too, which are bright yellow below. Habitat doesn't sound right for Yellow, but perfect for Grey Wagtail. A lot of people get these confused.

[wendyspeariett]

The lodge is next to a field that originally a pasture, several changes in the drainage has made it a wetland for 6 months a year. I know the difference between grey and yellow wagtails-length of tail colour of legs etc, I watched these birds daily from seeing them 1st on 18th July until the last day 16th September and I know what I was watching.

[wendyspeariett]

I have contacted the environment agency three times already even sent a video clip of diesel oozing into the lodge there was even a latex glove washed in as well. They said that they had sent someone to have a look and that they couldn't see anything. That fact that most days the smell of diesel is overpowering. Bat protected Amphibian and Reptile Group Lancashire Evening Post all have let me down I dont know where to go from here I ve been trying to get the interest that this site deserves but as yet nothing

[bigdave60dog]

What you describe is actually a crime being committed. Have you tried your local police. It is their job to investigate such a crime and they will be involved in any subsequent prosecution.
I usually find that if no-one seems to be listening, a well written letter in the local press with times, dates and effects will stir things up a bit. Your local MP will hold a general "clinic" where you can air your points as well.
Don`t be put off. Everyone is busy and it is the ones who make the most noise whose voice is heard. You do need to make sure that your voice is loud and very CLEAR or you may lose credibility.
Dave

[wendyspeariett]

Hiya Dave,
I am in need of help. I know that what is happening is illegal-but who I go to?
The following is a list of people I have informed of the diesel problem and the various species that are affected by it.
South ribble Borough Council-Head of water related issues-Lee Foden.
Water from the brook (where the lodge water drains into) splashed onto my clothes as I was removing rubbish from it. The splashes burnt through my clothing. I immediately phoned lee Foden who visited the site that day. Took a sample of water and told me that the water was ok. I showed him the lodge and he was disgusted with what was happening and said it would be sorted.
Environment Agency several times sending video footage of the diesel oozing into the lodge-a frog sat on the bank surrounded by the multi-coloured oil.
Lancahire Evening Post News desk-Jenny Simpson said she would get back to me after I told her the outline of the story.
Animal Rescue acted immediately, and went straight to Conlons who own the property but rent it out to Nobletts Municipal. Demanded to see the lay out of the drainage system of the industrial estate and found that most of the surface water drains into the lodge going directly through the two septic tanks beneath Nobletts. Environmental Health were informed and said they would get back to us after a few inquiries.
South Ribble Planning department
United Utilities
RSPB
Bat Group
Wildlife trust
JNCC
CPRE
Priority Habitats
Pond Conservation
Amphibian and Reptile Group (David Orchard) Who visited the site but found no Great Crested Newt.
Wildlife Officer (police)
BBC

Last year I even began contacting photographers bloggers etc basically anyone who I thought may be able to help.
I am struggling to be heard in this one man struggle.

I have spent over twenty years clearing up what was possibly South Ribbles biggest grot spot. The cleansing department are aware of the time and effort I have put into the areas appearance. They failed to reply to a letter sent July last year which covered wildlife and habitats in the area.

[wendyspeariett]

I should also mention that Lee Foden head of water issues, the following day, began cutting trees down that were on the brook bank. A digger accessed the brook and scraped the entire length of it. If the water was OK why this huge operation?

[Za]

Sorry to hear about your battle, I have been trying to think of anyone else you could try, but your list seems fairly comprehensive, I assume you have tried your local MP also? I am surprised that between all these people they couldnt come up with something, it sounds pretty bad.
Good luck with your fight.
Za