Epping Forest’s Head of Conservation, Tanith Cook recently participated in an interview with NE Londoner magazine (Skylark protective fencing erected in Epping Forest) to talk about why the temporary protective fencing is deployed each year on a small area of Wanstead Flats to help conserve skylarks…
Why is it so important to cordon-off areas to protect skylark nesting habitat?
“Skylarks build their nests on the ground in open grassland habitats, making them highly vulnerable to disturbance. If adult birds are scared away, eggs and chicks can be left more exposed to predators or harsh weather. Skylark numbers have declined across the UK, so installing these temporary cordons to deter human access gives these charismatic birds the best chance of successfully breeding.”
Once the measures are in place, have you previously had many issues with people tampering with the cordons?
“Most visitors support the measures we put in place. In the past, we have seen some instances of vandalism, including cordons being intentionally cut. Over the past two years, we have invested in better signage, public engagement, and support from volunteers to help reinforce the importance of protecting these birds. Epping Forest is a registered charity, so replacing ropes impacts our resources that could be used to enhance the Forest.”
How many years has this conservation effort been going on, with volunteers and forest keepers working together?
“Our partners, The Wren Conservation Group, have been monitoring the skylark population on Wanstead Flats for over a decade. At the start of the 2020’s only a handful of skylarks remained on the Flats. Skylarks are very loyal to their breeding sites and once lost they are unlikely to return. The prospect of Wanstead being without skylarks was very real. In response to their decline, the City of London Corporation have acted to safeguard the skylark breeding sites. As a result, the two nesting areas west of the football pitches and east of Centre Road have been roped off between late February and the start of September each year.”
What do you find most fascinating about skylarks?
“Skylarks are best known for their soaring flight and continuous song. Their ability to hover high above their nesting sites while singing is one of the most iconic sights and sounds of open grassland and arable fields.”
What would your advice be for people wanting to see the skylarks without disturbing them?
“The best way to enjoy skylarks is from a distance. Staying on marked paths, keeping dogs on a lead near nesting areas, and using binoculars to observe them in flight will help ensure the birds remain undisturbed.”
If you find deserted eggs or chicks (as a result of parents being scared off), is it possible for the forest keepers or wildlife volunteers to keep them alive?
“Skylark chicks and eggs have very low survival rates without their parents. It is illegal to take the egg of any wild bird. The best way to help them is by preventing disturbance in the first place, which is why the cordons on Wanstead Flats are so important.”
How many skylarks come to nest at Epping Forest every year? And statistics on how many are hatched?
“Wanstead Flats is home to the closest returning population of skylarks to central London. In recent years, monitoring carries out by our partners, the Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group, has recorded around 10 to 15 birds during the breeding season. Last year, at least four young birds successfully fledged thanks to conservation efforts.”
Are you actively looking for more volunteers, and are there ongoing efforts throughout the season to protect and conserve the skylarks?
“Yes, volunteers play a vital role in monitoring skylarks and engaging with visitors. We welcome anyone passionate about conservation to get involved.”
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Ben Murphy, said: “We are so lucky to have conserved, what we believe to be, the closest returning population of ground nesting birds to central London. According to the RSPB, since 1980, one out of every six birds has been lost. Proactive conservation efforts are critical if we wish to reverse this trend. Failure to do so could have catastrophic implications for sites like Epping Forest, which require a balanced ecosystem. Of course, birds are pest controllers, pollinators and seed dispersers are critical for nature to thrive. Residents in Newham, Waltham Forest and Redbridge regularly tell me how much they value the ability to escape and reconnect with nature at Wanstead Flats, listening to the skylarks ascend in song. I have no doubt that the community will wish to join us in this conservation campaign by respecting the cordoned-off areas and having dogs under effective control. This temporary conservation measure only impacts an area equating to 0.2% of Epping Forest after all.”
Background – for information
Epping Forest is managed by the City of London Corporation as a registered charity. It is of national and international conservation importance, containing two registered historic parks, eight listed buildings and four scheduled ancient monuments. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and one of the few remaining extensive natural woodlands in southern England.
The City Corporation protects a total of 11,000 acres of green space across London and southeast England – including places like Hampstead Heath, West Ham Park and over 180 smaller sites within the Square Mile.
Skylarks are less common in greater London and are a red list species under the Birds of Conservation Concern review (carries out by the British Trust of Ornithology), there numbers have declined, but more recently seen a slight increase again nationally
Arable land is land that is cultivated regularly to produce food crops. It is capable of being ploughed and used to grow crops.
For volunteer opportunities and information, visit our Facebook page or apply here: Better Impact – Epping Forest
There is also an ecological monitoring information session for prospective volunteers taking place on the 13th of March. There are more details on Eventbrite.